This 1966 Dodge Dart (chassis L023D62653920) is claimed to be one of 50 genuine D-Dart factory lightweight versions built for NHRA D-Stock drag racing. This one has been modified for A-Sedan road racing, a look and function we like even better. These special versions all came in white with red interior and 40 additional horses (for a total of 275) from their 273ci V8s, and there is some good info on the model and its development here on Supercars.net. Find this one here on eBay in Saint Charles, Missouri with reserve not met.
According to the above-linked article, an L023 chassis prefix suggests this is a legit D-Dart, though regardless of its true history we think it looks outstanding. Stripped of its bumpers and wearing what seems like a very recently applied white/metal flake red color scheme, it looks both appropriately vintage and very nicely done. 15” Minilites with fat Goodyear slicks are perfect, and this head-on view with its exposed radiator and front subframe is our favorite of all.
The cabin is an interesting and attractive mix of stock and stripped, and we like how the stock dash, steering wheel and door cards/side panels offset bare floors, rear parcel shelf and inner C-pillars. A partial, bolt-in cage and low back, period style race seat look good, though may not stand up to scrutineering. The exposed shift assembly and kinked T-handle Hurst shifter are beautiful to look at, and just two of dozens of great design details scattered throughout this build.
Dodge squeezed that extra 40 horses out via a hi-lift cam, uprated valve springs, a big carb and headers–all off-the shelf speedshop stuff already available in the aftermarket. This one looks largely stock underhood, though with extra weight savings and stickier tires should probably be good for slightly better ET’s than the 14.3 @ 92.2 MPH recorded by Car Craft back in the day.
Upgrades include a trunk-mounted fuel cell, slotted disc brakes running off what looks to be the standard, unboosted master cylinder, MSD ignition and side exit exhausts. We’d love to see it in action and running in close quarters with Falcons, Camaros and various AMC tin tops.
Said to be race-ready, we think it’d look even better with a scuffed up driver’s floor board and some track rash around the radiator, but love the idea of getting in some street driving too—a clear title might make that possible, though we’d hate to have to put the bumpers back on.