The Dodge Dart is a tricky classic American car to look back at, because its size and shape differs significantly depending on each specific model year. It started off in 1960 as a full-sized sedan before morphing into a mid-sized multi-body for the 1962 model year, and by the time 1963 arrived, Dodge had already redesigned it once more as a smaller compact. That’s three different generations in three years.

Despite Dodge’s initial indecisiveness, the Dart would remain as a compact for the rest of its thirteen-year run, and the range-topping 1964 Dodge Dart GT would receive a perky V8 to boost its potential against competitors such as the Ford Falcon, Mercury Comet, and Chevrolet Nova.

Unlike other high-performance variants of classic American cars, the 1964 Dodge Dart GT was mainly a cosmetic upgrade with an enhanced interior, and the powerful V8 was actually an extra cost option on top of the GT trim. Let’s break down the full details of the 1964 Dodge Dart GT.

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The Dodge Dart GT Could Sport Three Different Engines

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via Dodge 

Two distinctive factors separated the 1964 Dodge Dart GT from the rest of the range - comprised of the entry-level Dart 170 and the mid-range 270: one was the fact that it was only available as a 2-door hardtop or convertible, and the other had to do with its interior layout. As far as engine choices, buyers could spec their Dart GT with any of the three available engines so long as they were willing to pay extra.

The entry-level engine came in the form of a 2.8-liter slant-six that delivered 101 horsepower, and despite performing rather well once it was up to speed, initial acceleration was definitely lack-luster, and Darts with this engine needed over 20 seconds to scoot from 0-60 mph. Next in line was another slant-six, this time with 3.7 liters of displacement and a total output of 145 horsepower. The $50 option reduced the 1964 Dodge Dart GT’s 0-60 mph runtime to 15 seconds. Most desirable of all was the range-topping small-block 4.5-liter V8, which became available halfway through the 1964 model year as a $131 option. It made 180 horsepower along with 260 pound-feet of torque, and when mated with Chrysler’s optional 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission (as opposed to the standard 3 or 4 speed manual), the V8 RWD Dart GT could accelerate from 0-60 mph in as low as 10 seconds in true GT fashion.

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The 1964 Dodge Dart GT Is A Perfectly-Rounded Compact

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via Wikimedia.commons

Sales figures for the Dodge Dart reflected the vehicle’s instant success, and it didn’t just outsell rivals, it also outsold itself with each passing year. After an extremely healthy total of 154,000 sold units in 1963, the 1964 Dodge Dart pushed the mark even further after selling nearly 200,000 units - a feat which definitely owed at least some credit to the mid-year introduction of the new V8, which accounted for about 13,000 unit of the ‘64 GTs.

Even though the increase in power was a definite upgrade, the 1964 Dodge Dart GT was already a lovable compact prior to the V8’s release. Why? Well, it was quite simply one of the best driving vehicles available, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup and well-balanced weight distribution. The Dart GT’s drivability was immensely customizable straight from the factory too, and owners could replace its standard heavy steering (5.5 turns from lock to lock) with upgraded power steering to provide surprising responsiveness (3.5 lock to lock), and the GT’s chassis was more than happy to jump into corners. There was also an option to upgrade its standard 2.93 rear axle to either a 3.25 or 3.55 one, boosting performance even further. The 1964 Dodge Dart GT’s suspension setup came in the form of front independent control arms with lateral torsion bars and direct-acting tubular shocks, and a rear axle with 5-leaf springs and tubular shocks.

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The ‘64 Dodge Dart GT Is Gorgeous Inside And Out

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via Wikimedia.commons

Nobody complained about the fact that the Dart GT is available only as a two-door with either a hardtop or a convertible, because that was the sexiest body style anyway. Up front, the 1964 Dart featured gorgeous circular headlights encased with chrome-trimming encased in perfectly-molded front quarter panels. They at above a 3-piece chrome grill with ‘Dodge’ lettering, and a sleek yet pronounced chrome bumper.

Down its flank, the Dart GT boasted either a gorgeous hardtop body-colored roof or a convertible contrast one, complemented with a tasteful chrome body line that extended from front to rear, as well as whitewall tires and a slightly overhanging rear fender. Lastly, from the rear, the 1964 Dodge Dart GT showed off some gorgeous circular headlights with double-chrome trimming that met with chrome-lined and winged rear quarter panels, and finished off with a chrome bumper and a decklid chrome strip with Dodge’s logo.

Inside, the GT came with a front bucket seat configuration, featuring vinyl upholstery and a carpeted center console with a Mopar pistol-grip shifter. The 3-piece dash showcased metal and vinyl trimming, along with multiple gauges and information displays. The door panels were heavily padded, as was the vinyl-upholstered rear bench seat.

All in all, the 1964 Dodge Dart GT is simply one of the best classic American compacts ever manufactured, finding a perfect balance between enticing drivability, healthy cruising power, and glamorous looks.

Source: Hagerty, Hemmings