Displaying a more massive look for 1964, the Dart features a broad grille dominated by an aluminum bar extending across the grille opening. The styling accent is on greater width through emphasis of the horizontal line from the top of the grille opening down through the ornamental texture connecting the parking lamps.
"Appearance, convenient size, competitive performance and fuel economy place the 1964 Dodge Dart in a strong position to continue its amazing gains in the compact car market," said Byron J. Nichols, Chrysler Corporation vice president and general manager of the Dodge Car and Truck Division.
The new Dodge Dart models were previewed here today by automotive writers and radio and television newsmen from the United States and Canada. The cars will be introduced to the public on September 26 in dealer showrooms throughout the country.
Changes in body ornamentation and larger, circular tail lamps further enhance the Dart's clean, tailored shapes, and a strong emphasis is given to body length by distinctive molding treatments that point up the full-length contour line below the belt.
At the rear, more glass area is provided by an increase of three inches in overall width for the back window, improving rear vision without disrupting the tailored lines of the Dart roof structure.
Body improvements stress greater safety, comfort and convenience. Stronger door latch and striker mechanisms, improved sealing for convertible tops and a tail gate window safety device for station wagons are among the new features. The Dart trunk capacity remains one of the largest in its field--equalling and in some cases exceeding that of cars in the next price range.
Additional engineering innovations on the new Dodge Darts include an improved crankcase ventilation system, improved fuel tank construction to provide for thermal expansion of fuel and to prevent over-filling, and a new clutch release bearing, incorporating several improvements that reduce maintenance costs and increase bearing life. Other engineering advances have improved the durability and reliability of Dart transmissions.
In response to popular demand, a new Chrysler-designed four-speed manual transmission is offered this year as an option on all Dart models. The floor-mounted shift lever offers particular appeal to sports-minded compact owners.
Also available on the 1964 Darts is a Sure-Grip differential, which minimizes wheel spin under conditions of poor traction.
Dodge Dart body fabrics consist of a 100 percent nylon warp for strength and durability. GT model bucket seats have cushion inserts of expanded, saddle-grain vinyl for greater softness.
Exposed sheet metal surfaces on door interiors are painted in gloss enamel to match the instrument panel and harmonize with the soft trim. Headlinings on all series are of durable, easy-to-clean, perforated vinyl.
Interiors feature new colors for all series. In Dart 170 and 270 models four trim colors -- red, tan, blue and turquoise -- are available, and the Dart GT offers five interior colors -- red, tan, blue, gold, and black.
Standard engine on the Dodge Dart line is the 170-cubic-inch Slant-Six while the 225-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine is the optional power package.