This 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix Convertible is a beautiful example

First-year, top-of-the-line Dart Phoenix comes outfitted with many fantastic options! With the start of a new decade in 1960, the Dodge division of Chrysler redesigned and expanded its product offerings. In the 50s, Dodge’s passenger cars were large and considered more upscale than say a Plymouth, and it would seem that they were competing with General Motors’ marques Pontiac and Oldsmobile, and Ford’s Mercury division. In other words, a Dodge wasn’t considered an entry level car, like a Plymouth, Chevrolet, or Ford might have been; that is, until 1960 when Dodge introduced its Dart line. The 1960 Dart was Dodge’s entry into the “low priced three” and the Dart line was divided into its own three distinct series, the entry-level Seneca, the intermediate Pioneer, and the top-of-the-line Phoenix. Sitting on a shorter wheelbase than the full-size Dodge passenger cars, the Dart was also more affordable than a full-size car with all but one Dart sporting an MSRP under $3,000. From a mechanical design prospective, Dodge also redesigned its passenger car lines which now sported the unitized uni-body design that would be touted by Dodge as a major technological improvement and would become a signature design element for Dodge and Chrysler products for years to come. As for the styling of the ’60 Dart, they retained some of the classic Virgil Exner “Forward Look” design elements but were a bit more subdued than the previous generations. A new-look “V” shaped along with redesigned chrome bezeled headlights provided a brand new appearance up front. Down the sides, the 1960 Dart design was simplified from the Dodge passenger cars of yesteryear with now just a simple chrome strip running from the front wheel opening through the rear quarter panel. The rear profile also changed significantly in 1960 with a pair of less pronounced tailfins and new taillight design, with the Dart’s tailfins less exaggerated than the full-size ’60 Dodge models. The introduction of the Dart was a major success for Dodge which became the sixth best-selling manufacturer in 1960. In total, Dodge built 8,817 convertibles split across its Dart Phoenix and Polara lines, which makes this particular example a pretty rare car to see today.

This rare Mopar most recently was cared for by a prominent California-based collector who clearly took great care of the car while under their ownership. Powering this ’60 Dart Convertible is 318 Cubic Inch V8 engine paired with a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced 255 horsepower when new. The 318 V8 is backed by an automatic transmission that is shifted with the novel push-button shifter. Exhaust exits the Dodge V8 powerplant via a dual exhaust setup that generates a nice throaty sound out of the rear tailpipes. Being that the Phoenix was the top trim level for the Dodge Dart in 1960, they typically came loaded with wonderful options! This 1960 Dart Phoenix Convertible is equipped with power brakes which makes bringing this 3,500+ pound Dodge to a complete stop much easier. With power steering, squeezing in and out of tight spaces at the local drive-in or car show is also a breeze and the overall driving experience is much improved. The white vinyl power convertible top is in wonderful condition and it goes up and down with ease all with the simple flick of a switch. Riding on a set of wide whitewall radial tires paired with a set of full wheelcovers, this ’60 Dodge Dart Convertible has a great look and even better ride. The exterior has been refinished correctly in a beautiful Azure Blue. Gorgeous chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this classic Mopar complete the exterior appearance. The interior of this 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix Convertible is absolutely stunning! The front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in beautiful two-tone color scheme consisting of blue and white vinyl. The futuristic-looking dash, two-tone color-matched door panels, blue carpeting, and steering wheel all appear to be in wonderful condition and all retain a nice stock appearance. The instrument panel consists of a 120 mph translucent speedometer, temperature gauge, and fuel gauge, along with indicator lights for oil pressure and amps. The dash is finished with a push-button AM radio, locking glovebox, and various controls for the car.

Price: Auction

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