Jay Leno Takes His 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 383 For A Spin!

Jay Leno, the renowned car collector, is known for his impressive collection of vehicles. Among them, his 1968 Dodge Dart GTS holds a special place in his heart.

Originally introduced as a full-size car in 1960, the Dart went through several transformations, ultimately becoming a compact-sized muscle car in its fourth generation. Despite being overshadowed by larger models like the Coronet, Charger, and Challenger, the Dart had some remarkable and powerful variants in the late 1960s.

The most iconic and desirable variant of the Dart is the LO23. Limited to just 80 units, the LO23 was a factory drag car equipped with a 7.0-liter (426-cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 engine. These cars were not street-legal and were specifically designed for sanctioned drag racing. With their fiberglass bodies, the LO23 Darts could complete a quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds at speeds over 130 mph.

In 1968, Norman Kraus of Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago fitted 50 Darts with the massive 7.2-liter (440-cubic-inch) RB big-block V8 engine, creating the GSS model. The success of the GSS inspired Dodge to install the same engine in the Dart GTS in 1969, resulting in only 640 examples of the Dart GTS 440 being produced. These models have become highly sought-after muscle cars today.

While Jay Leno’s Dart GTS may not be one of the rare 440 cars, it holds significant value as a one-owner vehicle that has undergone meticulous restoration to its original specifications. Powered by a four-barrel 6.3-liter (383-cubic-inch) big-block V8 engine, Leno’s GTS delivers impressive performance. Additionally, its rarity adds to its appeal, as only 2,112 Darts were produced with a 383 engine during the 1968 model year.

The Dart GTS typically came with a standard 383 V8 engine, producing 275 horsepower. However, buyers had the option to upgrade to a four-barrel 383 engine, which generated an impressive 300 horsepower. Jay Leno’s Dart GTS features the latter engine, making it a lightweight monster on the street when compared to other classic muscle cars.

In a recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay dives into the history of the car, expressing his admiration for the Dart and its unique qualities. He takes the iconic Mopar muscle car out for a spin, showcasing its performance and highlighting what makes his Dart so special.