1960 Dodges at Chrysler Proving Grounds, Chelsea, Michigan

 Specifications, Facts,

Production Figures, and Original
Selling Prices

Completely new for Dodge this year was the Slant Six engine, a modern overhead valve unit displacing 225 C.I.D. In Dodge Division, this engine was installed only in the Dart Series. The V8 engine used in the Dart series was the A series small block displacing 318 C.I.D. (313 C.I.D. in Canada). The full sized Matador and Polara were exclusively V8 powered with the B series big block, having displacements of 361 and 383 C.I.D.

The full sized Dodges were built on a 122" wheelbase, overall length approximately 214", while the Darts were built on a slightly shorter 118" wheelbase (same as the Plymouth). Sheet Metal interchangeability between the two series was limited to the front fenders and hood, although basic styling was similar. This was also the first year for Chrysler's Unibody Construction, which Chrysler claimed gave more rigidity to the body structure. There were sub frames installed only ahead of the cowl, to support the engine and front suspension, and under the rear section to support the differential and rear suspension.

1960 Dodge Dart Series, 118 inch wheelbase:

• Seneca six cyl. (Model PD3L) (225 slant six)

 
• Seneca eight cyl. (model PD4L) (318 V8 USA,   313 V8 Canada)
• optional 8 cyl. engines:  361,  361 D-500,  383 D-500  ( D-500 engines USA only )

 
• Pioneer six cyl. (model PD3M) (225 slant six)

 
• Pioneer eight cyl. (model PD4M) (318 V8 USA,   313 V8 Canada)
• optional 8 cyl  engines: 361,  361 D-500,  383 D-500   ( D-500 engines USA only )

 
• Phoenix six cyl.(model PD3H) (225 slant six)

 
• Phoenix eight cyl. (model PD4H) (318 V8 USA,   313 V8 Canada)
• optional 8 cyl. engines: 361,  361 D-500,  383 D-500   ( D-500 engines USA only )

The D-500 Cross-Ram Inducted engine with dual four barrel carburetors.
Available as a 361 CID ( Darts only ) or 383 CID ( Darts and Matador / Polara )

1960   Dart Seneca	Weight (lb)	Wheelbase (in.)	Price  ($US)	Production
2 dr sedan, slant 6	3,385	118	$2278.00	28,698
2 dr sedan,  V-8	3,530	118	$2,397.00	8,854
4 dr sedan, slant 6	3,420	118	$2,330.00	54,415
4 dr sedan, V-8	3,600	118	$2,449.00	26,342
4 dr wagon, sl. 6, 6 Passenger	3,805	122****	$2,695.00	10,054
4 dr wagon, V-8, 6 Passenger	3,975	122****	$2,815.00	10,541
Total Dart Seneca				138,904

 

1960   Dart Pioneer	Weight (lb)	Wheelbase (in.)	Price  ($US)	Production
2 dr sedan, slant 6	3375	118	$2,410	4,307
2 dr sedan,  V-8	3,540	118	$2,530	4,942
2 dr HT, slant 6	3,410	118	$2,488	9,168
2 dr HT, V-8	3,610	118	$2,607	15,609
4 dr sedan, sl. 6	3,430	118	$2,459	19,415
4 dr sedan, V-8	3,610	118	$2,578	32,821
4 dr wagon, sl 6, 6 passenger	3,820	122****	$2,787	2,299
4 dr wagon V-8,  6 passenger	4,000	122****	$2906	12,710
4 dr wagon sl 6.  9 passenger	3,875	122****	$2,892	1,245
4 dr wagon, V-8,  9 passenger	4,065	122****	$3,011	8,573
Total Pioneer				111,089

 

1960 Dart Phoenix	Weight (lb)	Wheelbase (in.)	Price  ($US)	Production
2 dr HT, slant. 6	3,410	118	$2,618	1,648
2 dr HT, V-8	3,605	118	$2,737	21,036
convertible, sl. 6	3,460	118	$2,868	519
convertible, V-8	3,690	118	$2,988	7,002
4 dr sedan, slant 6	3,420	118	$2,595	3,305
4 dr sedan, V-8	3,610	118	$2,715	24,893
4 dr HT, slant 6	3,460	118	$2,677	1,091
4 dr HT, V-8	3,655	118	$2,796	13,361
4 dr wagon, sl 6  6 passenger	*	122****	*	3
4 dr wagon, V-8  6 passenger	*	122****	*	195
4 dr wagon, sl 6  9 passenger	*	122****	*	1
4 dr wagon, V-8  9 passenger	*	122****	*	121
Total Phoenix				73,175

