The Dodge Dart is greatest generally known as a humble financial system automobile, however the 1968 Dart GTS featured on this episode of “Jay Leno’s Storage” exhibits the compact Dodge had a sporty aspect too.

As an alternative of the inline-6 engine many Darts left the manufacturing facility with, this automobile has a 383-cubic-inch V-8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. The identical engine was used within the extra widespread Plymouth Street Runner, however the Dart is smaller and lighter. Energy is distributed to the rear wheels by means of a 4-speed handbook transmission.

The Dart was ordered new by a Wisconsin couple, and has now outlasted their marriage. It has been totally restored to inventory situation, aside from period-correct aftermarket Cragar wheels and an aftermarket tachometer. Leno is simply the second proprietor, and he acquired the unique construct sheet, a lifetime of upkeep data, and extra paperwork to attest to its authenticity.

This was thought-about a small automobile in 1968, and with about 325 hp, it was additionally fairly highly effective for its time. The Dart is not small or quick by fashionable requirements, however its torquey V-8 means it is nonetheless decently enjoyable to drive, based on Leno. Drum brakes and unassisted steering imply it is no canyon carver, nonetheless.

Dodge launched the Dart for the 1960 mannequin yr, downsizing it to a compact automobile for 1963 to compete with the Chevrolet Nova and Ford Falcon. The Dart remained in that function till manufacturing resulted in 1976. Twinned with the Plymouth Valiant, the platform additionally served as the premise for the unique Dodge Demon (later Dart Sport) and Plymouth Duster coupes.

The Dodge Dart returned for the 2013 mannequin yr after a decades-long hiatus, however this time as a contemporary compact automobile with front-wheel drive and 4-cylinder energy. It wasn’t as long-lived, nonetheless. Fiat Chrysler Vehicles (now Stellantis) killed it off a number of years later to deal with better-selling, more-profitable SUVs and pickup vehicles.