1966 Dodge Dart GT Hardtop

1966 was a special year for the Dart, as Dodge offered a specially-built D-Dart model. The D-Dart was a stripped-down version lightened at the factory and fitted with a 273/275 HP engine fitted with a Camcraft 284-degree .500-inch lift cam, Racer Brown solid lifters, a special intake manifold, Holley 4160 4-barrel carburetor, low restriction air cleaner, Doug Thorley headers and a dual point distributor. It had a Weber clutch and a Hurst-shifted A833 heavy-duty 4-speed to a 4.86-geared 8¾ Sure Grip differential, with bucket seats and heavy-duty suspension.

The D-Dart models were more than just drag racers as they also competed in the new SCCA Trans American Racing series. The number 44 car of Bob Tullius won the Group 2 category in the opening race at Sebring and later at Marlboro. Another Group 2 contender was Dick Carter, who drove this number 72 D-Dart under the alias of Johnny Dart when not piloting his B/Production Shelby GT350. Johnny drove for both Ford and Chrysler in 1966, one of the few drivers to entertain the taboo of driving for two different manufacturers in the same season. The car was sponsored by Westlake Dodge, the car took full advantage of the new rules set down by the SCCA, including shedding the front and rear bumpers, stripping the interior and adding a single bucket seat, Sun tachometer and full roll cage.

This car is finished in Metalflake Red and White Westlake livery, and is powered by the correct race-prepared 273 cubic-inch engine. It has the Hurst-shifted 4-speed manual transmission, custom headers with side exhaust and Minilite alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle racing tires.

This D-Dart Lightweight is one of just 50 examples produced.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2014