8/3/2023 0 Comments 1968 dodge dart![]() ![]() There's just something about a broad-shouldered Dodge that appeals to pretty much everyone. And the result is one sweet MoPar A-body that, in addition to being a blast to look at, placed fourth in its class at the Detroit Autorama and received a feature in Hot Rod Magazine! That freshening included sophisticated Dodge PE4 red that was sprayed in the form of smooth Deltron CONCEPT DCC Acrylic Urethane single-stage. That profile, in this case authentic H-code metal, benefitted from a 2-year, nut-and-bolt restoration that wrapped in early 2019. For starters, Dodge did a great job whittling Exner's artistic Forward Look fuselage into a universally appealing profile that directly supports the brand's performance and practicality. And if you're a discerning enthusiast who wants big power that's wrapped in head-turning style and poised for years of weekend fun, it's just the “more” you're looking for!įirst impressions are important, and this traditional Dart certainly makes a strong one. The product of a detailed, nut-and-bolt restoration, it backs 383 cubic inches of massaged big block with retro upholstery, a professionally rebuilt 4-speed, an upgraded suspension and buttery urethane pigment. Take this awesome fourth-gen coupe, for example. And in the world of collector cars, most folks want the whole package, as in more power, more style AND more fun. Best known for its tough GTS model, the Dart has proven an excellent platform for building impressive, neck-snapping performers. Ask a MoPar guy that same question and you'll hear a proud recitation of the history of the Dodge Dart. Werner sold off his prized collection at a Mecum auction in 2019.Ground Up Restored Dart GTS 383 V8 A833 4-speed Dana 60 Wilwood discsĪsk the average enthusiast to name a compact muscle car and most will inevitably say “Falcon” or “Nova”. The original B029 Barracuda that was campaigned by Sox & Martin was owned by collector Todd Werner, who also owned two Sox & Martin cars, and also Dick Landy’s 1968 L023 Dart. Gone are the 7” “cheater slicks”, which were replaced with Firestone Drag 500 slicks, which became the signature tire for the Sox & Martin team. In fact, their B029 Barracuda was used to boycott the rule changes from Super Stock to Pro Stock, which is a very popular drag racing class to this day. Their cars were known for their red, white, and blue paint jobs, and were seen competing at drag strips. The most famous B029 ‘Cuda was the car driven by Ronnie Sox, of the Sox & Martin Drag Racing team. These cars were then sold to racing teams across the country, and raced extensively. Like its counterpart, the 1968 Dodge L023 Dart, the B029 Barracuda was also delivered in primer grey with black gelcoat fenders. Not a whole lot is known about the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda B029, since the most famous Barracuda drag car at the time was the Hemi Under Glass, and that car was an exhibition wheelstander. If you want to see one of these special Darts up close, you will have to attend the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN), or attend one of the highly anticipated Mecum auctions. These cars can be found occasionally at Mecum auctions. Most of the restored L023 Darts have been painted to how they looked during their racing career. Cheater slicks were then replaced with Goodyear “Blue Streak” Dragway specials, but the front tires were the same, regular bias-ply tires from the beginning of the Super Stock class. It was an incredible battle between Ford, General Motors, and Mopar, watching these two go head to head. These cars were known to face off against opponents, such as “Dyno Don” Nicholson, Gas Ronda, and Al Joniec, all three of who were racing Ford Mustangs, powered by the 428 Cobra Jet V8. Cars like these were raced by drag racing greats, such as Shirley Shahan, Dick Landy, and Ronnie Sox. ![]() In 1968, the two hot cars for the Super Stock class were the 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart L023, and the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda B029. Normal bias-ply tires were swapped out for 7” “cheater slicks” in the rear, which was the only legal tire for the Super Stock class, up until 1968. Everyday grocery-getters were hopped up, and homologated to meet specifications to run in this class. You had drivers like Butch Leal, Dave Strickler, Al Joniec, Bill Jenkins, and Al Eckstrand, just to name a few. The Super Stock class was one of the big highlights of 1960s drag racing. ![]()
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