1961 Dodge Dart

One of 68 D-500 convertibles built. Thundering 383 cubic inch V8 with Cross-Ram induction. Stunning color combination. Excellent restoration, drives superbly. Big horsepower early Mopar performance in an unusual package.

We ll wager you ve never seen one of these before. There are plenty of Dodge Darts around, but this one--with its mouthful of a name: Dodge Dart Phoenix D-500--is special. Paperwork that accompanies the car suggests that only 69 D-500 convertibles were built, and if you re a Mopar guy, you know what D-500 means. That s a 383 cubic inch V8 with Cross-Ram induction making 330 horsepower and a towering 460 lb-ft. of torque. This is Mopar muscle with a capital M. The fact that it is an original code BB1 Midnight Black car with a red interior makes it even more special, and thanks to a high-quality restoration a few years ago, it remains in outstanding condition throughout. Exner s smooth styling with miniature fins out back gives a tidy, clean package that stands out in an era that was still known for excess, and the modest size makes the most of the engine s substantial performance. That glossy black paint looks a mile deep and there was obviously a lot of time and money invested in getting it straight first--reflections are clear and gaps are straight. Reproduction parts are obviously not available, so all the original chrome and stainless trim was restored, including the rather rare Phoenix and D-500 emblems. If you re a Mopar fan, you know this is a special car.

The red interior is the only proper choice with the glossy black exterior, and it, too, was restored with the rest of the car. Factory bench seats wear correct reproduction seat covers and the unusual driver-oriented cockpit with slightly higher seat back is a cool Mopar feature that we love. New carpets, correct door panels, and a refinished dash all add to the crisp appearance inside. Pushbuttons control the 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission as well as the heater controls, and the futuristic steering wheel frames a wide speedometer that seems to be floating on top of the dash. There is an original AM radio, which works properly, more evidence that this was not a cut-rate restoration. Seating surfaces are virtually unmarked and the attention to detail is pretty impressive. Overhead, there s a black power convertible top that stows under a matching red top boot, giving the Dart a clean top-down look. The trunk is also neatly finished with gray carpets and a custom tire cover for the full-sized spare.

But the real reason this Dart is special lives under the hood. That s a 383 cubic inch V8 topped by Chrysler s legendary Cross-Ram induction system. Designed to make mountains of torque, those long runners are topped by a pair of 4-barrel carbs that have been recently freshened, along with new spark plugs, cap, and rotor so it starts easily, idles properly, and pulls the predatory ragtop around with effortless ease. Correct finishes, hardware, and hose clamps are used throughout, making a very accurate engine bay, and you know they were sweating the details on a car with this kind of pedigree. The 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission snaps through the gears and we believe there are 3.23 gears out back, so it s able to cruise in today s world without a lot of drama. You ll note that the undercarriage is nicely detailed and finished, with some professional floor patches in the usual spots. Brakes and suspension were rebuilt, there s a fresh dual exhaust system that sounds just right, and a new gas tank hangs out back. 14-inch factory steel wheels with correct hubcaps complete the look, but those skinny 8.00-14 Goodyear whitewalls probably don t stand a chance against that torque factory under the hood.

Documentation includes an owner s manual, a copy of Darrell Davis s report on the 1961 383 D-500 engines, verifying this one as the real deal, and some recent maintenance receipts. A spare 4-blade cooling fan is also included.

We re fans of the unusual here at Harwood Motors, and when they re as attractive, well-restored, and downright fast as this one, well, we sit up and take notice. With a nice documentation package, this is unquestionably the real deal and every time you pop the hood, this car is going to draw a crowd. Mopar guys know why this car is special, so take a closer look and then give us a call today!

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