When Chrysler launched the newly engineered Dodge in 1960, there have been two collection: junior Dart (with Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix fashions) and the senior Matador and Polara. The Dart was a gross sales success, stealing thunder from Plymouth’s conventional function as a part of the “Low-Priced Three.” Nevertheless, the facelifted 1961s have been curiously designed, and gross sales suffered in consequence. A kind of kitschy Dodges is our Decide of the Day: a 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix two-door hardtop listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a non-public vendor in Terre Haute, Indiana. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

Beneath the pores and skin, there have been some nice options with the 1960 Dodge, together with Unibody development, the introduction of the Slant Six, alternator changing the generator, and D-500 Ram Induction 361 and 383 V8s. Nevertheless, one thing occurred alongside the best way to 1961 as each junior and senior Dodges acquired a heavy facelift that might be characterised as “unlucky.” A tragic mouth grille and weird reverse-slant fins did the Dodge no favors (and, over at Plymouth, issues weren’t significantly better).

The Dart was carried over, persevering with with three trim ranges, however solely the Polara remained within the senior collection for 1961. The latter featured taillights sprouting from the rear fenders, whereas the Dart featured slim wrap-around models above the bumper that have been so delicate that Dodge launched clumsy accent taillights in the course of the mannequin yr to offer extra visibility from behind.

The early Sixties would proceed to be a tough time for Dodge, nevertheless it’s vehicles like this 78.3657-mile 1961 Dart Phoenix two-door hardtop that permit us to understand the Sixties interpretation of Fifties kitsch that the Chrysler Company appeared to advertise. The vendor doesn’t embody a lot data, solely saying it’s in “excellent situation” and “all unique — assured to take you again in time.”

Because it’s claimed this Dart has a two-speed pushbutton computerized, it’s most likely protected to say it’s powered by a 230-horsepower 318 two-barrel. No huge whoop, however the black paint with crimson inside (observe the entrance seat with variable seatbacks), funky instrument panel and steering wheel, and dashboard-mounted rear mirror hit all the appropriate notes. For $45,000, you would discover a automobile that everybody owns, or you would have this. Able to be outed as an extrovert?

To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Decide of the Day.