Documented Frame Up Restored Numbers Matching Dart GTS 383V8 A833 4 Speed

SUMMARY

* Restoration completed in 2009
* Correct 383 cubic inch Magnum V8 / Bored and stroked to 434 cubic inches
* Correct A833 4-speed manual transmission
* Correct 8.75-inch rear axle / Correct 3.91 gears
* 4-wheel disc brakes
* Sale includes restoration receipts and a copy of the car's original broadcast sheet
* Sale includes a Galen Govier VIN and fender tag decode and Galen's Registry paperwork
* Correct Black paint
* Correct Black interior
* 15-inch steel wheels

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In the gearhead world, some words just don't go together. For instance, even though style is a matter of opinion, “beautiful Edsel” usually isn't thrown around too much. “Classic Honda” definitely isn't a combination you hear too often. And “electric street rod” seems about as natural as “vanilla bean chocolate”. But, in case you couldn't tell, your friends at RK Motors Charlotte enjoy unique phrasing as much as we love unique cars. And that's why we're happy to use the words “affordable MoPar” to describe this sinister Dodge Dart. Fully restored and ready to hit the show, this classic wraps a massaged Magnum V8 and tough A833 4-speed in striking black and red aesthetics that are guaranteed to turn heads.

BODYWORK/TRIM

Much cleaner than when it originally rolled down Chrysler's storied assembly lines, this slick Dodge coupe has been transformed into a take-no-prisoners show stopper that consistently drops jaws. You won't be staying under the radar with the car's wet looking black paint, which highlights a very clean body that benefitted from a pair of fresh quarters. There are no signs of rust or rot, suggesting that mostly original metal was a straight, trouble-free canvas before its detailed metamorphosis began. Not surprisingly, panel gaps are good enough to make a traditional tail stripe line up exactly right. Trim is factory-spec all the way. And overall, this fully sorted Dart is a virtually flawless representation of timeless Detroit muscle.

ENGINE

When are two letters insufficient? "GT" says it all, right? Gran Turismo, Grand Touring, however you want to pontificate, if you're going to add a third letter it better mean something. And when Dodge tacked on an “S”, they were sure to highlight the fact that they jammed a pavement-rippling torque monster under the hood of a lightweight, compact car. Check this GTS' glossy engine bay and you'll find a correct Magnum V8 that hangs a familiar 2468130 casting number opposite an August 15th, 1967 casting date. Now, I just said “Magnum” because, instead of being your run-of-the-mill 383, this bored and stroked small block currently displaces a whopping 434 cubic inches! At the top of the Hemi Orange mill, a coated Edelbrock 4-barrel guides wind from a correct chrome air cleaner in to a factory-spec intake. At the sides of that intake, chrome valve covers cap ported and polished 906 heads that have been rebuilt with 1.81 and 2.14 Manley stainless valves. At the front of those heads, an electronic distributor sequences spark between a fresh harness and clean Chrysler Electronic Suppression cables. Those cables fire stout 10.5 to 1 compression thanks to an internally balanced, forged 4340 crank, Eagle H-beam connecting rods and custom-built Ross Racing pistons. Restored exhaust manifolds feed large, true-dual pipes, with the help of a Comp flat-tappet cam. A correct 033 radiator circulates water through pliable Mopar hoses and modern screw clamps. And overall, this Dodge's clean engine bay is a nice combination of form and function, featuring a reproduction MoPar battery, an authentic Chrysler washer tank and high quality ARP fasteners.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Take one look under this slick A-Body and you'll find a fully sorted chassis that's adequately equipped to back the car's attractive looks. A correct Chrysler A833 4-speed twists a proven 8.75-inch rear end that's fitted with correct 3.91 gears. That smooth drivetrain feeds a familiar front torsion bar and rear leaf suspension that's shackled to factory manual steering and aftermarket shocks. At the front of that suspension, factory disc brakes have been supplemented with slotted rotors. At the back of that suspension, factory drum brakes have been replaced with an SSBC disc conversion. Exhaust rumbles through true-dual pipes, which employ traditional turbo mufflers and polished stainless tips. Above that impressive hardware, original, body-matched floors frame a new fuel tank, fresh stainless fluid lines and sturdy subframe connectors. And at the corners of those floors, 15-inch steelies spin 215/70 BF Goodrich Radial redlines, and 235/70 BF Goodrich Radial redlines, around red-trimmed center caps.

