1962 Dodge Lancer 770 GT Hardtop Coupe

By 1961, in the fight for small car sales, Detroit was all in. Lancer, a new Dodge entry for 1961 was based heavily on the year-old Valiant. And in a showroom shuffle, the Valiant, previously retailed by all Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler dealers, was officially badged a Plymouth.

The 1961 Lancer substituted Valiant's Mercedes-like grille for a more conventional, full-width design that bore resemblance to the 1960 Pontiac. Body styles included a four-door sedan, two-door sedan, two-door hardtop, and four-door station wagon. A 170 cubic-inch Slant Six engine, rated at 101 horsepower, was standard and a 145 horsepower, 225 cubic-inch version was available. Transmission choices included a 3-speed manual, or a 3-speed automatic 'Torque-Flite' with pushbutton controls.

For 1962, the Lancer added a sporty 'GT' two-door hardtop model. With pleated all-vinyl bucket seats, padded dash, an optional two-tone exterior paint treatment and full wheel covers, the GT was an immediate success. Other revisions for 1962 included an updated grille texture and new color palette.

This Lancer GT was purchased in 2010 from the original owner's estate.