For Sale: 1962 Dodge Dart in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1962 Dodge Dart 440 Convertible

The second generation of the Dodge's downsized Darts and Polaras lasted exactly one year, 1962. And for that year, a unique and somewhat radical design was offered, maybe a bit too radical because the 1963 models encompassed a straight, more traditional design for the times. Be that as it may, '62 left us with an immediately recognizable and instantly collectible version of the compact car that was to compete with the Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant.

For consignment, a '62 convertible that lives by the adage "don't judge a book by its cover". This is a fun car built by a Dodge collector to serve as a commuter. A book's cover can become faded and torn, but it's what's on the inside that matters most, and this Dart has a bit of a surprise under the hood. Look up "sleeper" in the dictionary and a photo of this car might just pop up!

Exterior
The original Bright Red paint, code PP7, is not so bright anymore. There's no shine, no luster and as red tends to get, it's a bit oxidized. But stick with us here, remember it's just the wrapper. It presents in original, unrestored condition and the body is straight, that is to say, there are no major dents. But this generation Dart was anything but flat paneled. The incredible winged fenders, body trim detail, and treatment of the lights is gloriously odd and exciting. Dodge called it "a new functional shape" in their TV commercial. The pair of high beams inset into an oblong, vertically-bladed grille is just wild and the offset reverse lights above the afterburner like tail lights, there's simply nothing like it. The chrome bumpers and other metal work on the car is good but not perfect. The steel wheels however, are shiny bright red and hint at what this car started out with. There are no hubcaps here and it fits the vibe of the car. Put up the convertible top, however, and we now have evidence of a bit of restoration. It's been replaced and is in excellent condition including the clear, plastic rear window. Hmm, what's going on here?

Interior
Open the cover of the book and see the quality inside. The interior splits the personality of the car because it's been mostly restored or preserved and is very nice. The simple red door cards have silver trim mirroring the outside lines and dissecting three panels including the carpeted bottom. The split bench front seat in red vinyl has tuck and roll inserts, an embossed logo, and a fold down center armrest. The back bench continues the pattern and enjoys a sentinel light and window crank on each side. The steering wheel is a feast for the eyes with an ivory top half, red bottom half, and silver, jet-like two spoke center. A column mounted speedometer takes the place of the horizontal stock unit behind it and now goes to 160 mph. A row of circular gauges are ringed in ivory while a cluster of aftermarket gauges is tucked under the dash. More clues. The original AM radio is in place and tells us the owner may be more interested in hearing the engine than he is music. A Hurst shifter sits high on the floor and the loop style carpet is faded in some areas but is nicely laid. The trunk is simple and clean and contains a red wheeled spare and a fitted rubber mat.

Drivetrain
Despite its name, the Dart 440 was available with a variety of engines including a 225ci slant 6, a 318ci, 361ci, or383ci V8. This car was born with the wedge based V8, but it doesn't matter because it's been removed and fitted with a consignor stated 2017/2018 5.7 liter Hemi V8! And a sleeper is born! A modern engine in a patinaed compact from 1962. It has electronic fuel injection and is tied to a Tremec 6-speed TR6060 manual transmission sending power to the rear skinnies bolted to the 8 3/4" rear axle. Headers route burned gas rearward, while power brakes, front disc and rear drum are welcome upgrades. It all fits very nicely in the bay and the plastic engine cover makes for a tidy presentation along with the exposed cone filter. The brake booster unit is a big, gold nugget of goodness that catches your eye.

Undercarriage
Some minor surface rust in random spots but overall, a clean, relatively clean and trouble-free underside. The dual exhaust comes off the headers to eventually meet Magnaflow mufflers then exit under the rear bumper with straight tailpipes. Torsion bar independent front suspension is noted, and leaf springs are in the back. 225/70/15 tires are on front and rear and have an early 2023 date code.

Drive-Ability
Is it 1962 or 2017? Well, it's a bit of both. The interior has a pure vintage vibe, but the engine sound has a distinctly modern tone. Weird not to pump the gas on a vintage car but turn the key and the EFI does its job. A 2017 Challenger R/T weighs roughly 4,190 pounds and the heaviest a '62 Dart would be is 3,417. So, the same engine and 773 pounds lighter. That explains some incredible acceleration that can be detected even on easy rides around the loop. This is a red light stomper and will leave many car owners reporting an unidentified flying object but they won't be seeing the reverse lights as they do not illuminate. Also, you should bundle up for those late fall drives as the heater blower does not blow.

We can imagine Jesse James, flat brimmed cap and tattoos, cruising Orange County, California or Austin Texas in this resto-mod. It's got a rebellious vibe, like "who cares what I'm wearing, watch what I can do!". And we love it! No fat tires, no shiny paint, no outrageous exhaust. Just a nice little faded sleeper with a reliable modern engine.

5322168701

5-Dodge V8
3-Dart 440
2-1962
2-Dodge Plant, Detroit, MI Assy Plant
168701-Sequential Unit Number

FENDER TAG

C1-3 Speed Manual
G5-Heater With Defrost
N4-383ci 4bbl V8 or Wind Deflectors?
T2-Expedite, Sold Car

SO NUMBER 0713 0188-July 13th
BDY 535-Dodge Dart V8, 440 Convertible
TRM 815-Red Vinyl
PNT PP7-Bright Red

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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