Though Dodge Dart was unveiled in 1956, production was started only in1960. Initially Dodge conceived Dart as a full-size car on a 118 inch wheelbase.

During its rather long production life, it had many incarnations as a full-size and as a compact. It was a regular roadster and a high-performance racer. It could be had in two-door, four-door, convertible and hardtop versions. The wheelbase shrunk progressively from 118 inches to a low of 108 inches.

In GTS trim the vehicle came equipped with a 340 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 275 horsepower
or could be ordered with an optional 383 cubic-inch V8 that produced 300 horsepower. GTS also came in hard and convertible tops.

Other enhancements included larger wheels and rims, and exhaust system complete with a chrome trim. Suspension was augmented with increased front torsion and larger sway bars.

The exterior had round front headlights and a sloped hood. The thick rear roof pillar was angled to give Dart its characteristic roof line.

Standard power was the smaller block 340-inch V8 engine with 275 horse power. Optional upgrade to a 383 cu.in. boasting 335 hp was available. A 225 slant six was available adding to the already versatile series.

A cheaper model called the Dart Swinger 340 also was introduced later that year. It was powered by a 275 horsepower 340 cubic-inch V8 engine.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 1969 DODGE DART

CLASS
Full-size sedan

ENGINE
Position: Front-end
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Valve-train: OHV
Cylinders: 6, Valves:12 valves (2 valves/ cylinder)
Displacement: 170 cu in, 2786 cc (2.8 L)
Fuel Feed: single-barrel Carburetor

PERFORMANCE
Power: 115.00 bhp @ 4400 rpm
Torque: 155 ft-lb @ 2400rpm
Weight to Power Ratio: 23.7 lb/hp
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

ACCELERATION
0-60 mph: 6 sec
1/4 mile: 14.4 sec

TRANSMISSION
3-speed Manual
For the GTS hardtop and convertible:
Standard 3-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter
Optional 4-speed automatic TorqueFlite, with console-mounted shifters
For the Swinger 340 model: 4-speed manual gearbox with Hurst shifter

SUSPENSION:
Rallye suspension

Dodge's Dart style up to the early sixties were not considered appealing to the customers. But the 1969 Dart changed all that unfavorable perception. It was so well received that buyers were willing to upgrade it with after-sales kits.

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