2022 01 28 Featured External Listing – 1960 Dodge Dart Seneca
Here we have a 1960 Dodge Dart Seneca in seemingly very presentable condition; this model year being the first for the venerable Dart. No one claims that this Seneca-trimmed Dart is a rare collector’s item, but the overall condition of this unit has really caught our eye. Pretty to look at – inside and out, a well-kept engine bay, wide whitewalls, an attentive owner in terms of maintenance and chrome for days? These seem like a good combination for some fun summer times behind the wheel. We note that the car is no stranger to “Cruisin’ the Dub”, an indication to us of owner confidence in the car. It is available in Saskatchewan; as our Instagram followers know, this is one of our favourite hunting grounds for collector cars – so underrated and undiscovered.
CCC Vital Info – 1960 Dodge Dart Seneca
Odometer – 65,000 miles, claimed original
Engine Info – 313 c.i V8, 2-barrel
Transmission Info – 3-speed manual
Exterior Colour – red
Interior Colour – black with white accents
Other features – Nice overall condition, recent mechanical work.
Seller – Private
Model page
Note – For CCC live auctions, this space also includes:
VIN;
a map link to seller location;
a Carfax report reference (1981 and newer); and
a lot number.
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Red paint gleams. There is no word as to originality of paint but considering the price, we are happy with paint presentation. The red makes the extensive chrome really pop. That chrome also looks quite good for its age. We would want a close look – or more extensive photos – but we don’t see any signs of oxidation or pitting in the photos available to us. Details like badging and lights are in place and look good. Lastly, this car was built toward the end of American manufacturers’ use of fins in design and even though it was known as a mid-sized car at the time, this Dart exhibits this period feature beautifully.
Inside, we see benches up front and out back. This is no high line Chrysler or, for that matter, Imperial – and the seats in place reflect that. But those in place look tidy and comfortable. Black and white – white smartly up top to reflect hot summer sun – in colour, they are an effective complement to the black dashboard and black floor. The feature list is spartan, though we notice a “Ram Tough” floor mat in place, an indication to us that the owner is at least somewhat concerned with provenance.
Under the hood lives a 313 cubic inch V8 engine – not a powerhouse, perhaps, but who doesn’t love the sound in acceleration and smoothness on the highway of a V8? This being the original engine, it has powered the car a mere claimed 65,000 miles from new and the seller claims it to be excellent running, without leaking or burning oil. Engines of the ‘50s did not boast the longevity of some of today’s modern product but this should be a good bellwether for anticipated light use by the next owner. Mated to the 313 is a three-speed manual pushing power to the rear wheels. One of our favourite features of the car is that shifting the transmission is done by the “three on a tree” set-up – vintage fun! New OEM parts are said to have been recently installed: fuel tank, fuel sender, upper ball joint, rear pinion seal, and transmission seal.
Find this 1960 Dodge Dart Seneca on kijiji in Sylvania, Saskatchewan with an asking price of $10,000. Our thanks to CCC subscriber Shawn for bringing it to us.
A forerunner to my Dad’s new 1966 Dodge Polara 880 with a 318 V8 and 3-on-the-tree.