The 1940s was a special decade for the automotive industry for several reasons. And one of the reasons that made the '40s very special was the introduction of muscle cars. The term "muscle car" is commonly used for high-performance American coupes. Muscle cars are most commonly characterized by a rear-wheel-drive and a large displacement V8 engine.
While General Motors can brag about launching the first-ever "proper" muscle car, back in 1949, it is another big brand that holds the distinction of making muscle cars popular during the years that followed. The aforementioned American car brand we're talking about is Dodge. The American brand launched many pocket-friendly muscle cars in the years to come. Yes, a sick modern muscle car is indeed a sight to behold but it is anything but light on the pocket. And it is indeed hard to find a muscle car that boasts impressive features and isn't too heavy on the pocket. Thanks to the automobile Gods, we have a gem of a muscle car in the form of Dodge Dart that ticks both the aforementioned boxes.
What are some of the most impressive features of this Dodge muscle car? What makes the Dodge Dart one of the best cheap muscle cars? Let's find out.
One Of The Best Muscle Cars Of All Time
Launched in 1959, this Dodge classic was named after a 1956 Chrysler show car that was designed by the legendary Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia. It went on sale the very next year (1960) and was met with a positive response from automobile lovers across the United States and around the globe. The Dodge Dart was initially launched as downsized large cars developed to replace the Plymouth in the standard, low-priced car segment for the Dodge dealer network. During its reign - that lasted for more than 15 years - the Dodge Dart was offered in multiple body variants: a 4-door wagon, a 4-door sedan, a 2-door sedan, a 4-door hardtop, a 2-door hardtop, and a 2-door convertible. Dodge also offered buyers a number of engine options to pick from. The most advanced Dodge Dart models were offered in multiple engine variants. First up was the Slant-6 engine option. Slant-6 is the popular name for a Chrysler inline-6 internal combustion engine with a reverse-flow cylinder head and cylinder bank inclined at a 30-degree angle from vertical. The other option was a LA V8 engine - another special engine built by Chrysler. Buyers could also pick from two other advanced V8 engine options: the RB V8 engine and the 2G Hemi V8 engine. Such powerful engine options coupled with impressive transmission features propelled the Dodge Dart to perform outrageously compared to most of its "muscle" peers. The Dodge Dart was also popular for its stunning looks. On the inside, it was super comfy, spacious, and posh. Though not exactly track-tearing, a top speed in excess of 110 miles per hour, makes the Dodge Dart one of the quickest muscle cars from the 20th century. Furthermore, this Dodge muscle car's acceleration was impressive too. It could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over 10 seconds. If you were to travel a quarter-mile in the Dodge Dart, you could do it in just over 19 seconds. Impressive! Don't you think?
Motorsport History
The Dodge Dart was quite a rage among buyers back in the day. However, it was also offered in a few other packages. The Dodge Dart found its way on the roads as taxis and police cars. Most of the standard features stayed the same apart from a few tweaks here and there. Additionally, the Dodge Dart was offered in "Sport" and "Lite" packages. This Dodge muscle car also left its mark in the motorsport circuit. Multiple Dodge Dart variants participated and impressed in D-Dart and SCCA Competition. Bob Tullius' race team, called "Group 44", won the 24-hour endurance race at Marlboro Motor Raceway in car no. 4 driven by Tullius and Tony Adamowicz. The Dodge Dart also left its mark at the Riverside International Raceway. Thanks to some out-of-the-box thinking by then Chrysler staff engineer, Larry Shephard, the Dodge Dart went on to be a massive success at the "Super Stock" racing competitions.
Premium Features At An Affordable Price
It is an undeniable fact that the Dodge Dart was one of the cheapest muscle cars back in the day. However, what is also undeniable is the fact that it is one of the most memorable muscle cars of all time. The Dodge Dart is a cherished gem that continues to mesmerize automobile lovers decades later. This Dodge muscle car's legacy can be summarized in the below excerpt from an interview by then vice president of Chrysler's Automotive sales division, R.D. McLaughlin.
"The Dart is one of the most successful compact cars ever introduced in the American automobile marketplace. It enjoys strong owner loyalty and is a car that has established a reputation for reliability and value."
While most muscle cars these days - new, old, or modified - will cost you a fortune, the Dodge Dart is a rare exception. To own one of these Dodge muscle car models, you don't need to break the bank. Depending on the condition of the model, the Dodge Dart will cost you anywhere between $6,000 to $20,000 - a bargain price for one of the most cherished muscle cars of all time.