The 1962 Dodge Dart, a one-year wonder, makes an immediate and indelible impression. One glance at those wild side fins, aggressive nose, and rocket-like tail is all it takes. The gorgeous white-over-red Dart 440 recently offered on eBay Motors is a stunning example.
Dodge offered four engines with the 1962 Dart. A 225 cubic-inch slant six is the base, while the V-8 range included 318, 361, and 413 cubic-inch variants.
Packing Heat Under the Hood
The previous owners of this Dart 440 took the trim level designation as inspiration. He swapped the original engine for a 440-cubic inch V-8 topped with a Six-Pack aluminum Edelbrock intake manifold.
An aluminum radiator and electric fan now handle the cooling chores. The engine bay is clean and uncluttered, with a ram-air hood scoop that looks functional. The push-button 727 three-speed automatic was maintained, and the rear differential is a Dana 60 posi unit. In addition, the Dart’s front brakes were updated to discs.
Buy It Now on eBay
This Dart sends a clear message: This little beast is packing heat under the hood. American Racing Torque Thrust wheels makes that clear—along with the car’s purposeful stance via coilovers in the back.
The seller states that the Dart was “meticulously owned and maintained.” The car lived for most of its life in the dry Texas climate. The body panels and floors are original, and the unibody is rust-free. The front and rear chrome bumpers look immaculate.
On the inside, the dashboard and gauge cluster is a work of art. Thanks to its tachometer mounted on the steering column and two aftermarket gauges sitting below the dash, the Dart is all about the business. Everything is functional, including the AM radio and clock.
Big Daddy Drove a Dart
You may recall the mighty dual-quad Max Wedge 413 from the Beach Boys song “Shut Down.” The 413 Super Stock achieved rock and roll legend status, but that race with a fuel-injected Stingray is still not settled.
The Dodge got the holeshot, taking a commanding lead as the Stingray lost traction off the line. As the song winds up, the Stingray is closing the gap. But it’s unclear who crosses the finish line first.
The Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Fla. displays a replica of Big Daddy’s Dart. (Photo: Garlits Museum)
The Dart earned its drag-strip cred when Big Daddy Don Garlits piloted a factory-supplied 413 cubic-inch 1962 Dodge Dart in the NHRA’s Super Stock/A Automatic class.
Meanwhile, this immaculate 1962 Dodge Dart is ready for brand new racing and car-show adventures. Of course, some purists will argue that a dual-quad 413 V-8 is the period-correct choice. But that’s a minor quibble. This 440-powered Dart is a magnificent specimen capable of bringing home a shelf of trophies—and more than few thrills on the road.