 1960 Dodge Series, 122 inch wheelbase:

• Matador (model PD1L) (361 V8) (sold in USA only)  optional engines: 383 and 383 D-500

 
• Polara (model PD2H) (383 V8 USA,   361 V8 Canada)  optional engine:  383 D-500 ( USA only )

 

*   Dart Phoenix  models  were not officially built as station wagons in the USA,  but production records indicate that at least the small amount shown here (Total 320)  were actually assembled.   One source (Mr. Gregory Mansell), confirmed by Bill Watson, of Vancouver, BC, Canada says that these wagons were built specifically for the Canadian market, since there was no happy medium between a lower  priced Pioneer wagon and the upmarket Polara hardtop wagon.   Since the Matador was not available in Canada, the solution was to badge this wagon  as a Phoenix.  Unfortunately, all Dart wagons, like  Matadors and Polaras,  were built on the 122 inch wheelbase.   The rear fender opening on the 122" w.b. cars was several inches HIGHER than the fender opening on the non-wagon Darts, which were built on the 118" w.b.   The double molding with the bright trim insert used on Phoenix cars, therefore, could not be applied to the wagons, as there was not enough room above the fender opening because the horizontal ridge where the mouldings were applied  was too close to the top of the fender  for it to fit.   This was not a problem with either the Seneca or Pioneer wagons, as they did not use this double moulding with the bright aluminum insert.     The solution:   These Canadian Phoenix wagons  had Polara / Matador side trim and taillights installed, and were dubbed "Phoenix Sport Suburbans"!  These photos are  taken from a Canadian brochure. You can confirm this is a Dart by the script on the tailgate which matches the written "Dodge" script on the Darts. On Matador and Polara, "Dodge" was spelled out in block letters on the tailgate.  The frontal shot shows the Dart grille installed on what would otherwise be a Matador Wagon.   The interior is straight out of a Plymouth.   Note the red lenses in the fins - these were not available on production models - a chrome insert was placed in the area as it was too hard to get into the area to replace bulbs.

**  2 Door Sedan, 122 inch wheelbase models were not officially built,  but the 1960 Dodge Police Pursuit Brochure shows artists renderings of them, and production records indicate that at least  TWO  Matador 2 door sedans were  built.  Below is a factory photo of one of these rare cars.    The Police Pursuit cars on the 122 inch wheelbase also carry Dart grilles.  No model names appeared on the body of the car, but we assume they were Matadors as per production records.

Matador 2 door sedan,    Factory photo of one of two built.

***  Production  totals include Canadian models.  As of this writing, we have no breakdown of  model production  between countries, other than  there were only  1,276 Polaras built in Canada, in all body styles.  Any 1960 Dodge  convertibles sold in Canada were imported from the USA.

****  All 1960 Dodge wagons were built on the 122 inch wheelbase.

Canadian Models:

Compare interiors of the U.S. and Canadian Phoenix  four door hardtops:

1960 Dodge Matadors were not offered in Canada. The Polara was the only full sized luxury Dodge offered that year in Canada, and it was built as an interesting hybrid of the US Matador and Polara. On the exterior, all trim is identical to the US built Polara, however, the seats and door panel upholstery were taken directly from the Matador. Interior garnish mouldings ( on hardtops only ) were chrome plated, however, not painted as they were on the Matador. ( All sedans used painted mouldings ).  The engine used was also the smaller 361 V8, as on the Matador. A Carter 4 barrel carb with dual exhausts was offered as a power-pak option with the 361; the D-500 Ram induction was not offered in Canada on any models, unless you purchased a convertible, which were imported from the U.S. assembly plant.

Never before had Dodge had so many luxury appointments lavished on an automobile. Included among the list of options were:

• Power Steering
• Power Brakes
• Power Windows
• Air Conditioning
• Six Way Power Front Seat
• Swivel Front Seat with folding centre armrest
• Power Door Locks (Vacuum operated)
• Automatic headlamp beam changer
• Automatic day-night rearview mirror (mirrormatic)
• Left remote-control outside fender mirror
• AM Radio
• Satellite styled, revolving turret clock
• Rear Defroster
• Tinted Glass
• Torqueflite 3 speed automatic transmission, push button operated
• D-500 Engine option - 361 (Dart only) or 383 (Dart, Matador and Polara) V8 with crossram induction, dual 4 barrel carbs.
• Sure Grip differential