By Jay Hirsch
The Dodge Dart first appeared on the United States cars scene in 1960 as a full-size car. In 1962 the Dart became a mid-size car, and then in 1963 the name plate was introduced as a compact, a body style made until 1966.
In 1967 a new body style was introduced, available with V-8 engine options that put the Dart in the same league as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The Dart could be an economy car or made into a full-blown “muscle car” like the 1968 Dart GTS, which came with the OHV 340-cid/5.6-liter engine. The 426 Hemi engine was an option, too. The 1968 Dart was slightly different from the 1967; the front lights were moved inward, and side marker lights were positioned on the front and rear fenders, as required by in 1968 by Federal mandate. A fiberglass hood and fenders were used on the GTS if the 426 Hemi was ordered. On the few 1968 Dart GTSs that had the 426 Hemi, the battery was moved to the trunk for better weight distribution and also for improved engine space.
The Dart GTS seen here began life in 1968 as a stock 1968 Dodge Dart convertible with the standard 340 cid V-8. By the end of 1974 it had a new life as one of the first “Pro Street” cars built.
In 1970 Robert Mooney, who was known as Tach, bought the Dart and …
