1968 Dodge Dart Gts 440
The Dodge Dart was a compact, economical second car for families. An inline six-cylinder engine or modest V-8 provided the power. But for 1968, Dodge decided to compete against the Chevrolet Nova Super Sport with the performance-oriented Dart GTS 440.
Although it was a powerful beast, Dodge only manufactured 68 units and sold them at Chicago’s Grand Spaulding Auto Sales performance-car specialists.
Background
The Dart GTS came with a host of advancements to give it a performance edge over the Nova SS. Buyers could order the GTS with the standard 340-cubic-inch V-8 or the 383. The 383 V-8 was heavier than the 340 and overall performance suffered because of the added weight.
The 340 matched the lightweight body well while generating more than 300 horsepower. The 440, on the other hand, was essentially an all-out, straight-line drag performer, since the huge engine left no room for a power-steering unit.
The GTS also could be equipped with the 426 Hemi, but Dodge only sold 80 so equipped. The GTS came with a chrome-tipped, low-restriction exhaust system, 14-inch rims, and a sport-tuned suspension.
A three-speed manual transmission with the shift on the column was standard, although buyers usually opted for the Hurst four-speed on the floor or Torque-Flite automatic transmission. The GTS featured air vents and a power bulge on the hood, GTS badging, bucket seats and a no-cost optional bumble bee stripe on the rear.
Under the Hood
The 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 440 came with a Chrysler RB-series 440-cubic-inch V-8 with two valves per cylinder and a four-barrel Carter carburetor.
It had a 4.04-inch bore and 3.31-inch stroke and developed a whopping 375 horsepower and 490 foot-pounds of torque. In contrast, the 340 generated 275 horsepower and 340 foot-pounds of torque while the 383 delivered 300 horsepower and 400 foot-pounds of torque.
The 440 hit 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds, while the 340 was a second slower in the 0-to-60 time tests and reached the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds. Most buyers preferred the Hurst four-speed manual. The rear axle ratio was 3.54-to-1.
Dimensions
Dodge placed the 1968 GTS 440 and its siblings on an 111-inch wheelbase. The GTS was 195.4 inches long, 69.6 inches wide and 52.9 inches high. The front track measured 58.1 inches and the rear track was 56.3 inches. It had a turning radius of 38.7 feet. Its curb weight was 3,527 pounds and the fuel tank held 18 gallons.
Chassis
All Dodge Dart models came with independent front suspension with torsion bars and a rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs. Standard models came with all-wheel drum brakes, but front discs were optional on other models.
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