1960 Dodge Dart

Pioneer 2dr Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

4205114564

Gasoline

* * * 1960 Dodge Pioneer Dart * * * Rare Mopar bodystyle Terrific original example 43K miles, one owner from new Up for bids is this incredibly well preserved Dodge, a 1960 Pioneer Dart.  All original with just 43,010 miles, this car has been in the care of one owner since new.  Built in the Los Angeles plant, this car spent its lifetime in Walla Walla, Washington.  Due to its ideal high desert location and climate, this car was able to remain in time warp condition.  Cars like this one are becoming harder and harder to find with each passing year, this is one of those cars that somehow slipped through the cracks of time.  The photos below tell the story of this remarkable survivor, click to enlarge any of them, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged photos is at the bottom of the page.  The car has had one repaint in its original color, what Dodge called "Fawn".  The paint on this car presents well, you'd be hard pressed to find evidence that it had been repainted at all.  You'll find no areas of overspray, masking lines or color mismatch, to most people this will appear to be an original paint car. The paint has a nice finish to it, I wouldn't call it show quality but more like 'very nice driver' quality, it's apparent that someone took the time to do a good job with the repaint.  Overall the car presents very well, but on close inspection you will find a few small scratches and dings, indicative of a car that's been driven.  To be clear, the overall appearance of this car is very crisp and clean, I just don't like to advertise any car as being "perfect".  The body on this Dodge is exceptionally sound, I have taken a magnet to the entire car and found no evidence of filler anywhere, none.   No rust issues either, you'll find no bubbling or blistering anywhere on this car, and the undercarriage is likewise excellent.  In addition to the quality paint, the condition of the original trim on this car will impress you.  The front and rear bumpers have never been off the car, the chromework is factory original and still looking great after 50 years.  Aside from a few small scrapes on the driver's side rear corner, the bumpers are straight and ding-free.  The fragile anodized grill is also super straight for its age, another testament to its low mileage status. All 4 headlights are original Westinghouse sealed beams.  All signal lenses on this car look like new with no flaws.  All of the chrome work throughout the car is in fantastic condtion with no pitting, hazing or fading, just really impressive.  Inexplicably, the only trim piece with any pitting is the license plate surround, shown in the 4th photo below.  If you click to enlarge the first 3 of these photos, you'll get a good idea of the condition of the rest of the car's chrome; it all looks brand new - but it's all original. The trunk is untouched and original with all of the factory jacking equipment.  The trunk mat is intact and not brittle.  The trunk's weatherstripping is still pliable and perfect after 50 years.  Notice the underside of the parcel shelf, this is an area that usually takes on surface rust from condensation.  It's mint on this car, another clue to its garaged existence. This interior is another strong point on this car, it's basically like stepping back in time.  Seats are in great shape with no discernible wear, the sill plates have no dents or dings, and the carpet is in mint condition with no wear or fading.   The headliner shows some staining but is tight with no rips or holes.  The windlacing is in mint condtion from top to bottom. Really nice original details everywhere you look.  All of the instrumentation and gauges work, the radio is tube based and works just fine.  The odometer window is off kilter but can be lifted slightly to reveal the mileage of 43010.  The car has never been smoked in, all ashtrays and the lighter are unused. All of the car's glass are original PPG "Solex Herculite" pieces, they're all crystal clear and in excellent condition, even the windshield. All controls operate correctly.  Heater and fan work well. Clean and crisp door panels.  Every piece of weatherstripping is original to the car and still very nice.  Underdash area is just as the assembly line workers left it 50 years ago. The engine bay is unrestored and there's 2 different schools of thought on this; one is to keep it original and untouched, after all, they're only original once.  The other opinion would be to bring it in line with the cosmetic appearance of the rest of the car.  After all, the exterior and interior present so well, why not complete the package?  This choice I'll leave to the new owner. The Slant 6 motor in this Dodge runs like a champ.  Starts on the first try, kicks down from the high idle correctly, doesn't smoke, runs smoothly - this is a nice performing motor.  The push button transmission was just serviced and sealed, it operates perfectly.  The car has good braking power and a tight suspension with no slop.  The drivetrain in this car is more than adequate for driving in today's modern traffic, this is a car that's easy to get along with.  Really excellent undercarriage on this old Dodge, these floor pans are bare steel, never undercoated or patched, they're just the way you'd expect to find them on a low mile survivor. The first photo below is looking toward the rear of the car on the passenger side. 2nd photo shows the driver's side floorpan looking toward the rear. 3rd photo shows the driver's side floorpan looking toward the front. The 4th photo shows the fidelity of the nuts and bolts that hold the front bumper and grill.  Most everything on this car is like that- untouched, original and still looking great after 50 years. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price:   This car is being sold with a reserve that should be easy to meet, out of fairness to all bidders I won't reveal it, just bid at the level you are comfortable with.  This auction ends Sunday 4-18-10 at 7PM Pacific Time , 9 PM Central , 10 PM Eastern. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end.  The title to this car may be subject to a delay, the owner is applying for a new title, his original from 1960 got lost somewhere along the way.  The car will have a clear title but its timely delivery is now dependent upon the DMV. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  License plate is for illustrative purposes only.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.  You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I've had good experiences with the following: www.intercitylines.com www.exoticcartransport.com www.sundayautotransport.com Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Or check out www.movecars.com for a unbiased market guide to transporters and tips on moving cars. Thanks for looking!