The 1967 Dodge Dart, a name synonymous with American muscle car heritage, arrived on the scene with a bold statement, capturing the spirit of a nation on the move. This model year marked a pivotal point for the Dart, showcasing a complete redesign that set it apart from its predecessors and established it as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive landscape of the mid-1960s.
Dodge aimed to create a car that was both stylish and powerful, and the 1967 Dart delivered on both fronts. With its sharp lines, muscular curves, and a range of powerful engine options, the Dart became an instant hit with performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
The 1967 model year saw the introduction of the iconic Dart GT, a performance-oriented trim level that further cemented the Dart’s place in automotive history.
Introduction
The 1967 Dodge Dart was a significant model year for the compact car, marking the introduction of a completely redesigned second generation. This generation of the Dart was a departure from its predecessor, boasting a more modern and stylish design, along with a wider range of engine options and trim levels.The 1967 Dodge Dart played a crucial role in the brand’s strategy to compete in the growing compact car market, a segment dominated by rivals like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
This model year saw the introduction of several notable features that would become synonymous with the Dart, including the iconic “slant six” engine, a range of body styles, and a focus on performance and affordability.
Key Features and Design Elements
The 1967 Dodge Dart introduced a distinctive design that set it apart from its predecessors. The car featured a longer wheelbase and a wider track, resulting in a more spacious interior and a more stable ride. The exterior design was characterized by its sleek, angular lines, a prominent grille, and distinctive taillights.
- Engine Options:The 1967 Dodge Dart offered a variety of engine options, including the 170-cubic-inch “slant six” engine, a 225-cubic-inch “slant six,” and a 273-cubic-inch V8. These engines provided a range of performance options to suit different driver needs and preferences.
- Body Styles:The 1967 Dodge Dart was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, a two-door convertible, and a station wagon. This range of body styles allowed the Dart to appeal to a wide range of buyers, from those seeking sporty performance to families needing more cargo space.
- Interior Features:The 1967 Dodge Dart featured a spacious and comfortable interior, with a variety of trim levels and options available. Some models offered features such as bucket seats, a center console, and a sporty steering wheel.
- Performance and Handling:The 1967 Dodge Dart was known for its nimble handling and responsive performance, especially when equipped with the optional V8 engine. The car’s suspension system was designed to provide a comfortable ride while also offering good handling characteristics.
Design and Styling
The 1967 Dodge Dart, a compact car introduced in 1960, underwent a significant redesign for the 1967 model year, offering a fresh and modern look. This redesign aimed to attract a wider range of buyers, including younger demographics, and was a significant departure from the previous generation.
The Dart’s styling, characterized by clean lines and a sleek profile, reflected the design trends of the mid-1960s.
The 1967 Dodge Dart, a compact car that offered a blend of affordability and style, was a popular choice for families and individuals alike. While the Dart was known for its practicality, Dodge also offered larger, more luxurious models like the 1968 Dodge Polara , which catered to a different segment of the market.
The Polara, with its spacious interior and powerful engine options, provided a more opulent driving experience, further showcasing Dodge’s diverse range of vehicles during that era.
Exterior Design
The 1967 Dodge Dart featured a distinctive exterior design that showcased its contemporary styling. The car’s body lines were sharp and angular, with a prominent grille and a sloping hood. The grille, a prominent feature of the car’s front end, was designed with a series of vertical chrome bars, while the headlights were rectangular and positioned on either side of the grille.
The Dart’s profile was characterized by a long, flowing roofline and a gently sloping rear window. The rear end of the car featured taillights that extended horizontally across the rear deck.The 1967 Dodge Dart was available in several body styles, including a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan, and a two-door convertible.
The Dart was also offered in several trim levels, each with its unique exterior styling cues. The base model, the Dart 170, featured simple chrome trim and minimal exterior adornments. The Dart 270, a step up from the base model, included more chrome trim and a distinctive grille design.
The top-of-the-line Dart GT, designed for performance and sportiness, boasted a unique grille, side scoops, and a sport-oriented suspension.
