Restomod Hardtop:1965 Dodge Dart

The Dart name first appeared as a Chrysler concept built by Carrozzeria Ghia in the late ’50s, but the production version was released on 1960 as an inexpensive full sized Dodge.  A few years later the Dart was put on a diet and then mid-sized, but the anorexia continued until 1963 when it was a compact to compete with Chevy’s Corvair, Ford’s Falcon, and Studebaker’s Lark. This next Dart started out as a simple 2-door driver but has been owned by the same owner since 1979 and is quite a screamer today. Find this 1965 Dodge Dart Restomod offered for $16,000 in Kingman, AZ via Craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

For some strange reason, back in the 50’s and 60’s you could purchase new 2-door versions of various American cars in two principal configurations, the hardtop or the sedan. The difference is easily identifiable by the lack of a B-pillar in the hardtop, but the decision for every OEM to manufacture, stock, and sell two different but totally similar cars is an odd piece of history. I can only imagine that the average consumer would just pick whichever was the color he wanted and have no clue that prices 50 years later favor the hardtop. Regardless, this Dart is a hardtop. 

This may not be an original condition Dart, but it has been owned by the same person since 1979 and he/she has put time and money into making it better. Power comes from a 1971 Duster donated 340 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed manual gearbox.

Here at DT we always prefer the previous owner’s money & time be spent making a car better vs. our own, and as such, think that this Dart would be a good way to enjoy someone else’s hard work.

See a better restomodded classic?  Tips@dailyturismo.com