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Classic Muscle Car History
Dodge Dart
History
Part I
1960-1962
Introduction: The Dart was Dodge's entry in the growing compact market. Introduced in 1960,
the first generation Dodge Dart was actually just a small fullsize car. It was "reborn" in
1963 as a true compact. The Dart lineup would continue to evolve, and included Demon and
Swinger models as well as the Dodge Sport and the mighty Dart GTS.
1960 Dodge Dart
Comments: The Dodge Dart name first appeared as a radically aerodynamic showcar in 1956. It
returned four years later as a new downsized regular production vehicle. Featuring utilized body
construction, and riding on a 118 inch wheelbase, it was four inches shorter than Dodge's Polara
flagship and thus was Dodge's "compact" fullsize model. The Dart was available as three models:
Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix. Engine choices included a 318 cid V8 with either a two or four barrel
carb, or a 361 cid V8 with 310 bhp. All three models were available with Dodge's D500 performance
option which included the 361 cid V8 with a new ram-induction setup which featured twin four-barrels
on long, individual-runner intake manifolds which had a supercharger effect. This ram setup was also
used on the larger 383 cid V8s used in Polara models, and a few Ram 383s found their way into the
smaller Dart.
Production:
Engines: 318 V8 (2bbl) 230 bhp @ 4400 rpm, 340 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm. 318 V8 (4bbl) 255 bhp @ 4400 rpm,
345 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. 361 V8 310 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 435 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
Performance: 361/310: 0-60 mph in 8 seconds.
1961 Dodge Dart
Comments: The D500 performance option was offered for the last time in 1961, but it was toned down
from the year before. It now included a standard four barrel carb, or optional ram induction dual
carbs (which were standard the year before).
Production: The 361 engine was slightly detuned for 1961, but that was overshadowed by the introduction
of a new 383 cid V8 option, in either Police or Ram trim.
Engines: 318 V8 (2bbl) 230 bhp @ 4400 rpm, 340 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm. 318 V8 (4bbl) 260 bhp @ 4400 rpm,
345 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. 361 V8 305 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 395 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. 383 (Police) V8 325 bhp @
4600 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. 383 (Ram) V8 330 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 460 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
Performance:
1962 Dodge Dart
Comments: 1962 saw the peak of Dart performance when Dodge offered its 413 Max Wedge in all fullsize
models, from the bare bones Dart 330 through the top of the line Polara 500. Most racers preferred
the lighter and cheaper Darts. The 413 Max Wedge was manufactured under precise conditions at
Chrysler's Marine and Industrial Division and was a no-nonsense racing powerplant not intended
for everyday operation. The 413 Max Wedge was offered in two forms: one with 11:1 compression
rated at 410 bhp and the other with 13.5:1 compression rated at 420 bhp. The "Max" refered to the
Maximum Performance label used in factory advertising while the "Wedge" refered to the 413's Wedge
shaped combustion chambers (as opposed to the earlier Hemispherical designs). Priced at just $374.40,
the 410 bhp 413 was affordable and powerful. The Max Wedge featured free-flowing cast-iron headers,
a dual exhaust system that featured cutouts that could be unbolted for unsilenced, wide open running.
Heavy duty dual valve springs in the heads meant valve seals couldn't be installed, making the engine
a serious oil burner. The Max Wedge also featured a reinforced block and heads, a forged steel crank,
Magnafluxed forged steel connecting rods, lightweight aluminum pistons, beefed-up valvetrain, and
a deep-sump oil pan. Topping it off were two Carter AFB carbs mounted diagonally on a cross-ram
intake featuring 15 inch individual runners.
As for styling, the Dodge Dart was all new for 1962, and sat on a 116 inch wheelbase, three inches
shorter than a normal fullsize vehicle. Worse, Darts were saddled with some of the ugliest
styling ever to be seen on an American vehicle. This would be the last year for a
"fullsize" Dart as the name would be transfered to a true compact vehicle.
Production:
Engines: 318 V8 (2bbl) 230 bhp @ 4400 rpm, 340 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm. 318 V8 (4bbl) 260 bhp @ 4400 rpm,
345 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. 361 V8 305 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 395 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. 383 (Police) V8 325 bhp @
4600 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. 383 (Ram) V8 330 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 460 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm. 413 Max
Wedge V8 410 bhp. 413 Max Wedge V8 420 bhp.
Performance: 413/410 bhp: 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.4 seconds @ 100 mph.
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