Vehicle Description
The Big Three all rolled out compacts in the early '60s, and
Dodge's Dart was the standard bearer for the Mopar crowd. With a
peppy 225 cubic inch Inline-6 that loves to rev, lightweight
bodywork, and a top that goes down, this 1965 Dart 270 is
affordable fast fun that's also a little out of the ordinary.
The neat little Dart got all the same cool styling tricks that its
big brothers received and looks like nothing else on the road, then
or now. Obviously inspired by the jet age, the look is instantly
identifiable as Mopar and it's obvious that they didn't skimp on
design even though the Dart was built to be affordable. The current
shade on this droptop looks very close to Code P Bright Red and
they did a pretty good job of matching the original hue when they
repainted it a few years ago. Nice bodywork shows rather well with
the light color, and the many interesting features that highlight
the Dart are shown in crisp detail. Thanks to a modern paint job,
the shine is impressive and makes the car look a lot more expensive
than it is. There's also plenty of chrome and brightwork, which
helps hide its economy car origins, including the trim that runs
down the profiles, the ornate front grille and its surrounding
brightwork, and a pair of bumpers that look great. The black
convertible top adds some contrast and is also in great condition,
and there's nothing quite like cruising in a classic with the top
down.
As a fairly simple economy car, high-back bucket seats and a column
shifter for the automatic transmission are welcome upgrades. Very
cool black seat upholstery highlights a functional and attractive
interior, and thanks to a fairly comprehensive facelift a few years
ago, it remains in very good shape. Simple door panels are
highlighted by bright trim that works well with the highly detailed
instrument panel which has the look of a high-end clock from the
'60s. A big round speedometer anchors the dashboard, with square
auxiliary gauges just to the right, all of which sit inside an
original bezel that works to brighten the cab. The three-spoke
steering wheel may very well be the car's original unit, and it's
joined on the column by the shifter for the 3-speed automatic
transmission and the original AM radio, complete with matching
white faced dial, is still in the middle of the dash (although it
is no longer working). Despite the "compact" categorization,
there's a big trunk out back which is ideal for cruises and
long-distance trips and includes a fitted plaid mat as
original.
The 225 cubic inch Slant 6 is believed to be the car's original
powerplant and makes all the right sounds when you turn the key.
Don't let its size fool you, because taking weight out is the same
as putting horsepower in, so this Dart is entertaining on the
street. It's detailed with bright red engine enamel, an original
valve cover, and the original air cleaner up top, replete with
correct "Super 225" decals. The engine's been warmed over a bit but
it still runs great and provides a surprising amount of torque,
plus an original-style carburetor and intake manifold to help it
breathe a little better. A newer chambered muffler gives it a burly
tone that's in character with the Dart's mission and there are
plenty of recent service items on the chassis. Factory steel wheels
with correct hubcaps fit the car just right and carry 205/70/14
Goodyear whitewall radials that make it look sporty.
Surprisingly fast and very affordable, this entry-level, vintage
convertible offers a lot of fun with a rarity that'll get everyone
talking. Call today!
