1967 to 1981 Dodge Dart: from dull grocery-getter to V8 muscle
by David Zatz • see the 2013 Dodge Dart • 1960-62 • 1963-66
In the 1960s, Chrysler Corporation had Plymouth at the entry level, with Dodge more upscale, and Chrysler and Imperial at the top. The 1967 to 1981 Dodge Dart should never have seen the light of day, but it did, and it sold well.
The 1963-66 Dodge Darts had barely enough room under the hood for a 273 V8; the 1967 Darts were wider and larger, with "big car" styling and enough room for a fire-breathing 340. They lost a certain nimble, tight feel; they gained power, and lots of it, for those few who ordered the 340. Essentially a Plymouth Valiant with, until 1974, a longer wheelbase, the 1963-onwards Darts were out of character for Dodge, but they turned out to be just what was needed when the 1973 fuel crisis hit.
by David Zatz • see the 2013 Dodge Dart • 1960-62 • 1963-66
In the 1960s, Chrysler Corporation had Plymouth at the entry level, with Dodge more upscale, and Chrysler and Imperial at the top. The 1967 to 1981 Dodge Dart should never have seen the light of day, but it did, and it sold well.
The 1963-66 Dodge Darts had barely enough room under the hood for a 273 V8; the 1967 Darts were wider and larger, with "big car" styling and enough room for a fire-breathing 340. They lost a certain nimble, tight feel; they gained power, and lots of it, for those few who ordered the 340. Essentially a Plymouth Valiant with, until 1974, a longer wheelbase, the 1963-onwards Darts were out of character for Dodge, but they turned out to be just what was needed when the 1973 fuel crisis hit.
1966 Dimensions | Polara | Coronet | Dart | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 121 | 117 | 111 |