Gold Gem: 1965 Dodge Dart Convertible – SOLD!

September 16, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Among classic 1960s era Dodge convertibles, the Turbine Car-inspired third-generation Dodge Dart remains one of the few affordable Mopar convertibles from the period, especially if you can find a V8-powered GT model such as this all Gold 1965 example originally listed in September 2021 on Craigslist in Holland, Pennsylvania (Philadephia). Currently offered at $15,500, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Dart GT priced three hundred dollars less than this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $15,800.  As a second data point, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $12,400 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $19,300.

Redesigned for 1963, Dodge made a last-minute decision to drop the Lancer name in favor of Dart for division’s newly designed “senior compact”, a marketing term referring to the nearly five-inch lengthened wheelbase of 111 inches.  This longer wheelbase used the same A-body suspension of the Valiant and defunct Lancer and would underpin all nearly Darts from 1963 to 1976 except station wagon and Demon variants. The longer wheelbase provided more rear-seat legroom and Dodge offered three trim levels: the low-spec 170, the high-spec 270, and the premium GT featured here, which was available only as a 2-door hardtop or convertible. The Dart was an instant market success, with 1963 sales up sharply compared to those of the 1962 Lancer.

In 1965, the 2-barrel 273 remained available, and other new options for 1965 included upgraded suspension components and larger 14-inch wheels and tires. Factory-installed air conditioning became available after the start of the 1965 model year, as well as disc brakes, which required the new larger wheels to clear the calipers. Front seat belts became standard.

The My Mopar YouTube Channel features this 1965 Dealer Filmstrip highlighting all of changes available on the 1965 Dodge Dart GT:

In addition to not mentioning whether their Dart is a survivor car or benefits from a prior restoration, they also neglect to mention their car is the more desirable, V8-powered, bucket-seat-equipped, GT model.  We like this gem as it offers a lot of Mopar for a lot less than the typical Dodge convertible from the period.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1965 Dodge Dart Convertible. 273 V8, Automatic Trans, which was rebuilt 2 years ago. Note: Odometer cluster has been replaced and did not come with car, it was replaced with a used dash cluster. The odometer and speedometer do work.“

Show or go: what would you do with this Dodge Dart GT convertible?  Comment below and let us know!