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. Not to 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
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