1964 Dodge Dart

1964 was Dodge's Golden Anniversary and the year the Pontiac GTO started the American muscle car era. Following a positive reception from the public and a proven market, the rest of General Motor's division were quick to jump on the bandwagon. Buick introduced the Gran Sport, and even Oldsmobile brought out the 442. Dodge, despite putting out cars that could meet or beat these cars on the street or strip, lacked a performance image muscle car of their own. Although plenty of performance engine options existed, the Dart's styling and image were considered by most to be 'conservative.'

Working to shed its staid reputation, Dodge introduced styling changes for 1964, including a new convex grille on the Dart. Body styles consisted of a 2- and 4-door sedan and a six-passenger station wagon on the base Dart 170 Series. The 170 and 225 CID sixes were joined by a new 273 CID V8. Since this year was the 50th anniversary for Dodge, all models were marked as such.

When the Dart was equipped with the new 273 V8 that was capable of 180 horsepower, and when coupled with the A-833 four-speed manual transmission, the lightweight cars were quick off the line and surprisingly fast. Grabbing the Hurst T-handle shifter, shifting into first, and dropping the clutch, the Dart stood a good chance against any mid-sized car.

Body styles included a two-door sedan priced at $1990, the sedan at $2,050 and the station wagon at $2,315. With a V8 engine, the 2-door sedan was priced at $2095, the sedan at $2,160, and the station wagon at $2,420.

A total of (approximate) 70,200 examples of the Dart 170 were built in 1964, plus an additional (approximate) 14,000 station wagons among all Dart trim levels.

Dart 270
The Dart 270 was the intermediate trim level, positioned above the 170 and below the Dart GT Series. The 270 added carpeting, special upholstery, and extra trim.

Body styles on the Dart 270 included a two-door sedan with a factory base price of $2095, a sedan at $2,160, a hardtop coupe at $2,180, a convertible at $2,390, and the station wagon at $2,415. With the V8 engine installed, prices rose by approximately $108.

Dodge built a total of (approximately) 60,400 Dart 270s with the majority fitted with the six-cylinder engine, and (approx.) 6,700 with the V8.

Dart GT
The Dart GT, available as either a convertible or a hardtop, featured bucket seats, padded instrument panel, and wheel covers. The hardtop had a factory base price of $2,315 and $2,540 for the convertible. With the V8 engine installed, the hardtop listed for $2,430 and the convertible at $2,645.

Additional V8 engines, available on the full-size models, included a 318, 361, 383, and 426 'Hemi.' The 413 CID V8 of 1963 was dropped for the 1964 model year.

A three-speed manual transmission was standard and a TorqueFlite automatic was a $172 option. Additional optional equipment included white sidewall tires, a heater and defroster, backup lights, an outside rearview mirror on the left front fender, two-tone paint, power steering, front seat belts, and a padded instrument panel.

1964 Dodge Models
Dodge's 1964 entry-level model was the Dart resting on a 111-inch wheelbase. The intermediate trim level included the 330, 440, and the top trim level Polara resting on a 119-inch wheelbase. The full-size line, with a 122-inch wheelbase, included the 880 and Custom 880.

The Dart was priced from $1,990 with the six-cylinder to $2,645 for the eight-cylinder convertible. The intermediate Dodge models were priced from $2,265 (for the six-cylinder 330 Series two-door sedan) to $2,975 for the eight-cylinder convertible Polara. The full-size Dodge models, all equipped with V8s, were priced from $2,830 for the 880 Sedan to $3,420 for the 9-passenger station wagon.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016