Interior Design
The interior of the 1967 Dodge Dart was designed to offer a comfortable and stylish driving experience. The car’s interior featured a spacious cabin with comfortable seating, a well-designed dashboard, and a range of upholstery options. The seats, available in cloth or vinyl, were designed for comfort and support.
The dashboard was laid out in a functional and intuitive manner, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. The 1967 Dodge Dart offered a variety of interior features, depending on the trim level. Standard features included an AM radio, a heater, and a rear window defroster.
Optional features included a power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning.
Trim Levels and Features
The 1967 Dodge Dart was available in several trim levels, each offering a unique set of features. Here is a table that summarizes the different trim levels and their key features:| Trim Level | Engine Options | Standard Features | Optional Features ||—|—|—|—|| Dart 170 | 170 cu in (2.8 L) I6 | AM radio, heater, rear window defroster | Power steering, power brakes, air conditioning || Dart 270 | 225 cu in (3.7 L) I6 | AM radio, heater, rear window defroster, more chrome trim | Power steering, power brakes, air conditioning || Dart GT | 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 | AM radio, heater, rear window defroster, sport-oriented suspension, unique grille and side scoops | Power steering, power brakes, air conditioning |
Engine and Performance
The 1967 Dodge Dart offered a range of engine options, catering to diverse driving preferences and needs. From economical choices to powerful V8s, the Dart provided a selection that balanced performance with fuel efficiency.
Engine Options
The 1967 Dodge Dart presented a selection of engines, each offering distinct characteristics:
- 170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-Six:This engine, standard in the base Dart, generated 101 horsepower and provided a fuel-efficient option for everyday driving. Its simplicity and reliability made it a popular choice for commuters and those seeking economical transportation.
- 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-Six:A more powerful version of the Slant-Six, this engine produced 145 horsepower. This option provided a balance of performance and efficiency, making it suitable for both city and highway driving.
- 273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8:For those seeking more power, the 273 cu in LA V8 offered 180 horsepower. This engine provided a significant boost in acceleration and overall performance, making the Dart a more spirited driver.
- 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8:This powerful V8, available in the Dart GT, generated 230 horsepower. It offered impressive acceleration and top-end speed, making the Dart GT a true performance car.
Transmission Choices
The 1967 Dodge Dart was available with a variety of transmissions, providing flexibility in driving style and fuel efficiency:
- 3-speed manual:This transmission was standard in the base Dart and provided a simple and economical driving experience.
- 3-speed automatic:This automatic transmission offered convenience and smooth acceleration, making it a popular choice for everyday driving.
- 4-speed manual:This transmission was available on the Dart GT and provided a more engaging driving experience with increased performance.
Performance Characteristics
The 1967 Dodge Dart offered a range of performance characteristics depending on the engine and transmission combination chosen. The base Dart with the 170 cu in Slant-Six provided a comfortable and fuel-efficient driving experience. The 225 cu in Slant-Six offered a noticeable increase in power, making it a more versatile choice.
The 273 cu in V8 provided a significant performance boost, while the 318 cu in V8 in the Dart GT delivered true muscle car performance.
The 1967 Dodge Dart was a popular compact car that offered a blend of style and affordability. While the Dart was a symbol of the era’s automotive advancements, it’s interesting to note the lineage of Dodge vehicles that came before it.
The 1935 Dodge Sedan , for example, showcased a different era of automotive design with its Art Deco influences and robust build. Both the 1967 Dart and the 1935 Sedan represent Dodge’s commitment to delivering reliable and functional vehicles for various generations of drivers.
The 1967 Dodge Dart offered a diverse range of engine and transmission options, allowing buyers to tailor the car to their specific needs and driving preferences.
Handling and Ride
The 1967 Dodge Dart, while known for its affordability and stylish design, also offered a decent driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and steering system. This section will delve into the handling characteristics, ride quality, and braking system of the 1967 Dodge Dart, providing insights into its overall driving dynamics.
Handling Characteristics
The 1967 Dodge Dart featured a conventional suspension setup, employing coil springs and shock absorbers at all four corners. The front suspension was a standard independent setup with control arms, while the rear utilized a live axle with leaf springs.
