1963 Dodge Dart

Besides the addition of a few more models, also new for the Dodge Dart in 1963 was the Straight-Line design.  Renowned for its increased front windshield visibility, the design streaks the roof overhead without cutting the rear corner and adds more headroom in the front and back. 
  
Dart 170 low line series for the year with accessories such as front and rear armrests, sun visor, a lighter, back seat ash tray, color keyed interior.  Next up is the Dart 270, available in a 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, convertible or 4-door station wagon and as with every Dart series came with the standard 170-cid six cylinder engine. A more sporty option was offered in the Dart GT series and came as a two-door hardtop or convertible.

Continuing on its success, the Torsion-Aire Suspension continued with torsion bars up front and asymmetrical leaf springs in back offer less lean and sway than with coil springs. A welded unitized body provided maximum strength and rigidity helping to eliminate squeaks, creaks and rattles. Wrapping up the exterior was a seven stage rustproofing process of dips and sprays after which two coats of epoxy primer and two baked-on coats of Lustre-Bond Hi Baked Enamel sealed the outside to offer better protection.  Standard transmission is a 3-speed manual with shift lever on steering column; optional is the 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic with push-button controls.

1963 Dodge Dart Factory Specifications & Production

Model Number	Body/Style Number	Body Type & Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Total Production
Dart 170 Series
TL1L	713	4 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,041	2,634 lbs	Note 1
TL1L	711	2 dr Sedan - 6P	$1,983	2,614 lbs	Note 1
TL1L	756	4 dr Station Wagon - 6P	$2,309	2,735 lbs	Note 1
Dart 270 Series
TL1H	733	4 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,135	2,644 lbs	Note 2
TL1H	731	2 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,079	2,624 lbs	Note 2
TL1H	735	2 dr Convertible - 5P	$2,385	2,710 lbs	Note 2
TL1H	776	4 dr Station Wagon - 6P	$2,433	2,745 lbs	Note 2
Dart GT Series
TL1P	742	2 dr Hardtop Coupe - 5P	$2,290	2,661 lbs	Note 3
TL1P	745	2 dr Convertible - 5P	$2,512	2,740 lbs	Note 3

Note:

1. A total of 51,300 Dart 170s were produced. Total station wagon production for both Dart 170 and 270 totaled 13,000. Individaul breakdowns are not available.
2. A total of 55,300 Dart 270s were produced. Total station wagon production for both Dart 170 and 270 totaled 13,000. Individaul breakdowns are not available.
3. A total of 34,300 Dart GTs were produced. Individaul breakdowns are not available.

Chassis Specifications

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Width	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Dart	111 in	195.9 in	68.7 in	55.9 in	55.6 in	6.50 x 13
Dart Station Wagon	106 in	190.2 in	68.8 in	55.9 in	55.6 in	6.50 x 13

1963 Dodge VIN Decoding

Serial Numbers were stamped on a metal plate on the left front door pillar.

First Symbol - Model/Engine 4 = Dart - six cylinder 6 = Dodge V8 5 = Dodge 880 V8 7 = Dart 170/270/GT Second Symbol - Series 1 = 170/330/Custom 880 6 = 440 station wagon 2 = 440 7 = Polara/270 station wagon 3 = 270/Polara 8 = Taxicab 4 = Dart GT/Polara 500 9 = Police Special 5 = 170/330/880/Custom station wagon 10 = Fleet car Third Symbol - Year 3 = 1963 Fourth Symbol - Assembly Plant 2 = Dodge Main 6 = Newark, DE 3 = Detroit (Jefferson) 7 = St. Louis, MO 5 = Los Angeles, CA   Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence Started at 100001