Motor Trend magazine had it right when they described the 1962 Dodge Dart as giving “more performance per dollar than any other factory-assembled car in America,” thanks in no small part to the 413-cid, dual-quad “Max Wedge” V-8 shoehorned into the engine compartment. With the new engine, the Dart’s horsepower skyrocketed to 420. The name 'Max Wedge' referred to the 'Maximum Performance' label used in factory advertising while the 'Wedge' represented its wedged-shape combustion chambers. With a zero-to-sixty time of just 5.8 seconds, the Max Wedge dual-quad cross-ram engine was not intended for every-day driving but rather for the racing circuit.

The original Dodge Dart 440 hardtop offered here looks “racy enough” with its Vermillion Red paint, but settling into the red bench seat interior and punching the pushbutton TorqueFlite automatic into gear, the driver can unleash its entire 400-plus horsepower to tire-melting effect. This machine gets all power to road with amazing efficiency, being dominated by the engine that powered a fleet of drag racing champions and inspired Jan & Dean’s smash hit, "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena.”

This Dodge is reported to have undergone a complete body-off restoration with all N.O.S. parts; completed in December 2002. It is documented as being one of 26 total 1962 Dodge 413s (Max-Wedge) Dart 440 Hardtops equipped with an automatic TorqueFlite transmission, and one of three finished in these colors. This Dodge has been most recently documented in Chrysler’s “The Max Wedge Serial Number Book” compiled by Darrell Davis. The VIN is specifically listed in the registry having been produced with these options: Vermillion Red paint, red vinyl interior, heater, radio, 7.50 x 14 blackwall tires, 413 low compression Max Wedge engine, TorqueFlite automatic transmission, and deluxe steering wheel. 1963 drag racing event decals from Bakersfield and Pomona can still be found on the windshield. This is a phenomenally well-restored and very rare musclecar that can be appreciated by any true enthusiast.