Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

D-Dart Followers,
Remember, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".
The value of a D-Dart is difficult to pin-point.
Hard to imagine the owner passing up a bid of $40,000.
Now, if it was one of the D-Darts with a photo history with the likes of
(ie; "The Politician", "Little Ramchargers", "Crouch & Richardson",
"Porach Dodge" or "Suburban Dodge") than possibly the value would
be well worth the purchase.
Maybe, even the white D-Dart that was featured in Car Craft magazine,
back in May 1966. White, with Cragars, and a posted ET of 14.33 on
the window. (Wherever that car might be?)
As for calling people names. That's reserved for Chevy and Ford
competitors;). You Mopar guys must stick together. :rolleyes:
As for Galen Govier (GTS). His information should be used as a tool in
documenting a car, not the "End all and be all". He is providing legend information, but remember, he was not there when the car was built.
As for the D-Darts. Remember, the cars were built in 1966, the only year the car fit that class D/Stock. In 67' they were in C/S, and in 68' F/S and so on. The real value in this car is the mystery that surrounds it. Really, does anyone remember seeing a D-Dart race. Maybe a few. How many were really produced. Were 50 produced in April 1966. Did Dodge
send a true (purchase/owner) list to the NHRA, for classification. Those are legitimate questions. The main problem with the cars, is that
though several were out there racing, none ever established any true
dominant presence. The strength in the car was the mystery behind it,
or should I say "mistaken belief".
Paul

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

Paul,
Thanks for the reply. It was well said.

I'm one of the guys that love the little D/Darts and that's why I search for information on the cars. That's also why I bought the two of them when they went up for sale. I'm lucky I have an understanding wife. The only reason that I sold the one was because the buyer was willing to pay me what I wanted for it.

To the best of my knowledge, they did make 50 cars. By my records, "The Politician" was the first car built with the VIN 888. A gentleman in Ga. ownes car number 937. That would make 50 cars. I have the current owners names, VINs and S/O numbers on 8 additional cars (that still exist) that fall between these two VIN's. I also have paperwork for the Poarch Dodge that falls between the 888 and 937 VINs.

The second owner of Ted's old D/Dart ran it in L/SA at Lapeer Dragway in 1970. He sold it to Al Adam in 1971. I was never able to get any info from Al on the car as to what class and what it ran when he had it.

With all this D/Dart talk, I think I'm going to have to take the car for a quick jaunt around the block. I think I'll have to wait till Monday when all the kids are in school and the parents are at work.
Alan Hvizdos

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

Alan,
Thank you for the kind reply.
Just trying to helpful. Good for you, on the (2) D-Darts. Especially on
the first one produced. Ted Spehar, excellent Mopar performance
technician. Put together several Mopar Drag cars.
Ted, got one of the original 65' A-990 S/SA Hemi cars back in early 65' (#14 car). Ran it out of his Birmingham, Michigan shop.
As for the car running in L/SA back in 70'. That doesn't compute.
Unless it was running in some AHRA designation.
The D-Dart in 1970 (NHRA classification) would have been classed in
G/Stock (10.71 wt/hp), with all the 289/271 HP K-Code 65'/66' Mustangs.
The L/SA designation ?. Did he switch over to an automatic. Our
273/235 HP 67' Cuda was running in K/Stock in 1970.
I'll post more later.
Good HI-Po Hunting.......Paul

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

Ok guys, results of todays bidding. The D/Dart, Lot S47 was a no sale with bidding stalled at $35,000. Guy should of taken the money and run. I would still love to have that car.

I should also note that a 63 Dart resto/mod sold today for 63K. Go figure!!

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

I envy you Alan. I would love to have one of those cars

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

No sale at Mecum. Price $35,000. This may not be real money since it was a no sale. I never trust the money on a no sale.

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

Never trust the money on an auction "sale" either. Too many of the supposed big dollar sales have been proven to be shill auctions or outright frauds.

Not hating here, but I can not understand the car not selling for $35K. The early A bodies are an odd lot with not much of a following, and the D-Darts just don't have that much history. A good early A will rarely ever go over $10K, I'd think $35K would be a gift.

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

Well put "bigshow296".
Without any history (Paper-trail) hard to think the owner passed up a
legitimate offer of $35,000.
FECARMAN may be closer to the truth, "Monopoly" money!!!

If you look closely at this car, many things do not look correct. I'm no expert, but I know a little. I'll list errors later:confused:
The Ellis Collection lists the car as "described as"
And also states; "This particular example"
And Galen Govier decoding states that the D-Dart was built at
Hamtramck on April 17, 1966.
But, was THIS car built their on THIS date, and is THIS car an original
D-Dart?
Message to the owner.. That was a generous offer $35,000.
Message to the buyer...."Caveat emptor"
PC

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

Paul,
Yes it is a true D/Dart. I'll vouch for it. Having spent many hours working on this particular car, I learned a lot about the D/Darts and how to verify ones authenticity. There are a lot of things wrong on the car. I could make a list a lot longer then yours. But I won't. I just hope they fix the blatient mistakes before it goes on the block again.

At $35-$40K, I don't think they would break even on the car. With it being a 1 of 50 car, they put a lot of money into it. I'd like to see it go for $50K or more. That would make my other one a little more valuable.
Alan

Re: '66 Dodge D-Dart at Mecum auction
 

I told you guys a long time ago that it was a poor restoration. Those cars are not worth anywhere near that kind of money no matter how much is invested to restore them.