There are several car models in the 1960s that are often called “muscle cars” but are not. The Chevrolet Impala SS is one, which is strange when (for most years) it was available with a six-cylinder and many tepid V8s. The Mustang also holds that distinction, as its sporty personality often nudges it into muscle car comparisons for some folks. So, what about the Mopar side? Our Pick of the Day plays that role. This 1968 Dodge Dart GT hardtop is currently listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sherman, Texas.
The original Dart GT appeared with the debut of the all-new A-body Dart for 1963. Though the brochure falsely calls it “America’s first sports compact” (Dodge seems to have forgotten its 1962 Lancer GT, if not the Chevrolet Corvair Monza that appeared mid-year in 1960), the Dart GT fit the bill in every other way. A 170ci “Slant Six” was standard and there was also a 225ci version of the same—hardly muscle! The crux of the GT model was its bucket seats and tasteful use of trim, not to mention that it was only available as a two-door hardtop and convertible.
A V8 appeared for 1964, a new small-block measuring 273ci and offering 180 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor—again, hardly muscle. That engine received the option of a four-barrel for 1965 and, though a robust performer, it wasn’t up to the task of giving GTOs fits. Nonetheless, the Dart GT continued to be the Dodge compact with “distinctive sports-car flair.” A roof canopy molding for the hardtop gave the facelifted compact a more contemporary look. A squared-off front end was the biggest revision for 1966, though under the hood a special 273/275 was introduced for Super/Stock racing. If anything, this was the first Dart GT that could be considered a muscle car, though with only 50 built, it was not prominent on people’s radar.
Nineteen sixty-seven brought a completely redesigned Dart with “compelling appeal.” The GT continued to be the top Dart model, though the addition of a big-block 383 turned the Dart GT into the Dart GTS. This sub-model would be used as a springboard to introduce a full-fledged GTS model for 1968 that featured a standard 340ci small-block that was brand-new for the model year (with the 383 remaining an option).
The bucket-seat two-door Dart GT series continued for 1968-69, now with even less sporting pretensions than before. Sure, the new, optional 318 V8 added torque, but it was not the high-winding performer the discontinued 273/235 was. For 1970, the GT continued on as a package for the Dart Custom two-door hardtop, which gave you bucket seats and GT medallions. As the Custom was the top-of-the-line Dart, it was just like old times. The package limped into 1971, now available for the Dart Swinger because the Custom was now only available as a four-door sedan.
With bucket seats and a high level of trim, this bright blue 1968 Dodge Dart GT hardtop struts with everything that made the GT distinctive, but it’s what’s under the hood that may grab your attention: the 225ci Slant Six has been replaced by a built 440 big-block “loaded with the right go-fast goodies” such as Holley carb, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, “shorty” headers, Mopar Performance valve covers, and a stainless dual exhaust system “that’ll shake the street signs.” An aluminum radiator with dual electric fans keeps things chill “even when the temp and tach both start climbing.” The mightiest of automatics transmissions—TorqueFlite—plays a supporting role. Fifteen-inch Rallye wheels are controlled by Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, though the lack of power assistance is “one more way it reminds you you’re driving something with teeth.”
Is it a muscle car now? While you argue the semantics, let’s just call it a “tribute” of sorts. For $46,999, you can educate the misinformed and show them that while the Dart GT was not a proper muscle car, this one has been transformed.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
