When we think of the popular cars that we enjoy as classic car enthusiasts, there usually is a corporate twin to choose from—witness the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird. However, in the 1960s, Dodge did not have an equal to the Plymouth Barracuda. Instead, Dodge had several sporty Darts to play the role. Our Pick of the Day is one of those cars: a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS hardtop. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Volo, Illinois.
When the Barracuda was first introduced in 1964, most of its Valiant-based equipment list was shared with the Dodge Dart. The Dart was never offered as a fastback, but every other typical body style was available, from sedans to bucket-seat hardtops, with engines up to the 273. When the Barracuda was redesigned for 1967, the Dart followed suit, but it still lacked the availability of a fastback, and the two-door hardtop lacked the specialty-car look of its Plymouth brethren.
However, 1967 marked an uptick in pony car power: the Mustang gained a 390, and a 396 was added to the Camaro’s option list several months into production. Over at Highland Park, the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda featured a new 383 big-block. The Dart with the 383 was only available on the Dart GT hardtop and convertible, and the addition of the big-block changed it to the Dart GTS (GT Sport).
The GTS was carried over into 1968 as a full-fledged performance model, perfect for introducing Chrysler’s new small-block performance V8 measuring 340ci. Though rated at 275 horsepower, this little engine developed a giant-killer reputation. Other manufacturers building compacts with engines of comparable size could not compete with the 340 Mopars out of the showroom.
The GTS featured a unique grille applique, hood with simulated intake ports, dual exhaust tips, unique full-length side trim (or choose a Bumblebee stripe or no stripe), GTS badges on all four sides, wide-tread 14-inch tires, heavy-duty suspension, and more. Optional was the 383, which had gained 20 horsepower for an even 300.
For 1969, the GTS was refined with the typical model year changes. The grille was redesigned, now a black stamped aluminum piece divided horizontally by argent paint, plus new rectangular parking lights. The longitudinal stripe that was standard on the ’68 was replaced, making the redesigned Bumblebee stripe standard (and, of course, it could be deleted). The simulated intakes on the hood were also restyled. The 340 remained unchanged (aside from the camshaft for the four-speed, which now was shared with automatics), while the 383 gained another 30 horsepower. Additionally, a 440 Magnum debuted midyear. Overall, while the Dart GTS lacked the specialty-car styling of the Barracuda and was not considered a member of the pony car fraternity, the Dart’s bones were identical.
This 1969 Dodge Dart GTS hardtop is documented with the original fender tag, build sheet and window sticker, and features the spunky 340 backed by TorqueFlite automatic. What stands out with this one is the “F6” Bright Green metallic paint, a color that was announced in December 1968. “Believed to be original paint!” says the seller. “Overall, it shows great. It [also] has original glass including windshield, which is a good indicator of low miles,” in this case, 44,820. “The interior is said to be all-original and in outstanding condition,” adds the seller. Features include power steering, front disc brakes, sport steering wheel, bucket seats with center console, remote mirror, vintage 8-track tape player, black vinyl top, and even a vintage Sun Super tachometer mounted on the column. Rear gears are 3.23 Sure-Grip.
Two-hundred seventy-five horsepower doesn’t sound like much, even for a lightweight vehicle like a Dart, but the 340 has an eager disposition. The originality of this car and its spectacular hue and you have what could be characterized as a desirable “Unpony car” (with apologies to Geoffrey Holder and 7-Up). For $67,998, it can be yours.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
