1962 was a big year for the Dart as it was completely restyled. The original Dodge Dart was introduced in 1960 as a slightly smaller version of the full-size Dodge and built to compete directly with the full-size Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth. The wheelbase of the 1962 Dart was shortened by two inches and its length was 10 inches shorter than the prior year. In the front was a redesigned grille with headlights that flanked both side of the grille. The grille had an oval shape with vertical bars. The Dodge name could be found in block letters along the edge of the hood. The sides featured a metal chrome stripe that began at the front, above the headlight, and continued towards the back, ending in the middle of the front door. A second feature line began just before the back wheel well and swept up and long the wheel opening, continued to the rear of the car.
Although the Dodge Dart was the base trim model in the lineup, it was given a fair amount of chrome. Chrome could be found on the bumpers, grille, windshield surround, rear window moldings, chrome headlight doors, and sides.
The base Dart trim level was offered as a 2- and 4-door sedan with seating for six. A station wagon was also available. Pricing began at $2,245 for the 2-door sedan.
The Dodge Dart 330 was the intermediate trim level in the Dart range, and it brought several additional amenities. The list of standard items included front foam cushion, rear armrests, a power tailgate window on the nine-passenger station wagons, and a cigarette lighter. Bodystyles were the same as the base trim level, with the addition of a 2-door hardtop coupe and the 9-passenger station wagon.
The top trim level was the Dart 440. Again, this bump in trim level came with additional standard items, including exterior moldings, custom interior upholstery and trim, and back-up lights. Bodystyles were the same as the Dart 330, with the addition of a 2-door convertible.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2015The Dart model was produced by Chrysler Corporation from 1960 through 1976. The Dart was a lower-priced model, with a short wheelbase and competed in the mid- to large-size car space, though it was reduced in size to more of a compact versus mid-size car. Standard engine sizes for the Dart were the slant-6 and a small V8.
However, in 1962, the Dart utilized the new unibody 'B' platform and received a new suspension package. By mid-year a 415 horsepower 'Ramcharger' upgrade was offered. This rare package was aimed at sanctioned Drag Racing, where it quickly broke performance records.
This 1962 Dart 413 Ramcharger was a 'no option' Dart and was released to the press for road test and evaluation. It was used by Chrysler as a promotional tool. Motor Trend and other magazines used this example as their test car. After the successful introduction, it was race prepped to debut at the 1962 NHRA Nationals. It has been extensively toured and raced, and set many records along the way. Of the 59 Darts built, this is one of eight finished in red with an automatic transmission.
