The early 1960s were a tumultuous time for Chrysler. As the corporation underwent a massive restructuring, Dodge found itself at the bottom of the totem pole, stripped of its former prominence, and left to fend for itself. This isolation, coupled with the broader range of offerings from Chrysler Plymouth Desoto dealerships, put Dodge at a significant disadvantage.
To counter this, Chrysler introduced the Dart in 1960, a full-size model that would eventually morph into a historic compact car. The 1960 Dart, with its bold and over-the-top styling, was a product of its time. However, as the decade progressed, Detroit’s design language shifted towards a more minimalist and understated approach.
This makes the 1960 Dart Phoenix, particularly in convertible form, a striking anomaly. With its intricate detailing and copious amounts of chrome, it stands in stark contrast to the sleek, flat-surfaced designs that would dominate the automotive world in the years to come.
Of the 330,600 Dodge Darts produced, approximately 72,000 were Phoenix models, and only a fraction of those were convertibles. The rarest of these are the Slant Six-powered examples, with fewer than 500 built. The V8-powered models, on the other hand, were far more popular, with over 7,000 units produced.
A relic of the past, a Dodge Dart with a storied history, recently emerged from a barn in Interlocken, Michigan. Hidden away for over a decade, this classic car has been given a new lease on life thanks to the meticulous efforts of detailer Dane Schemwell.
The Dart, once powered by a Spitfire V8 engine, has undergone a thorough cleaning and restoration, revealing its faded glory. Despite its age and modifications, the car retains its vintage charm and offers a look into the golden era of American automotive engineering.
