When Chrysler introduced the newly engineered Dodge in 1960, there were two series: junior Dart (with Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix models) and the senior Matador and Polara. The Dart was a sales success, stealing thunder from Plymouth’s traditional role as part of the “Low-Priced Three.” However, the facelifted 1961s were curiously designed, and sales suffered as a result. One of those kitschy Dodges is our Pick of the Day: a 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix two-door hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Terre Haute, Indiana. (Click the link to view the listing)
Under the skin, there were some great features with the 1960 Dodge, including Unibody construction, the introduction of the Slant Six, alternator replacing the generator, and D-500 Ram Induction 361 and 383 V8s. However, something happened along the way to 1961 as both junior and senior Dodges received a heavy facelift that could be characterized as “unfortunate.” A sad mouth grille and unusual reverse-slant fins did the Dodge no favors (and, over at Plymouth, things weren’t much better).
The Dart was carried over, continuing with three trim levels, but only the Polara remained in the senior series for 1961. The latter featured taillights sprouting from the rear fenders, while the Dart featured slim wrap-around units above the bumper that were so subtle that Dodge introduced clumsy accessory taillights in the middle of the model year to give more visibility from behind.
The early 1960s would continue to be a difficult time for Dodge, but it’s cars like this 78.3657-mile 1961 Dart Phoenix two-door hardtop that allow us to appreciate the 1960s interpretation of 1950s kitsch that the Chrysler Corporation seemed to promote. The seller doesn’t include much information, only saying it’s in “very good condition” and “all original — guaranteed to take you back in time.”
Since it’s claimed this Dart has a two-speed pushbutton automatic, it’s probably safe to say it is powered by a 230-horsepower 318 two-barrel. No big whoop, but the black paint with red interior (note the front seat with variable seatbacks), funky instrument panel and steering wheel, and dashboard-mounted rear mirror hit all the right notes. For $45,000, you could find a car that everyone owns, or you could have this. Ready to be outed as an extrovert?
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
…1961 Dodge and Plymouth designs have been referred to as “Virgil Exner on acid!” They look like five not-so-good designers all got their own way…all on one car! The Plymouths had an even more unfortunate looking front end on them than the Dodges! Then Chrysler Corp. made an error of judgement and “downsized” their full size Dodges and Plymouths for 1962 – again with different but weird styling…sales continued to plummet. They finally started correcting these problems by 1963 – before sales plummeted further. Right or wrong, Exner was the scapegoat, and was replaced by Elwood Engel from FoMoCo as Design Chief of Chrysler Corporation, starting in late 1961 / early 1962.
Yes – the 1961 Dodge and Plymouth designs were quite unfortunate – around Detroit I’ve heard them referred to as “Virgil Exner on acid!” The 1961 Plymouths had an even weirder front end design than the Dodges…all these cars look like five mediocre designers all got their own way – on the same car! Needless to say, sales went down as a result. Then things continued on a bad trend in 1962, when Chrysler Corp. decided to downsize all the full size cars (based on some bad corporate espionage work that GM was doing the same – they weren’t!) – with different, but still weird styling – a double whammy that saw sales plummet further. Thankfully, Chrysler Corp. started correcting these errors for 1963. Virgil Exner wound-up being a scapegoat for this early 60’s Dodge & Plymouth styling malaise, and was replaced as Design Chief by Elwood Engle – who came over from Ford Motor Company – in late 1961 / early 1962.
Diego, perhaps Bryan W. is correct, I was born in ’59 and have only seen these as used or in salvage yards (and my Dad worked for GM his entire life, and I’d prefer to avoid the chain clanking and poltergeist stuff). But I kinda like this- it looks like 1961, and the end of the Jet/Nuclear Age. All that chrome! And the OG Star Trek dash! It may have failed then, but I’d drop the front, throw on some TorqThrusts, Flowmaster 3″ duals, and be the only one at all the regional shows. Bonus for a 440 with the long-ram badged as a Stage III 426.
I think it’s absolutely beautiful! What it shows to me is that the design department was willing to try different things.
These folks didn’t have computer design software, or computers! They had pencils, paper, and clay! They also had time limits because car designs changed every year, unlike the four wheeled, boring, money robbing, people movers of today.
If I was a dodge or Plymouth guy I would be all over this one. It is just cool
Good luck to the seller