White Whip: 1965 Dodge Dart Convertible – SOLD!

May 11, 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.

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 model. such as this triple-white, restored 1965 example originally listed in April 2022 on Craigslist in Aubrey, Texas (Dallas).

Currently offered at $25,500, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, reveals the ask is well above this guide’s five-year average of $18,117 based on 38 sales ranging from $3,850 to $117,700.  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. While not quite worthy of our “NEW!” (short for “No Effin Way!) Award for the optimistic asking price, time will tell whether someone will be willing to pay the premium for this restored Dart.

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, 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 the changes available on the 1965 Dodge Dart GT:

The under-dash A/C, modern stereo concealed in the glovebox, and 360 cubic inch V8 power make this restored 1965 Dodge Dart convertible a bit more luxurious and powerful than when it left the factory.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: what would you do with this 1965 Dodge Dart convertible?  Please comment below and let us know!