Vehicle Description
1965 Dodge Dart 270 4 Door Sedan
The third generation Dodge Dart was a big success, especially after
the radical design of the one year second generation that was a bit
too radical to sustain. The lines and body panels were simplified,
and the new car set in motion a success run that would outsell the
comparable Ford Falcon and Chevrolet Nova as the model came to an
end in 1976. The Dart returned as a compact car from 2013 to 2016
but odds are that generation will never be considered classic.
For consignment, a 1965 Dodge Dart 270 4 door sedan owned by
consignor since the late 80's and stored in a temperature
controlled garage ever since. This car has a title verified 42,042
actual miles. In the mid 90's the undercarriage and engine bay were
restored but otherwise you're looking at an absolute time capsule
that presents as a turn key show car that is incredibly cool.
Exterior
The car is bathed in Light Blue Metallic, the color it was born
with. The round headlights, chrome bumper and symmetrically
patterned grille are in excellent condition and make for a pleasant
60's face. The side profile of the car is archetypical as well as
the rear pillar cants forward at the same angle as the nose. The
front doors are notably longer than the rears as the huge rear
pillar flows down to the rear quarter panels. The body trim piece
is bold and fantastic, with Dart 270, (indicating mid-level
luxury), on the black ribbon which ends at the back with a design
that mirrors the grille. 13-inch wheels are covered by clean Dodge
hubcaps. The wonderful rear taillights are oval with opposing "D"
inserts, one being the reverse lamp, all surrounded in chrome trim.
The rear chrome bumper and other metal work on the car is
impeccable and the exterior is nearly flawless. We do note the blue
on the hood varies slightly in hue from the rest of the car.
Interior
Beautiful color keyed door panels include a contrasting blue vinyl
panel and all four doors are spotless. The vinyl bench with
patterned cloth insert looks showroom fresh and the rear bench
mirrors both materials and condition. The two spoke steering wheel,
skinny by today's standards, has finger grooves for grip and a
metal horn ring. The column shifter's position is noted by a column
integrated indicator window. An asymmetric dash is a welcome and
interesting design element of the interior. The speedometer is
round and situated to the left of the column while clearly marked
gas, temp, and alternator gauges are square and to the right. Turn
signal arrow lights are engraved into the center of the ribbed
metal dash backing. The center contains the vent and fan controls
above an AM radio because in 1965, that's all we needed! Blue loop
style carpet looks to be in good condition and has likely been
protected by the one piece plastic cover that has yellowed with age
but is appropriately vintage. There's one in the back too! The
headliner does not look its age and the trunk, lined with the
period plaid mat, is mint.
Drivetrain
The venerable 225ci slant 6 cylinder looks lovely in the clean
engine bay. It is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and is rated at 145
horsepower. A 3-speed A904 automatic transmission sends power to
the 7.25" rear where we find 2.93 gears with consignor stated
SureGrip. Standard drum brakes are supplied at both ends.
Undercarriage
The restored undercarriage is amazingly clean and show worthy.
Other than some road dust, there's not much to complain about
underneath. The single exhaust runs the length of the car and exits
discreetly before the bumper. There's lots of original blue paint
underneath and it's almost as good as the top surface! For
suspension, we note torsion bars up front and leaf springs in back.
If we had to note any imperfections, there's a tiny drop of oil on
the bell housing and some grease spray by the input shaft. We would
venture to say these are less "imperfections" and more simply part
of the first 42,000 miles.
Drive-Ability
She started right up and had a beautiful idle, if idles can be
beautiful. Smooth sailing onto the test loop and those little
13-inch wheels roll nicely along although a fresh set of tires
might do this car a great service. All the bells and whistles work
and this is a nice and straight car that is ready to play queen in
the next caretaker's garage.
This car and I are the same age but somehow the car seems to have
held up better. My top side has drastically changed color. I have
dings and dents and a few scratches. I leak so much I have to get
up in the middle of the night, more than once. Notto mention my
firm padding has gotten soft. Not with this car. It didn't drink
from the fountain of youth, it simply never left it. It's just a
tick under museum quality and will be a great "get" for one who
pulls the trigger. Where is your finger now?
2352720856
2-Dodge Dart Slant 6
3-Dart 270
5-1965
2-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
720856-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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