The Dodge Dart line of the famous Dodge company was produced from 1959 to the 1976 model years. The Dart name first appeared in 1956, on a Chrysler show car that was later renamed the Dart Diablo. The production Dart was introduced as a full-size Dodge in 1960-61, transformed to a mid-size for 1962, and then was reduced further to a compact car from 1963 onwards. Add this to the list of things you didn't know about the Dodge Dart.
Although Dodge has churned out some beautiful cars in recent years, the Dodge Dart was not one of them. Even though the older 1967 Dodge Dart was for sale, we can't imagine too many people were clamoring to buy this model. Despite lasting four generations, the Dodge Dart collection was not the most stylish line produced by this automotive giant.
Let’s go in-depth as to why the 1962 Dodge Dart may have been the ugliest car of its time…
The Previous Year: 1961
The 1961 year of the Dodge Dart was restyled to emulate the larger Polara model. It kept three trim levels: the expensive Phoenix, the mid-range Pioneer, and the base Seneca. The engine choices featured the 225 cu slant-six and the 318 cu V8s.
The exterior styling of the 1961 car utilized reverse fins, rear fender scalloping, and a concave grille. Unfortunately, this styling by Virgil Exner was highly unpopular with Dodge consumers. Drivers complained that they could not see the tail lights of oncoming Dodge Dart cars, making it highly unsafe. The safety issues and the strange design of the car made this a very poor year for Dodge automobile sales.
The Year In Question: 1962
The 1962 model was the only Dodge Dart in the second generation. For this year, the Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix trim levels were all dropped. The trim level names became Dart, Dart 330, and Dart 440.
The Dart and Polara were both downsized in order to compete with other company leaders. The redesigned model was similar to an intermediate vehicle. This caused Dodge dealers to lash out, saying they wanted a true full-size car to offer potential buyers. Chrysler came back by offering a Dodge Custom 880, and not changing the 1962 Dodge Dart.
Suspension system
The 1962 Dart was on a unibody B platform, a ‘unibody’ platform refers to a structural system that contains support through an object’s exterior. The ‘B’ platform is the name of Chrysler’s midsize rear-wheel-drive car platform during this time period.
The rigidity and the suspension’s low weight gave the drivers ample handling, braking, and acceleration.
Finding a Scapegoat
Despite a trustworthy suspension system, the exterior of the 1962 Dodge Dart left little to be desired. Even Virgil Exner, the designer of the Dodge, said that they would not sell well due to the design. After being received negatively by dealers who got a look at the 1962 line, Chrysler freaked out - understandably. Exner was fired, since Chrysler needed to blame the catastrophe on someone.
By the end of the 1962 year, Dodge sales were down a whopping 25% from the previous year. Not to mention, this was after the 1961 sale left little to be desired. In 1962, Plymouth went from 4th to 8th place and the sale revenues were lower than they were in 1959.
Aesthetic Issues
The styling for the Dodge Dart was a hallmark and staple. The 1962 version featured an exaggerated fender trim line, low/high headlamps, and tail lamp treatments. Looking at the Dart from the front, the new design placed two headlamps outside of a trapezoid-shaped grille. The other two headlights were higher, within the forward-leaning vertical bar. The horizontal turn signals rested under the grille.
A kick-up in the rear side window added a little bit of an interesting flair, and the eight “gills” stamped into the quarter panel were certainly unique. The rear window of the two and four-door sedans was a wrap-around piece.
The grandiose styling and the interesting look were a staple of the 1962 Dodge Dart. Unfortunately, there was a huge decline in sales. Although the car had a personalized and unique look, it wasn’t the look the market was going for.