Vehicle Description
1963 Dodge Dart GT Convertible
A market research program came up with the name "Zipp" for Dodge's
new downsized low-priced line but, thankfully, the top brass went
with Dart instead. Then in 1963, Dodge updated its Lancer series
but dropped that name in favor of Dart, selling that series until
1966. The 63 version has some unique features used only for this
model year including the windshield trim, back glass and a one year
firewall that does not easily accept a V8.
For consignment, a California car that has been well cared for by
its original owner until their passing where it went into the
capable hands of his son, which brought the car to South Carolina.
It then got into the hands of our consignor who proceeded to update
the car with a later model 225ci engine to burn unleaded gas
efficiently, a new power top with hydraulics, power disc brake
conversion, and Legendary seat upholstery and foam, as well as new
carpeting, and power steering.
Exterior
With its sleek lines, single large chrome bezel headlight and a
curved in shaver style grille, this car has a definite unique look.
Almost European (think Volvo?) in nature. It has a nice respray of
now Coppertone brown applied in the early 2000's, and all trimmings
are excellent and shine like crazy diamonds. Gaps throughout are
all well minded and paint still retains a nice shine. There are a
few areas of discoloration on the lowers and around the fuel filler
area. No rust is seen and running through the car's center slab
sides is a tan trim spear and on the rear quarter a nice DART badge
in chrome. Very small rounded over fins are present just above the
circular tail lights. On the trunk is a chromed strip with a GT
badge in the center and shiny bumper finishes out the rear end. A
shout to the new top in beige canvas with all new cylinders, lines
and a motor from Hydro-E-Lectric. More shiny trimmings for the
edges of this top as well as surrounding all the glass on the
passenger compartment. 14-inch shiny restored Mopar rally wheels
are in all 4 corners wrapped in 185/75R14 rubber from the 40th week
of 2021. A real double bull if you will!
Interior
A swing of the doors and we can immediately see the car has
retained all of its original charm. Coppertone painted metal uppers
on the doors with a very clean beige vinyl lightly paneled stitched
insert, featuring shiny actuators and cranks greet us with a smile.
Sliding inside, I park myself on what are new seats with all new
padding. These wide bodied comfy bomber styled buckets are wrapped
in tan vinyl and have shiny chromed trimmings in their edges and
below the bolsters. A nice console sits between these fancy buckets
and it has a large storage area under the padded armrest, as well
as dual cup holders, (a bit of a modern twist). The rear bench is
also matching the front buckets and is just as comfy and nice and
new. These seats have been recovered and refoamed courtesy of
Legendary Auto Interiors. The original dash is very clean and uses
some modern non conventional design with a left sweep speedo, then
a line up of rectangular gauges rounding out the instrument panel
in front of the wheel. There is another small panel under the
gauges for the ignition and a lighter, In keeping with the modern
design, the transmission is push button and it did not get any more
modern for 1963 than this. The dash top is coppertone painted full
steel within no padding. A new AM/FM stereo is in the center and
just below some stylish 60's looking knobs for the heater and
defroster. A glove box resides in front of the passenger and uses
horizontal chromed trimming on its top. New Legendary brown pile
carpeting is installed with custom Dart badged floor mats on top
for more protection. This car also has power steering and of course
the new mechanicals for the new top. Also a shout to the trunk
which has a new floor mat (correct) like from the factory. I'd say
a Shanghai for the interior.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in a wonderfully clean engine bay sits a fully
restored and newer 225 ci slant 6 cylinder that is capable of
running on unleaded fuel. It has been upgraded with Pertronix
ignition, is fed by a rebuilt 1-barrel carburetor, and an A904
3-speed automatic Torqueflite transmission is bolted to the back.
The rear axle is a 2.93 version. Everything from the sky blue
engine to the air cleaner covering, master cylinder and new
radiator are all wonderful. Mugs Away.
Undercarriage
Some patina and a light coating of surface rust but certainly
structurally sound for the frame. The car rides in front
independent torsion bar suspension and in back leaf springs. The
brakes have converted to all power with new lines and cables for
the parking brake. Power discs are up front and power drums for the
rear.
Drive-Ability
My partner in crime and I did a splash for the first test drive and
he won, (luck!). Anyway he reported the car drove beautifully,
shiftedsmoothly, accelerated nicely, and the power steering is a
plus. It had good bias free panic stopping, and cruised like a
champ.
A very nice example with upgrades and clean as a whistle. A newer
unleaded fuel running engine, push button transmission, nifty 60's
interior and a nice exterior in paint and design combo.
Bullseye!
7432674186
7-Dodge Dart
4-Dart GT
3-1963
2-Dodge Main Assy Plant
674186-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
