Dodge's 111-inch-wheelbase models for 1965 present a lower and wider appearance, achieved by restyling the entire front end and redesigning the rear end.
The 20 six-cylinder and V-8 models are offered in three series: Dart (formerly Dart 170), Dart 270 and Dart GT. They will make their public debut in all Dodge dealerships next Friday (Sept. 25), the same day as Dodge's 1965 Coronet, Polara and Custom 880 lines.
The new hardtop, powered either by a six-cylinder or V-8 engine, rounds out the Dart 270 series line-up. Compact hardtop models previously have been available only in the top-of-the-line GT series.
The high performance engine, an exclusive in the Dart line, is a four-barrel carburetor version of the standard 273-cubic-inch V-8 and is rated at 235 horsepower. It is equipped with a long duration camshaft, special intake manifold and special pistons that boost the compression ratio to 10.5 to 1.
For the first time in the Dart, the factory-installed air conditioner provides cooling of fresh outside air and also combines heating and cooling in the same unit. This is accompanied by the use of separate air circuits for the heater core and cooling coil.
This compact system is packaged behind the instrument panel. Removal from the passenger compartment of all components that could be relocated provides improved foot and leg room for the front seat occupants.
Basic exterior dimensions of Dodge's compact Dart, for the third consecutive year, are 196 inches in overall length, 70 inches in width and 54 inches in height. The four station wagons -- all six-passenger, four-door models -- likewise retain the same measurements and again provide 68 cubic feet of cargo space.
The big oval-shaped tail lights are split -- half in the rear panel, half in the trunk lid face -- with the outer halves also serving as stop lights and turn signals.
Each of the series has its own distinguishing exterior ornamentation, but all three have rolled stainless drip rail covers and back window moldings extending along the tops of the side panels. Side trim below the window on the sporty GT series is limited to three simulated exhaust ports, stainless steel moldings around the wheel openings and name letters at the rear.
An option on the Dart GT hardtop provides a landau-type roof by covering the forward section, which is set off by two bright horizontal moldings, with either black or white vinyl.
A new paint finish previously used only on more expensive cars is offered in 15 colors. An acrylic enamel, its luster can be easily restored by buffing if neglect causes a dulling film. For the interior, blue, tan, turquoise and red are color choices in the Dart and Dart 270 series for both cloth-and-vinyl and all-vinyl upholstery. The Dart GT series again offers blue, tan, red and black plus a new white-with-gold color scheme.
Dart GT models are outfitted with individual front bucket seats which have six-way manual adjustment devices.
Standard engines for the Dart line are the 170-cubic-inch six-cylinder and the 273-cubic-inch two-barrel V-8 power plants, rated at 101 and 180 horsepower, respectively. Besides the new optional high performance V-8, a 145-horsepower, 225-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine also is available, providing improved performance in the passing range.
Improvements have been made in the TorqueFlite automatic transmission to increase its durability and torque capacity.
The automatic shift control lever on the Dart and Dart 270 series is mounted on the steering column along with an illuminated gear position indicator. On the Dart GT, the automatic and four-speed manual transmissions both have floor-mounted levers and indicators.
Modifications have been made in the spark plugs, alternators and starting motors to give them a longer service life, and a new plastic cover protects the battery against terminal corrosion or loss of capacity.