Slanted Simplicity: 1963 Dodge Dart 270 Wagon – SOLD!
(To stop the slideshow and expand the pictures, click on the current photograph below)
May 3, 2022, 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.
Younger car enthusiasts talk about “analog” cars, which is newspeak for vintage rides that do not feature any computer controls. Usually applied to sportier high-performance models, from our perspective there are few cars more analog than the simplicity provided by any Mopar equipped with a Slant Six engine mated to a column-shifted, “three-on-the-tree” manual. This 1963 Dodge Dart originally listed in April 2022 on Craigslist in San Francisco, California offers that kind of no-frills, analog experience in a useful station wagon body. The seller reports they have owned the car for eighteen years and have added about sixteen thousand miles during that period. Their ad details all of the maintenance and repairs completed during that period.
Currently offered for $9,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Dart 270 priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $6,840 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $10,450 after deducting five percent for the less desirable (from a value standpoint) Slant Six engine. 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 $8,000 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $12,300.
Redesigned for 1963, Dodge made a last-minute decision to drop the Lancer name in favor of Dart for the 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 featured here, and the premium GT, 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.
The Buccoman99 YouTube Channel features this 1963 Dodge Dart commercial:
Based on the seller’s description and the pictures, the next caretaker has the choice between continuing to use this 1963 Dodge Dart 270 as a daily driver or treat it to a loving restoration. Given the preservation quality of the car currently, we’d treat it to some fresh front bench seat upholstery and then leave it as is.
Here’s the seller’s description:
“Rare 1963 Dodge Dart Station Wagon with 78200 miles in great running condition. Original 3 Speed Manual Transmission with a 225 c.i. slant 6 engine. Interior is all original most of which in great condition. Front bench seat is covered due to wear while the rear bench seat is in good shape. Original head liner is also in good condition. Interior dome light, dash lights, radio and gauges all fully operational. All Exterior lights fully operational.”
Clutch and throwout bearing replaced in at 75900 miles.
Head redone with valves, studs, seats, springs and head gasket replaced in at 72994 miles.
Rear wheel bearings replaced at 73933 miles
Front wheel bearings replaced 71001 miles.
Radiator Recored at 66900 miles.
Should and lap belts installed at 66143 miles.
Heater core replaced at 66654 miles.
Brake master cylinder replaced at 63150 miles.
Timing chain and camshaft sprocket replaced at 61099 miles.
Single barrel Carter BBS 42865 Carb rebuilt at 53000
The cooling system fully operational with no leaks. Heater/defroster and fan is fully operational.
Brakes and steering are manual and are fully operational.
There is rust here and there on the fenders and tailgate which will need attention at some point.
I have owned this car since 2004 at 52835 miles on it and have taken great care of it. This car has had regular oil and filter changes as well as regular tune-ups since I have owned it. I can provide repair records/log as needed. Great running restoration project car!!”
Do you have a 1963 Dodge Dart Wagon story to share? If so, comment below and let us know!
My parents had one of these when we were just little kids. I remember 2 things about this car:
– The cool pushbuttons for the transmission that we used to play with.
– Those also cool looking inside door handles that my little brother (probably 5 at the time, no restraints of course) was holding onto when we took an exit ramp. The door opened up and dumped him out of the car! Thankfully no major injuries were sustained, but man was my Dad mad.