The 1964 Dodge Dart: A Compact Revolution

A Game Changer to the American Automotive Market

For Sale: 1964 Dodge Dart

The 1964 Dodge Dart represents Dodge’s efforts to create the perfect compact car for the American market.

The 1964 model year brought a fresh look to the Dart, moving away from the more exaggerated styling of earlier 1960s models. The new design featured:

Clean, straight lines that gave the car a more modern and sophisticated appearance
A simplified front grille that added a touch of elegance
A more streamlined profile that improved aerodynamics and visual appeal
Distinctive rear styling with angled taillights integrated into subtle fins
A range of bright, contemporary colors that appealed to the tastes of the mid-1960s

This new look was both practical and stylish, striking a balance between the flashy designs of the late 1950s and the more restrained aesthetics that would dominate the latter part of the 1960s.

Under the hood, the 1964 Dart offered a variety of engine options to suit different driving needs and preferences:

Base Engine: 170 cubic inch (2.8L) Slant-Six
- 101 horsepower
- Known for exceptional durability and fuel efficiency
- Perfect for economy-minded buyers
Upgraded Six-Cylinder: 225 cubic inch (3.7L) Slant-Six
- 145 horsepower
- Offered a good balance of power and economy
- Popular choice for those wanting extra performance without sacrificing too much efficiency
V8 Option: 273 cubic inch (4.5L) V8 (introduced mid-year)
- 180 horsepower
- Marked the Dart’s entry into the performance car segment
- Appealed to enthusiasts and those wanting a more spirited driving experience

These engines could be paired with: a three-speed manual transmission (standard), a four-speed manual transmission (for the performance-minded), or a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission (for those prioritizing convenience).

The interior of the 1964 Dodge Dart was designed with practicality and comfort in mind, offering:

Spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom, notable for a compact car
Straightforward dashboard layout with clear, easy-to-read gauges
Bench seating as standard, with bucket seats available as an option
High-quality materials that gave the car a more upscale feel than its price point suggested

Optional features included:

Push-button radio
Heater and defroster
Air conditioning (a luxury in compact cars of the era)
Power steering and power brakes
Vinyl or cloth upholstery options

The 1964 Dart was available in several body styles as well: the two-door sedan, the four-door sedan, a convertible, and a station wagon.

The Dart was also offered in several trim levels:

170: The base model, focusing on economy
270: Mid-range trim with additional features and styling touches
GT: The sporty variant, often paired with the V8 engine and featuring unique styling cues

The 1964 Dodge Dart arrived at a time when American consumers were increasingly interested in compact cars that offered good fuel economy without sacrificing comfort or style. The Dart met this demand perfectly, providing a well-rounded package. The Dart’s success helped Dodge establish a strong foothold in the compact car market, challenging competitors like the Ford Falcon and Chevrolet Nova.

Valuation tables can be seen at Caaarguide.com. Current values can also be seen at Collectorcarmarket.com. A five-year sales history can be seen at Classic.com. Production numbers and history can be read at Conceptcarz.com. In-depth information can be read at Automobile-catalog.com. Detailed specifications for all body styles can be seen at Classiccardatabase.com. A short history of the Dart can be found at Dodgedartdepot.com.

Nadaguides.com – Average price: $4,825