1965 Dodge Darts
The ’65 model was given a minor facelift with a new front clip and oval taillights. The author finds this year as the most cosmetically attractive. This year also brought about more interesting mechanical options. A hotter 273 4bbl was added to the list of engines. Transmissions remained unchanged, but the automatics were now shifted with a lever, either on the column or the floor. Cables still operated the transmissions, however. The stronger 8.75 rear end was now optional, along with four-piston front disc brakes.
There was also a couple special editions available. The
Dart Charger is a very rare edition that combined the 273 4bbl, heavy duty suspension, mag wheels, special badges and a special soft yellow color exterior. There was also a cheaper version that did not include the badges. Since it is hard to identify which cars came originally with the 273 4bbl from the VIN number, look at the rear valance. There is a small rectangular cutout (about 6.00” X 0.75”) on the driver’s side, just above where the resonator was mounted. Ordinary Darts did not have this cutout.