Documented 1 of 5 Dart GTS Convertible 383 4 Speed

Sometimes it seems the Mopar guys are so busy chasing Chargers and Daytonas that they forget about Dodge's equally awesome, and sometimes more exclusive, Dart GTS. Lightweight, and available with an array of ground-pounding V8s, the unassuming Dart was the fratzog brand's reasonably-priced alternative for buyers who wanted big performance for not a lot of money. And ultimately, when it comes to modern day collectability, living in the shadows of those more famous brothers was a great thing for cars like this striking GTS. One of only five 383/4-speed Dart GTS convertibles built, and the only Medium Copper Metallic example known to exist, this square-jawed land rocket is an incredibly rare car that's freshly restored, highly correct and fully documented. Congratulations to the car's lucky new owner on picking up his next trophy winner!

Yes, this is a real one-of-one Dart GTS drop-top. And yes, it is fresh out of a ground-up restoration that was conducted by the pros at our own RKM Performance Center. As you all probably know, the guys at RKMPC work with a lot of vintage metal. But, given this stunning rag-top's exclusivity, they pulled no punches in making it one of the absolute best Mopar restorations on the planet. Here's what Chrysler Historical Services has on file for the car's VIN, delivery information and optional equipment:

VIN: LP27H72XXXXXX

* L – Dodge Dart
* P -- Premium
* 27 -- Convertible
* H – 383 cubic inch high performance V8 that's fitted with one 4-barrel carburetor
* 7 – 1967 model year
* 2 -- Assembled at Chrysler's Hamtramck manufacturing facility
* XXXXXX -- Production sequence number

DELIVERY INFORMATION:

* Region – Kansas City, Missouri
* Dealer – Swift Dodge in North Kansas City, Missouri
* Shipped date – March 21, 1967

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* TT1 Medium Copper Metallic paint
* Floor-shifted 4-speed manual transmission
* 3.23 gears
* 383 cubic inch V8 that's equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust
* D70x14 Red Streak tires
* Transaudio AM radio
* Windshield tint
* White convertible top

This awe-inspiring convertible rolled into the RKM Performance Center looking weathered but complete. After 44 years of road time, you might expect any steel body to be a ball of rust. But, aside from a thorough sandblasting, the car needed very little metalwork. Our team's goal was to keep this Dodge as close to 100% Chrysler Corporation as possible, so they went to work straightening, flattening and finessing its body into clean, laser-straight surfaces. Since that body had never been wrinkled, or had any unfortunate run-ins with a drag strip guard rail, its reassembled panels displayed stellar gaps. Eventually, weeks of primer and sanding counted down to a glossy coat of Chrysler code T Medium Copper Metallic two-stage. And today, this spotless Dart reflects a finish that's not too light, not too dark and just as sublime as its rhythmical name suggests.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful compact platforms to ever roll out of Detroit, the Dart offered buyers the same excellent combination of performance and style in the '60s as it does today. At the front of the car, a black, anodized grille centers blocky “GT” lettering between large parking lamps, large headlights and a pristine chrome bumper. Above that grille, a “DODGE” branded hood flows to fresh glass that's cleared by satin-finished wipers, framed in new stainless trim and capped in correct White vinyl. Below that glass, faceted body panels are detailed with traditional door handles, ornate rocker trim and a correct chrome mirror. At the base of that mirror, a familiar Chrysler pentastar combines with stylish, fratzog-branded fender spears to perfectly complement bold “GTS” and “383 FOUR BARREL” emblems. And at the back of the car, an anodized valence centers more “GT” lettering between canted tail lights and a second pristine bumper.

Lift this Mopar's flat hood and you'll find a stalwart, 383 cubic inch B V8 that, while generally underappreciated, was versatile enough to serve as Chrysler's big motor backbone for well over a decade. At the top of the Corporate Blue block, an orange-detailed Carter 4-barrel funnels wind from an Organisol-dressed air cleaner to a high performance intake. At the sides of that intake, attractive chrome valve covers cap correct heads, which hang over professionally restored exhaust manifolds. At the front of those manifolds, a traditional points distributor sequences spark through Chrysler Corporation Electronic Suppression cables. And in front of that distributor, a beefy Chrysler radiator circulates water through fresh Chrysler hoses and familiar squeeze clamps. Overall, the clean engine bay is a nice combination of form and function, featuring items like a retro yellow cap battery, a reproduction Certicard and an old school Chrysler washer tank. And everything from its fenders to its firewall is coated in the same excellent looking two-stage as the car's glossy exterior panels.

Throw this Dodge on a lift and you'll find a fully restored undercarriage that, in addition to grilling many Fords and Chevys, looks clean enough to grille a rib eye steak on. Rock-solid floors, which are covered in a correct combination of gray primer and Medium Copper overspray, provide the perfect backdrop for a completely rebuilt suspension. Behind the motor, a 23-spline A833 4-speed takes care of gear selection while an 8.75-inch rear end spins power through 3.23 gears and a beefy Sure Grip differential. Around that drivetrain, an OEM-style chassis retains torsion bars up front and parallel leafs out back. Cool and confident stops are provided by a full set of manual drum brakes. Exhaust flows through traditional turbo mufflers. At the corners of the floor, 14-inch steel wheels spin D70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sport redlines around 'Mopar Mag' hub caps. And thorough examination of all this Dodge's bushings, lines and hoses ensures an excellent mix of road-ready reliability and red carpet appeal.

According to this Dart's fender tag, that nostalgic White interior is indeed factory-correct equipment. And, while many muscle car fans might prefer a traditional 'coal chamber' cockpit, there's no denying this classic's unique presence. The first thing that catches your eye is a duo of rebuilt bench seats which are firm to the touch and feature tightly-pleated covers. At the bottom of those seats, fade-free carpet flows past “Dart” branded floor mats to a small chrome shifter. Above that shifter, a warp-free dash anchors simple gauges and an old school Dart All Transistor radio in an attractive, C-notched contour. At the sides of that dash, white door panels hang bright chrome hardware between Flat Black frames, bold “DART GT” badges and stain-free armrests. The driver spins a simple black steering wheel around chrome, fratzog-branded horn hardware. And behind the cockpit, a fully restored trunk hauls a correct jack and a plaid-patterned mat below a fresh decklid decal.

The sale of this highly exclusive compact includes:

* An original broadcast sheet
* An original VIN tag
* An original fender tag
* Original marketing materials
* An original owner's manual
* The aforementioned Chrysler Historical Services document
* A stack of restoration photos

With collectors' primary focus on other members of Dodge's incredible family, it's been entirely too easy to overlook the sensible Dart. But that also means while this killer GTS offers the same performance and handsome good looks of its siblings, it's a much rarer, and better, long-term investment. Professionally finished in every way, this cool convertible is a fully-sorted classic that'll show well at any major event and hold its own at any stoplight in America. And it simply doesn't get much better than an extremely exclusive Mopar built by some of the best in the business!