1960 Dodge Dart
1960 Dodge Dart

1960 Dodge Dart

Even though it was the entry level vehicle for Dodge, the 1960 Dart in its first year made a huge impact with 20 models to choose from in 3 series – the Phoenix, Pioneer and Seneca.   The Seneca was the base level available for the 1960 Dart, the Pioneer was the intermediate and the Phoenix was the top trim level.  Each offered Torsion-Aire Ride and Total Contact Brakes and unitized body and chassis construction.  The body is coated with 11 separate rustproofing treatments. It is dipped 7 times in rust and corrosion preventives to seal every crack and crevice, then 4 additional coats are sprayed on – 2 of primer and 2 of Lustre-Bond Hi-Baked Enamel.  The standard engine was the all new Economy Slant 6 engine and came with a standard 3-speed manual.  Optional transmission available included the TorqueFlite Six 3-speed automatic available with 6 cylinder, 2-speed PowerFlite automatic, or 3-speed TorqueFlite with torque converter. 1960 Dodge Dart Factory Specifications & Production
Model Number Body/Style Number Body Type & Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Total Production
Seneca Series
413/513 L41 4 dr Sedan - 6P $2,330/$2,449 3,420/3,600 lbs Note 1
411/511 L21 2 dr Sedan - 6P $2,278/$2,397 3,385/3,530 lbs Note 1
456/556 L45 4 dr Station Wagon - 6P $2,695/$2,815 3,805/3,975 lbs Note 1
Pioneer Series
423/523 M41 4 dr Sedan - 6P $2,459/$2,578 3,430/3,610 lbs Note 2
421/521 M21 2 dr Sedan - 6P $2,210/$2,530 3,375/3,540 lbs Note 2
422/522 M23 2 dr Hardtop Coupe - 6P $2,488/$2,607 3,410/3,610 lbs Note 2
466/566 M45A 4 dr Station Wagon - 6P $2,787/$2,906 3,820/4,000 lbs Note 2
467/567 M45B 4 dr Station Wagon - 9P $2,892/$3,011 3,875/4,065 lbs Note 2
Phoenix Series
433/533 H41 4 dr Sedan - 6P $2,595/$2,715 3,064/3,253 lbs Note 3
434/534 H43 4 dr Hardtop Sedan - 6P $2,677/$2,796 3,029/3,218 lbs Note 3
432/532 H23 2 dr Hardtop Coupe - 6P $2,618/$2,737 3,293/3,478 lbs Note 3
435/535 H27 2 dr Convertible - 6P $2,868/$2,988 3,460/3,690 lbs Note 3
Note: 1. Dart total production = 306,603. A total of 111,600 were Senecas. This figure includes Station Wagons but an underdermined # - A total of 51,600 were built for all Dodge models. 2. Dart total production = 306,603. Around 80,000 were Pioneers. This figure includes Station Wagons but an underdermined # - A total of 51,600 were built for all Dodge models. 3. Dart total production = 306,603. Around 70,000 were Phoenixs. This figure includes Station Wagons but an underdermined # - A total of 51,600 were built for all Dodge models. Side Note: In 1960, Dodge built 44,719 two-door sedans; 162,420 four-door sedans; 54,345 two-door hardtops; 20,216 four-door hardtops; 8,817 convertibles; 38,275 four-door station wagons with 2 seats; 13,379 station wagons with 3 seats. No individual breakdowns are available for body styles. Chassis Specifications
Model Wheelbase Overall Length Width Front Track Rear Track Tires
Dart 118 in 208.6 in 78 in - - 7.50 x 14
Dart Station Wagon 122 in 214.8 in 78 in - - 8.00 x 14
 

1960 Dodge VIN Decoding

Serial Numbers were stamped on a metal plate on the left front door body hinge post.
 
First Symbol - Model/Engine
4 = Dart - six cylinder 6 = Dodge - V8
5 = Dart - V8  
Second - Series
1 = Seneca/Matador 6 = Pioneer station wagon
2 = Pioneer 7 = Polara station wagon
3 = Phoenix/Polara 8 = Taxicab
5 = Seneca/ Matador station wagon 9 = Police Special
Third Symbol - Assembly Plant
1 = Lynch Rd 6 = Newark, DE
2 = Dodge Main 7 = St. Louis, MO
3 = Detroit (Jefferson) 8 = Clairpointe, MO
5 = Los Angeles, CA  
Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence
Started at 100001
 

Engine Data

Engine numbers are stamped on the top right front cylinder bank of the D-500 Ram; the left upper front of the Red Ram; divided between two bosses on the upper right fron and rear corners of the Economy Slant 6.
 
Engines Displacement Horsepower Bore & Stroke Compression Ratio Carburetor
P-22 = Economy Slant 6 6-225 145 3.40 x 4.13 8.5:1 1 BC
P-318 = Red Ram V8 8-318 230 3.91 x 3.31 9:1 4 BC
P-36 = Super Red Ram 8-361 295 4.12 x 3.38 10:1 4 BC
D-500 Ram 8-381 320 4.12 x 3.38 10:1 4 BC
P-38 = Ram Fire 8-383 325 4.25 x 3.38 10:1 4 BC

 

 
   
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