The Dodge Dart is best known as a modest economy car, but the 1968 Dart GTS featured in an episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” shows that the compact Dodge also had a sporty side.
Instead of the inline 6 engine many Darts left the factory with, this car has a 383cc V-8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. The same engine was used in the more popular Plymouth Road Runner, but the Dart is smaller and lighter. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual gearbox.
The Dart was commissioned new by a Wisconsin couple and has now survived their marriage. They have been completely restored to stock condition except for the period aftermarket Cragar wheels and aftermarket tachometer. Leno is only the second owner and received the original build sheet, a lifetime maintenance record, and more paperwork to prove its authenticity.
This was considered a small car in 1968 and with around 325bhp it was quite powerful for its time. The Dart isn’t small or fast by modern standards, but the V-8’s torque means it’s still fun to drive, according to Leno. Drum brakes and no power steering mean it’s no canyon carver, though.
Dodge introduced the Dart for the 1960 model year and downsized it to a compact car for 1963 to compete with the Chevrolet Nova and Ford Falcon. The Dart remained in this role until production ended in 1976. The twin platform with the Plymouth Valiant also served as the basis for the original Dodge Demon (later Dart Sport) and Plymouth Duster coupes.
The Dodge Dart returned for the 2013 model year after a decades-long hiatus, but this time as a modern compact car with front-wheel drive and 4-cylinder power. However, this was not so long-lived. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) killed it a few years later to focus on better-selling, more profitable SUVs and pickup trucks.