This combination provided a balance between ride comfort and handling capabilities. The steering system was a recirculating ball setup, offering a responsive and direct feel. This allowed for precise maneuvering and predictable handling, particularly at lower speeds. However, at higher speeds, the steering could feel a bit vague and less precise.
Ride Quality
The 1967 Dodge Dart’s ride quality was generally considered comfortable, thanks to its well-dampened suspension. The combination of coil springs and shock absorbers effectively absorbed road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough surfaces. The Dart’s suspension provided a good balance between comfort and handling, allowing for a pleasant driving experience on various road conditions.
However, some models with larger engine options and performance-oriented tires might have exhibited a slightly firmer ride, prioritizing handling over pure comfort.
Braking System
The 1967 Dodge Dart featured a hydraulic drum brake system on all four wheels. This system provided adequate stopping power for its time, but it lacked the responsiveness and stopping power of modern disc brakes. The drum brakes were effective for everyday driving, but they required more pedal pressure to achieve a full stop, especially when loaded or under emergency braking conditions.
The braking system was also susceptible to brake fade during extended periods of heavy braking.
Notable Features
The 1967 Dodge Dart offered a variety of features, both standard and optional, catering to diverse needs and preferences. From comfort and convenience to safety and technological advancements, the Dart aimed to provide a compelling package for its time.
Optional Equipment and Accessories
The 1967 Dodge Dart presented a range of optional equipment and accessories that enhanced its functionality and appeal.
- Power Steering: This feature eased steering effort, particularly at low speeds, making maneuvering in urban environments more effortless.
- Power Brakes: This option provided increased stopping power, enhancing safety and driver confidence, especially during emergency braking situations.
- Automatic Transmission: The availability of an automatic transmission offered convenience and ease of driving, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or for drivers who preferred a less demanding driving experience.
- Air Conditioning: Air conditioning was a desirable option in warmer climates, providing a comfortable cabin environment, especially during hot summer months.
- Radio: A radio was a common option, offering entertainment and connectivity while on the road.
- Vinyl Roof: A vinyl roof added a touch of elegance and style, giving the Dart a more luxurious appearance.
- Wheel Covers: Wheel covers provided a more polished look and enhanced the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
Safety Features, 1967 Dodge Dart
Safety was a growing concern in the automotive industry during the 1960s, and the 1967 Dodge Dart incorporated several safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident.
- Padded Dashboard: The dashboard was padded to help reduce the severity of injuries in case of a frontal collision.
- Safety Belts: The Dart came equipped with safety belts, a crucial safety feature that helped restrain occupants during a crash.
- Collapsible Steering Column: The steering column was designed to collapse in a crash, minimizing the risk of injury to the driver.
Technological Advancements
The 1967 Dodge Dart showcased some technological advancements that were becoming increasingly common in automobiles of the era.
- Disc Brakes: While not standard on all models, disc brakes were available on some Darts, offering improved braking performance and stopping power compared to drum brakes.
- Torsion-Bar Suspension: The Dart featured a torsion-bar suspension system, known for its ability to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics.
- Electric Windshield Wipers: Electric windshield wipers, rather than vacuum-powered wipers, provided more consistent and reliable operation.
Legacy and Impact: 1967 Dodge Dart
The 1967 Dodge Dart, a pivotal model in the automotive industry, left an enduring mark on the landscape of American cars. Its success can be attributed to its combination of affordability, stylish design, and reliable performance, which resonated with a wide audience.
Cultural Significance
The 1967 Dodge Dart captured the spirit of the 1960s, a time of social and cultural upheaval. Its youthful appeal and sporty styling made it a popular choice among young drivers and enthusiasts. The Dart’s association with the counterculture movement further solidified its place in the cultural zeitgeist.
Epilogue
The 1967 Dodge Dart left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape, leaving a legacy of performance, style, and affordability. Its influence can still be felt in modern muscle cars, a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic American classic.
Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or simply appreciate the timeless beauty of classic automobiles, the 1967 Dodge Dart remains a captivating symbol of a bygone era, reminding us of the passion and innovation that drove the automotive industry forward.
