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.

The Most Desired Classic Muscle Cars

Muscle cars are the product of the American car industry that adheres to the hot-rodder philosophy of taking a small car and putting a large-displacement engine in it. Opinions on how the classic muscle car originated varies, but the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, created in response to public interest in speed and power, is often cited as the first muscle car.

These vehicles are still highly sought-after today. Here are 5 of the most desired classic muscle cars:

1971 Plymouth Superbird 440: This hardtop was rebuilt in a unique design that met the requirements of NASCAR at the time. The Superbird was equipped with a Magnum 440 cubic V-8 engine and the standard horsepower was 375. The typical asking price for this vehicle is $107,000.

1968-1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440: This hardtop is arguably the most visually striking and memorable of classic muscle cars that there is. The charger has been in various movie scenes throughout the years, increasing its popularity. Most recently, it made an appearance in “The Fast and the Furious”.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: This is actually one of the rarest of muscle cars, and one of the most powerful and best remembered. With 500 horses in an aluminum v-8 engine and a top speed of 125 miles per hour, the ZL1 could hit 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds.

1970 Buick GSX: This car made its debut in 1965, but didn’t really seize national attention until 1970 when the model was launched with a 7.5-liter engine and capability of 400 horsepower.

1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda: This car has a rich and long history. Though it launched in 1964, it took more than six years to become a hit. In 1970, Plymouth introduced a 7.2-liter engine capable of 390 horsepower, which brought the Barracuda into the mainstream of the muscle car community.

At Condon Skelly, we understand that your classic car is your pride and joy, and that you want to do everything you can to retain its appearance for years to come. We are able to insure a wide variety of collector vehicles, from original antiques to brand new exotic sports cars, as long as the vehicle is a true collectible. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694