INTERIOR

Inside this Dart, a quality Legendary interior does an excellent job of mimicking correct factory fodder. The car's bucket and bench seats are soft to the touch, featuring pliable covers that present very well. In front of those perches, a warp-free dash frames a trademark square speedometer above an old school Dart Solid State and small Auto Gage accessory gauges. Below that dash, a wood-trimmed and black-dyed console anchors a simple Hurst shifter. At the base of that console, “Dart” branded floor mats protect fade-free carpet. At the sides of that carpet, weather-free door panels unite glossy frames with serious “GTS” badging and sprinkle bright hardware. In front of the driver, a wood-look steering wheel spins bright spokes around a Sunpro Super Tach II. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk features a correct jack and fresh plaid mat.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Since Galen Govier decoded this Dodge's VIN and fender tag, there's no questioning the accuracy of the car's clean restoration. Here's a detailed look at how it left Chrysler's Hamtramck manufacturing facility.

VIN:

* LS: Dodge Dart GTS
* 23: 2-door hardtop
* H: 383 cubic inch V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to create 300 horsepower
* 8: 1968 model year
* B: Assembled in Hamtramck, Michigan
* XXXXXX: Production Sequence Number

FENDER TAG:

* LS: Dodge Dart GTS
* 23: 2-door hardtop
* 62: 383 cubic inch V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to create 300 horsepower
* 3: A833 4-speed manual transmission
* 38: E70x14 Firestone redline tires
* 112: Scheduled for production on Friday January 12th, 1968
* 063594: Shipping Order Number
* 25: Drip rail moldings
* 30: Body belt moldings
* 78: Wheel lip moldings
* A7: 8.75-inch axle that's equipped with 3.91 gears
* X8: Sure Grip differential
* TS: Sport trim grade
* R6: Vinyl bucket seats
* MX: Black interior
* PB: Black roof paint
* NB: Black body paint
* T1: Monotone paint
* UB: Black upper door frames
* B: No buffed paint
* S9: Tape stripe (Delete Bumble Bee Sport Stripe)
* R1: Music Master AM radio
* X1: Tinted windows
* a6: Equipped with a console and floor shifter
* b4: Bucket seats
* m-: Chrome left-hand manual outside mirror
* u1: Sold car/Expedite

In addition to that decode, Govier also documented this MoPar's impressive exclusivity in terms of Galen's Registry numbers. As of 2009 this coupe was:

* Number 48 of 88 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops listed in the registry
* Number 17 of 32 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with a 4-speed transmission
* Number 17 of 32 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with Sport Black Vinyl trim
* Number 9 of 20 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with a Bumble Bee Stripe Delete
* Number 3 of 4 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with Black monotone roof and body paint
* Number 3 of 3 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with 3.91 gears
* The only registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtop with the combination of equipment outlined above

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* A copy of the car's original broadcast sheet
* A vintage Owner's Manual
* A stack of restoration receipts
* Miscellaneous component manuals
* The aforementioned Galen Govier VIN and fender tag decode
* The aforementioned Galen's Registry paperwork

It's not mere hype when we say you need to call right away about this awesome Dart. Well-built, compact MoPars are just good, clean fun. And every time we put a reasonably priced example in our showroom, our phones start ringing off the hook. Take a good, long look at the body, drivetrain and interior of this sporty coupe. There's just no way you could build something like this without significantly overshooting our $58K asking price. Don't be the guy who calls late and asks: “Is it really sold?” Pick up the phone and call now!