The Dodge Dart came to be in 1960 but needed a few years to settle in the position it became famous. Originally a full-size rig, the Dart was re-assigned midsize duty in 1962. Dodge redesigned it for the compact market a year later, replacing the short-lived Lancer.
Initially a somewhat mundane rig with up to 180 horsepower in range-topping trim, the compact Dart gained notably more potent powerplants toward the end of the 1960s. However, while the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) big-block V8 became a regular on the options list starting in 1967, the bigger mills made very brief appearances.
The 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB, for instance, found its way into the car in 1969 only. Dodge did not plan to offer the big V8 in the compact, but it agreed to produced a limited-edition model inspired by Mr. Norm's Dart GSS. The famous Grand Spaulding Dodge dealership sold about 50 units.
Dodge's own take on the idea saw daylight as the Dart GTS 440. These cars are known as the M-code Darts and are among the rarest iterations of the compact. The company sold only 640 examples, and the 440 was never used in the Dart again.
As for the mighty 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI, it's an even rarer sight under the hood of a Dart. That's because Dodge did not even bother to drop it in a streetable rig. But it built a factory Super Stock model equipped with the said lump during the 1968 model year.
Based on the GTS hardtop, the HEMI Dart LO23 had radical modifications beyond the engine and left the assembly line in just 80 units. Sure, the car was road-legal, but its sole purpose was to dominate the Super Stock series with an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio.
All told, the HEMI never made it into a more street-friendly version of the Dart. But that didn't stop enthusiasts from making their own engine swaps. The shiny build you see here is one of them.
Dubbed "Bullseye," this daring creation is more than just a stock 1968 Dart with a 426 HEMI under the hood. "Stock" is a word we need to forget when talking about this car because this rig rocks a plethora of modern upgrades, starting with the engine.
Although it looks very similar to a true-blue second-generation HEMI except for the blacked-out appearance, this mill is actually a crate unit. It packs quite a few high-performance upgrades and is paired to a five-speed gearbox, so it probably cranks out way more than 425 horsepower, the output of a stock HEMI.
The interior is also a big departure from the regular 1968 Dart. It takes only a quick glance to spot the modern, heavily bolstered seats and the aftermarket steering and shifter. It also has the usual Dakota Digital gauges in the dash.
As for the exterior, this Dart features an altered wheelbase with the rear wheels moved a few inches toward the front. It also rides on custom wheels and employs a lowered suspension. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the wheel design, but this Dart is a mighty fine "street fighter" type of restomod overall. If you're into that, you'll definitely enjoy the video below.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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