1968 Dodge Dart

528 CI, 5-SPEED

Photo:Mecum

The fleet of Race Hemi-powered Dodge Darts built by Hurst Industries for Chrysler in 1968 set the drag racing world on its ear, and many remain dominant in Super Stock even today. When noted Edmonton, Alberta Mopar enthusiast Wayne Tunis conceived of a street version of the legendary Hemi Dart, he turned to John Balow at Muscle Car Restorations in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to pay homage to the Hurst recipe.

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Rather than affecting the value of an original, Tunis chose to use a solid low-mileage 318 version as the starting point. The car was dismantled and prepared for its new life with subframe connectors, a Mopar Performance kit to mount Hemi-spec rear leaf springs and a front K-frame. New quarter panels were installed and new carbon fiber pieces used for the front fenders, hood, scoop and headlight supports.

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The wheelbase was extended 3 inches and rear mini-tubs installed to clear BF Goodrich drag-style rubber on 15-inch Stockton SWS TQ wheels; Baer disc brakes were also called into duty. Numerous other touches, including reshaping the right front inner fender to clear the engine, and a custom-fabricated stainless steel outside mirror block-off plate, were borrowed from Hurst practice.

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Likewise, in addition to using Year One replacement pieces, the interior was stripped of its radio, heater and rear seat, and uses A100 van seats and a full roll cage. Even the Hurst-style seatbelt strap window openers were replicated, but the windows are actually operated by hidden power lifts from Electric-Life.

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To insure the Dart had the power to back up its attitude, renowned Race Hemi expert Ray Barton was tapped to build the car’s 528/658 HP Hemi engine. At first glance it looks to be fitted with the factory style dual cross ram carburetion, but lifting the very trick carbon fiber air cleaner reveals twin electronic fuel injection units in place of the original Holleys. Backing up the Barton-built Elephant are a robust Tremec TKO-II 5-speed transmission and a 3.54:1 Dana 60 rear end.

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Over $300,000 was invested in transforming this pro-built Resto Mod from its humble origins into a crowd-pleasing SEMA showpiece that has also been the subject of numerous magazine articles and a TV feature. A labor of love built by true enthusiasts, this exquisite Hemi Dart stands on its own as an inspired and evocative machine.

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Hightlights

– Top tier resto mod from Muscle Car Restorations in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
– Over $300,000 invested
– Custom 528 CI Ray Barton Hemi
– Hidden electronic fuel injection
– Tremec TKO-II 5-speed transmission
– Dana 60 rear end
– A100 van seats, rear seat delete, radio delete, heater delete, hidden power windows, simulated window pull-up straps
– Multiple Magazine features
– SEMA show car
– TV feature

Photo:Mecum