1968 Dodge Dart GTS

 

1968 Dodge Dart GTS: "Small but Mighty, with a Heart of Muscle."

"It's not the size of the car in the race, it's the size of the heart in the car."

The 1968 Dodge Dart GTS stands as a testament to the era when muscle was not just about brute force, but about engineering passion in a compact package. This little beast was Dodge’s way of proving that big performance could come in a smaller, more agile form. A product of the muscle car boom of the 1960s, the Dart GTS emerged from the shadows of its larger siblings like the Charger and the Challenger, carving its own legacy on drag strips and streets across America.

The Dart GTS—A Legend Born from Passion

Briefly, the Dart GTS was a compact, unassuming car. But under the hood, it roared with the power of a true muscle machine. Created by Dodge’s legendary design team, the 1968 GTS model was a turning point for the Dart lineup. The mastermind behind this marvel was none other than Dodge's Chief Engineer, Tom Hoover, widely regarded as the "father of the HEMI." Hoover's passion for high performance was the driving force behind the GTS, which was powered by a standard 340 cubic inch V8 engine producing 275 horsepower, and an optional 383 V8 that unleashed 300 horsepower.

With its bold stance, sleek lines, and powerful engine options, the Dart GTS quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a compact car that could hold its own against the heavyweight muscle cars of the time. Available in striking colors like Bright Blue, Red, and the iconic Sublime Green, the GTS made sure that it was not just felt—it was seen.

A Moment of Fame: When the Dart GTS Stole the Spotlight

One of the most iconic moments for the Dodge Dart GTS came in 1968 when it dominated drag races nationwide. Though small, it consistently outperformed larger and more expensive competitors, earning it the nickname, "The Giant Killer." Its success on the track was not just a testament to its raw power, but to its engineering precision and lightweight design.

In the words of a seasoned racer, “Driving the GTS was like riding a wild bronco that’s more fun than frightening—if you knew how to tame it.”  This humor captures the essence of the GTS, a car that demanded respect but rewarded those who could harness its potential with pure, unadulterated speed.

Production, Sales, and a Hidden Secret

The Dodge Dart GTS was produced from 1967 to 1969, with 1968 marking its peak year in both production and performance. During its run, Dodge produced approximately 8,700 units of the 1968 GTS, making it a rare muscle car. The base price of GTS in 1968 was $3,300, an absolute bargain for the power it packed. However, today, a well-preserved 1968 Dart GTS can command anywhere from $40,000 to $75,000 depending on condition and originality.

One lesser-known fact about the Dart GTS is that Dodge secretly tested a few factory-built HEMI Dart GTS models. These ultra-rare versions were never made available to the public and were strictly for racing purposes, adding an extra layer of mystique to the GTS legend.

Competition and the Muscle Car Wars

Dart GTS had plenty of rivals in the car wars of the late 1960s, but it consistently punched above weight. It went head-to-head with vehicles like the Chevrolet Nova SS, Ford Mustang GT, and the Pontiac GTO. However, its smaller size and lighter weight gave it an edge, allowing it to outperform many of its more famous counterparts, especially in quarter mile drag races. Dart GTS was Dodge's answer to the muscle car market, and it succeeded in creating a car that could take on the best of the competition.

Colors and Iconic Style

When it came to colors, Dodge offered the 1968 Dart GTS in a range of bold and vibrant hues. From Bright Blue Poly to Burgundy, the colors reflected the car's bold personality. But it was Sublime Green, a bright and electrifying shade, that became the most iconic and synonymous with the Dart GTS.

The Ultimate Legacy

The 1968 Dodge Dart GTS was not just a muscle charity, but it was a symbol of what could be achieved when passion, engineering, and a little bit of audacity came together. It captured the hearts of those who drove it, and still ignites excitement in car enthusiasts today.

 

"The GTS wasn’t just built to go fast; it was built to leave everything else in the dust."

Table: Production Models (1960-1970 Dodge Dart)

Year	Model	Notable Features
1960	Dodge Dart Seneca	Full-size, debut year
1961	Dodge Dart Phoenix	Mid-trim level, increased styling sophistication
1962	Dodge Dart 440	Modern design, available with V8 engine
1963	Dodge Dart 270	Smaller body design, economy focus
1964	Dodge Dart GT	Sportier, more refined interior
1965	Dodge Dart Charger	Limited production, performance focus
1966	Dodge Dart GTS	Introduction of GTS, V8 engine options
1967	Dodge Dart GTS	Revised styling, enhanced performance
1968	Dodge Dart GTS	Peak year, 340 V8 engines, iconic status
1969	Dodge Dart Swinger	Budget-friendly, performance at a lower cost
1970	Dodge Dart Swinger 340	Continued success, simplified options

Table: Engine Specifications

Type	Size (Cubic Inches)	Carburetor	Horsepower	Torque (lb.-ft)
V8	340	4-Barrel	275	340
V8	383	4-Barrel	300	410
V8	426 HEMI (Racing)	Dual-Quad	425	490

 

Table: Performance Statistics

0 to 60 mph	Quarter Mile (sec)	Engine Type	Engine Source
6.3 sec	14.5 sec 98 mph	340 V8	Dodge Factory
5.8 sec	13.9 sec 101 mph	383 V8	Dodge Performance
4.5 sec	12.5 sec @ 115 mph	426 HEMI	Limited Factory Build