Frame Up Restored Numbers Matching Dart GTS 383/300 HP V8 A833 4 Speed Console

Description

SUMMARY

1 of only 991 383/4-speed Darts produced for the 1968 model year
1 of roughly 80 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS believed to still exist
Restored in 2008
Original 383 cubic inch B V8 / Upgraded Comp cam
Original A833 4-speed manual transmission / Hayes clutch
Correct Medium Green Metallic paint
Correct Green interior
Sale includes: Original broadcast sheet / Original CERTICARD / Maintenance and restoration receipts / GTS Visual Inspection
Correct 8.75-inch rear axle / Upgraded to 3.55 gears
15-inch Cragar wheels / Correct steel wheels are included with our sale

At RK Motors Charlotte, some of our favorite cars are those that might be considered "sleepers". Wolves in sheep's clothing that wrap big motors and big performance in subtle and unassuming aesthetics. It's cool when an enthusiast creates one, but factory-built heartbreakers are the ultimate rush. And the even bigger rush is cars that just shouldn't exist; cars that were so outrageous, expensive or under-promoted that they were largely ignored and, ultimately, extremely rare. This 1968 Dodge Dart GTS is a perfect example of that phenomenon. Seriously, whose idea was it to jam a 383/4-speed drivetrain in to a mild-mannered compact? That's pretty much the equivalent of today's Fiat Chrysler stuffing a Gen III Hemi into, well, a modern Dart. Pretty crazy, right? That said; the idea behind this fully restored MoPar is as fun as it is collectible. And, as 1 of only 991 383/4-speed cars built for the 1968 model year, this fully documented, numbers-matching coupe is 100% cool!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Much cleaner than when it originally rolled down Chrysler's storied assembly lines, this slick Dodge has been transformed into a take-no-prisoners stoplight warrior that consistently flies under the radar. Glossy Medium Green Metallic 2-stage, which has been thoroughly color-sanded, is correct to what the car's original owner ordered. There are no signs of rust or rot, suggesting that paint's canvas was a straight, trouble-free foundation before its metamorphosis began. Trim is a combination of original and reproduction items. Tight green vinyl adds a bit of style and protection. Not surprisingly, panel gaps are good enough to make the car's lightly flaked basecoat convincingly retro. And overall, this Dart is an exceptionally attractive representation of timeless Detroit muscle.

ENGINE

Lift the car's sculpted hood and you'll find an original, 383 cubic inch V8 that backs a correct 2468130 casting number with a February (2) 7th (7), 1968 (68) casting date and matching partial VIN. At the top of the Turquoise block, a clean Carter 4-barrel sends wind from an Organisol-coated air cleaner in to a factory-spec intake. At the sides of that intake, attractive chrome valve covers cap correct heads, an upgraded Comp cam and fully restored exhaust manifolds. At the front of those manifolds, a traditional points distributor, upgraded with Pertronix electronic ignition, sequences spark through fresh Chrysler plug wires. And in front of those wires, a crisp Glen-ray radiator funnels water through new hoses and old school squeeze clamps. This Dodge's clean engine bay is a nice combination of form and function, featuring a tagged yellow cap battery, an authentic Chrysler washer tank, stainless fuel lines and a rebuilt wiper motor. And everything, from the car's fenders to its firewall, is coated in the same excellent Medium Green Metallic paint as its glossy exterior panels.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Take one look under this beefy MoPar and you'll find a fully sorted chassis that's adequately equipped to back the car's sinister looks. Behind the B block, an original A833 4-speed makes good use of a Lakewood bellhousing and tough Hayes clutch. That transmission twists a proven Chrysler 8.75-inch rear end, which swaps factory 3.23s for beefy 3.55s. That smooth drivetrain feeds a fully sorted front torsion bar and rear leaf suspension, which is chock full of Just Suspension replacement parts. Manual drum brakes provide cool and confident stops. Exhaust rumbles through a $1K maze of authentic pipes and mufflers. Above that impressive hardware, solid floors have been dressed in a nice layer of body-matched 2-stage. At the corners of those floors, 15-inch Cragars spin 215/65 BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial redlines. And, if you're a stickler for steelies, correct wheels and center caps are included with our sale.

INTERIOR

Inside this Dodge, a quality Legendary interior does an excellent job of mimicking correct factory fodder. The car's vivid perches are firm to the touch, featuring pliable covers that present very well. In front of that bench and bucket combo, a warp-free dash, restored by Just Dashes, frames a trademark square speedometer and old school Dart Solid State radio in broad swaths of black and stainless. Below that dash, a silver-trimmed console founds a twisted Hurst shifter on a sea of fade-free carpet. At the sides of that carpet, green door panels unite correct frames with serious "GTS" badging and a sprinkle bright hardware. In front of the driver, a simple green steering wheel laps factory pedals. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk features a fresh plaid mat.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Our sale includes a GTS Visual Inspection that breaks down the car's VIN and fender tag as follows.

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: Assembly plant 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
39: E70x14 Firestone white streak tires
415: Scheduled for production on Monday April 15th, 1968
097816: Shipping order number
25: Drip rail moldings
30: Body belt moldings
78: Wheel lip moldings
A4: 8.75-inch rear axle that's fitted with 3.23 gears
X: Standard differential
TS: Sport Grade trim
R6: Vinyl bucket seats
MF: Green interior
PT: Medium Green Metallic roof paint
NT: Medium Green Metallic body paint
T1: Mono-tone paint
UG: Dark Green upper door frames
B: No buffed paint
S9: Bumblebee sport tape stripe delete
R1: Music Master AM radio
X1: Tinted glass
Y4: Green vinyl roof
a6: Console that's complete with a floor shifter
b4: Bucket seats
m6: Remote, left-hand chrome mirror
u1: Sold car

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

Number 66 of 85 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops listed in the registry
Number 25 of 31 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with a 4-speed transmission
Number 13 of 19 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with a Bumblebee Stripe delete
Number 11 of 11 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with Green Sport Grade vinyl trim
Number 7 of 8 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with a Green vinyl roof
Number 4 of 4 registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtops ordered with Medium Green Metallic mono-tone paint
The only registry-listed 383-powered 1968 Dart GTS hardtop with the combination of equipment outlined above
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIESAn original broadcast sheet
An original Owner's Manual
An original Warranty Booklet
The car's original CERTICARD
Service records from 1984-1987 (prior to restoration)
Restoration receipts
The aforementioned GTS Visual Inspection
A reproduction window sticker
The aforementioned wheels and center caps
A box of spare parts

Whether you're a Dodge fan, a MoPar fan or just a fan of stealth classics that carry a big stick, you simply can't ignore this rare, fully documented Dart. The car is super cool, it has excellent investment potential and, since roughly 80 are believed to currently exist, you probably won't be seeing another one anywhere, any time soon!