The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 is a legendary car in the world of muscle cars. This car is known for its impressive engine and speed. What makes this car even more iconic is the story behind its creation. Mr. Norm, a Chicago dealer, made an engine swap that Mopar called impossible. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, features, specifications, performance, and legacy of the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440.
History
To keep up with the competition in the Stock Eliminator classes, a larger, nonproduction engine was shoehorned into the engine compartment of the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS. The caveat was that the specialty model had to be built in sufficient quantities to satisfy the sanctioning bodies, with NHRA being the 800-pound gorilla wearing the tech inspection patch on his jacket.
Norman Kraus, also known as Mr. Norm, was the Chicago dealer who conceived and executed the 440-powered compact Dart package in 1968. He had already installed a 383 in a Dart and dubbed it the GSS, after the factory’s insistence it couldn’t be done. When he proved the folks in Highland Park wrong, they launched the Dart GTS with the same impossible-to-fit RB big-block. The 440 engine was rated at 375 hp, breathing through a Carter AVS four-barrel carburetor.
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Features and Specifications
Engine
The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 was powered by a 440 cubic inch V8 engine. The four-barrel 440 was rated at 375 hp, although its maximum potential was somewhat stifled by restrictive exhaust manifolds, a compromise to the narrow confines of the unitized A-body’s lower engine compartment. The engine was equipped with a Carter AVS four-barrel carburetor.
Transmission
The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 was equipped with a 727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission was the only transmission offered with the M-code 440.
Exterior
All GTS models featured a black bumblebee stripe, denoted on the fender tag by the code V8X: V8 for the stripe and X for the black color. Fourteen-inch wheels were standard, as were basic dog dish caps. These Deluxe wheel covers added $15.25 to the sticker price.
Interior
Based on the up-level GT trim, the M-code GTS’s interior was well equipped with premium vinyl upholstery, bucket seats, console, and more. No tachometer, however.
The proximity of the valve cover and exhaust manifold to the unassisted brake booster suggests why Dodge didn’t offer power brakes with the M-code package. There was no room for a power booster.
Performance
The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 was good for mid-13-second e.t.’s out of the box and high 12s with headers and few of the other tuning tricks of the day. A 3.55-geared 8 3/4-inch Sure Grip rear axle was standard, and 3.91 gears were optional. It was the quintessential muscle car package: big engine and no power-robbing accessories.
But underhood space was also a factor. With the RB engine in place, there wasn’t much room for power accessories.
Legacy
Norm Kraus was an early pioneer in the conversion van business. Yet his GSS Darts and the factory-backed M-code GTS models, however, are his true legacy, cars the factory originally said couldn’t be built.
That’s showing them! The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 remains a highly sought-after car by collectors and muscle car enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of Norman Kraus, also known as Mr. Norm. He proved that the impossible could be achieved with his engine swap that Mopar called impossible. The 440-powered compact Dart package remains a highly sought-after car by collectors and muscle car enthusiasts alike.
FAQs
How many 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 were produced?
Total GTS production for 1969 was 6,285 hardtops and 417 convertibles. Only 640 of the hardtops were M-code equipped.
What was the retail price for the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440?
Out the door, the retail price for an M-code Dart GTS was about $3,150, plus another $30 or so if the customer opted for the 3.91 axle ratio. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $21,600 today.
What was the engine size of the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440?
The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 was powered by a 440 cubic inch V8 engine.
What was the transmission offered with the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440?
The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 was equipped with a 727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission.
What is the legacy of the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440?
The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 remains a highly sought-after car by collectors and muscle car enthusiasts alike. It is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of Norman Kraus, also known as Mr. Norm. His GSS Darts and the factory-backed M-code GTS models are his true legacy, cars the factory originally said couldn’t be built.
I’m Timothy Ballard, owner of a used car dealership in Springfield. I love just about everything automotive, but I have a special place in my heart for trucks. I’m an ASE Certified Master Technician, so I know my way around a car. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking new trails.