1966 Dodge D/Dart ~ 'Mystery, Myth and Misconception'

69 Cuda 440 said

General Overview of the Car Craft Magazine 'Performance Test'

Driver - Charlie Allen ran a 14.33 @ 94.31 MPH in the D/Dart's initial run at Lions Drag Strip in May 1966.

Unfortunately, the D/Dart was still equipped with the 'infamous' Inland Shifter.

A} > The 273 'lugged-off-the-line'. The Engine 'bogged' and the D/Dart was less than responsive coming off the line.

B} > Problems getting the Shifter Mechanism from 2nd-to-3rd was a major effort.

C} > The 'Gears' in the A-833 4-Speed Transmission were 'rough' engaging during the quick shifting by Driver - Charlie Allen.

D} > The 273 'flattened-out' at High RPM's.

E} > The D/Dart stopped pulling at Top End, and only reached 94.21 MPH thru the Traps.

Click to expand...

I can see it all happening. The cars that win races and set records have been fine tuned over the course of many rounds, weeks, even months. I would imagine Car Craft got a-hold of a virgin car without many changes or adjustments made but give one to a guy like Charlie Allen for a few months and see what happens. Article was May of 66. It was probably tested a few months before the article hit the newsstands so it is safe to say the car was pretty fresh. Too bad Car Craft didn't give it a chance.