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 snappy little Dart Gt convertible right out of 1963 showing 78,640 non verifiable miles on the odometer. This peppy little skate has been treated to new brakes, new front suspension, a rebuilt automatic transmission, new front and rear fenders, a new convertible top with new boot cover and a replacement 225ci slant 6 with a consignor stated 60,000 miles. It comes with service manuals, extra parts and 50 8 track tapes for the added stereo system.
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 an amateur respray of white applied and the gaps throughout are fairly minded. There are a few areas of heavy body filler on the lowers as well as on the rockers. No rust is seen and running through the car's center slab sides is a chrome and black 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 black canvas with a new boot cover and clear plastic rear window. More shiny trimmings for the edges of this top as well as surrounding all the glass on the passenger compartment. 13-inch wheels with standard turbine style Dart wheel covers are in all 4 corners wrapped in 185/80R13 rubber. 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. Slightly worn black painted metal uppers on the doors with a fairly clean black vinyl lightly paneled stitched insert, featuring shiny actuators and cranks greet us with a smile. Sliding inside, I park myself on the fuzzy black covers on the black vinyl bucket seats. These wide bodied comfy bomber styled buckets have shiny chromed trimmings in their edges and below the bolsters. The rear bench is also matching the front buckets and is just as comfy and nice. 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 black painted full steel within no padding. A new AM/FM/Cassette stereo is in the center and just below some stylish 60's looking knobs for the heater and defroster along with an added 8-track player. A glove box resides in front of the passenger and uses horizontal chromed trimming on its top. Somewhat worn and soiled low pile black carpeting is installed with black rubber floor mats on top for more protection. Also a shout to the trunk with its white painted steel flooring and full size spare. I'd say a Shanghai for the interior.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in a fairly clean, but patined white engine bay sits a newer 225ci slant 6 cylinder that is capable of running on unleaded fuel and has a consignor stated 60,000 miles on it. It is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor, and an A904 3-speed automatic Torqueflite transmission is bolted to the back. The rear axle is a 2.93 version. Our consignor notes that new plug wires, battery and a new radiator were recently installed. Mugs Away.
Undercarriage
Some patina and a light coating of surface rust but certainly structurally sound for the unibody. We note some haphazard tiger hair repairs on the inner rockers, areas of the flooring and near the driver's front torque box. Also seen is a drop in from above replacement area of the flooring. The car rides on rebuilt front independent torsion bar suspension and in back leaf springs. The brakes are newer as well with manually actuated drums on all 4 corners.
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, shifted smoothly, accelerated nicely. It had good bias free panic stopping, and cruised like a champ. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A nice example with upgrades that falls into the driver quality category. A newer unleaded fuel running engine, push button transmission, nifty 60's interior and a nice exterior design combo. Bullseye!
7432603329
7-Dart
4-Dart GT
3-1963
2-Detroit, MI Assy Plant
603329-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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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