1962 Dodge Dart 440 Is a True Max Wedge Sleeper, One of Three Known To Exist

The mid-size Dart is rarely remembered nowadays, and it's not exactly desirable either due to its quirky design. However, it's one of Dodge's first true muscle cars because it was offered with the high-performance Max Wedge V8 engine.

The latter also debuted in 1962. Developed for drag racing, the Max Wedge found its way into production models as a 413-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) motor. It was rated at 410 or 420 horsepower, depending on the compression ratio. In 1963, Chrysler enlarged the mill to 426 cubic inches (7.0 liters), while oomph increased to 415 or 425 horsepower.

Indeed, the higher-compression Max Wedge was just as potent as 426-cubic-inch Hemi a few years before the iconic mill arrived (the Street Hemi debuted in 1966). The Max Wedge remained unchanged for 1964, its final year on the options list.

The 1962 Dart was available in various body styles, but the Max Wedge mill was obviously restricted to the two-door models. Customers could add it to any trim, which at the time included the standard Dart, the Dart 330, and the Dart 440 (the 330 and 440 became stand-alone models when the Dart was moved to compact car duty in 1963).

The red hardtop you see here is a Dart 440 version, which means that it came with a few extra features as standard. But more importantly, it was also born with the 413-cubic-inch Max Wedge engine with dual-quad carburetors and cross-ram intake.

Fully restored but documented with the original broadcast sheet and other paperwork, this Dart is quite a rare gem. According to the Chrysler Registry, it's one of only three 1962 low-compression Max Wedge Darts known to exist today. This probably means that the red-on-red color combo and the trim package make it a one-of-one classic.

I found this gorgeous and pristine Mopar while browsing the lots of Mecum's upcoming Nashville 2026 auction. The hardtop will go under the hammer on September 25. And based on the specs and how it presents itself, I'd say it will cross the block for a six-figure sum.

Although the average 1962 Dodge Dart 440 in restored condition goes for $20,000 to $30,000, a Max Wedge powerplant is enough to drive the sticker toward $100K. As of this writing, several examples have sold for over $80,000 at public auctions, and at least three fetched over $100,000.