Antique Car Insurance: History of the Dodge Dart

In a post back in February, we took a look at one of the most memorable muscle cars of its time, the 1968-1969 Dodge Charger. Another car that joined the ranks of classic American muscle cars of the time, also from the Dodge family, was the Dodge Dart. This vehicle has been called the “most unexpected muscle car” by many classic car enthusiasts.

The Dodge Dart name debuted in 1957, as a show car featuring a body designed by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia. Instantly and highly popular successes, the first Dodge Darts were reduced-sized larger cars that had been created to replace the Plymouth as the low-priced car for the Dodge dealer network.

The Dart sedans and coupes were modeled after the Plymouth platform and had a 118 in wheelbase, shorter than the standard-size Dodge line. The Dart’s sales beat out those of the full-size Dodge Matador and Dodge Polara, but more importantly, it created an in-house competitor for Plymouth. Dart sales were so strong in 1960 that Dodge had to cut back its medium-priced model lineup.

Sales and popularity of the Dodge Dart stayed strong throughout the 60’s and into the 70’s. They quickly became part of the muscle car culture, with their powerful engines and appealing visual characteristics.

R.D. McLaughlin, the vice president of Chrysler’s Automotive sales division in 1976, had this to say about the Dart’s reputation: “The Dart was one of the most successful compact cars ever introcued in the American automobile marketplace. It enjoys a strong owner loyalty and is a car that has established a reputation for reliability and value… these are [some] reasons why we will constinue to market the Dart while introducing the new compact Aspen.”

The production of the Dodge Dart subsequently ended in 1976, being replaced by the F-body Dodge Aspen that spring. However, after 35 years, the Dodge Dart (PF) was resurrected for the 2013 model year as a nameplate in the domestic market to replace the Caliber as Dodge’s compact passenger car.

Whether you own a classic Dodge Dart or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Standard Auto Insurance versus Collector Car Insurance

In a blog post earlier this year, we looked at some of the top reasons to purchase classic car insurance. As we stated in that post, a large difference between classic and regular auto insurance is the way your vehicle’s value is determined. With Classic and Collector Car Insurance coverage, you can typically expect your car to be covered for what it is currently worth, whereas with a standard auto policy you might be lucky to get a fraction of what the car is worth, if it is completely totaled.  In general, a standard auto insurance policy pays the cost of repair to the vehicle or the stated value, whichever is less.

This is not the only difference between collector car insurance and a standard auto insurance policy. You’ll find that collector car insurance premiums are typically much lower than that of a standard auto policy. Of course, this is because it’s assumed a classic or collector car will be driven less and will be very well taken care of. To qualify for a collector car insurance policy, your vehicle must be protected and not used for daily use. Garage storage is typically a necessity for these vehicles. In addition, you will have much stricter mileage restrictions with a collector car insurance policy than with a standard one.

Standard auto insurance coverage will be based on depreciating value, rather than the actual value that a collector car will be based off of. Of course, it’s important not to forget that you obtain full coverage for everything you have invested in the collector car in addition to just the vehicle on its own. The amount invested and the rarity of the vehicle are the two factors that differentiate a collector car from just a standard “older” car.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.