1969 Dodge Dart 440 GTS

Description
Offered for sale is a truly exceptional piece of Mopar history: the first production 1969 Dodge Dart 440 GTS ever built—an authentic M-code pilot car. This rare vehicle was prominently featured in the inaugural article on the Dart 440 GTS in the June 1969 issue of Drag Racing magazine, where it appeared bearing the number 52 on the driver’s rear window, with that number also painted on the passenger-side fender well. I have the magazine; some photos are included.

This is a highly original and meticulously preserved car with all original sheet metal, factory paint, and a numbers-matching engine and transmission. There is absolutely no rust. The 440 engine has been bored .030 over and includes stock compression, hardened valve seats, sodium-filled valves, and a mild cam (one step above the stock 375hp). The drivetrain has fewer than 160 miles since the rebuild. The transmission has been rebuilt to stock specs, and the car features a new exhaust system with correct tips, brand-new brake components, and a new gas tank and sending unit. It rides on period-correct Firestone Redline bias-ply tires.

Inside, the interior remains largely flawless with a perfect dash pad and headliner. The driver’s seat has had a repair done on a small split seam. This car is equipped just as it left the factory—without power steering or brakes, as those options were never offered on this model. The heater core has been replaced, and the original radiator has been professionally rebuilt.

Additional parts include a cast iron 440 Six Pack setup, factory dual-point distributor, correct carburetor, extra hood call-outs, and all original components retained from the restoration.

Provenance includes:

Two build sheets (one affixed atop the glove box with special markings)
Original window sticker
Original SaddleBack Dodge purchase order form
Other period paperwork from the original owner

I’ve proudly owned this car since May 1985, making me just the second owner. It remains in almost like-new condition—an incredible example of what a new 1969 Dodge Dart 440 GTS would have looked and driven like straight off the showroom floor.

Sold on a clean Michigan title in the owner’s name.