For enthusiasts of classic Mopar vehicles, discovering rare options and features is like uncovering hidden gems. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most elusive and intriguing features found on Mopar cars of the past. From the Super Light to the Mod Top and the Dana 53 rear end, Mopar’s history is full of unique touches that set these cars apart.
The Super Light: Shining a New Light
One of the rarest Mopar options from the late 1960s is the Super Light. This unique feature was only briefly available in 1969 and 1970 and solely on Dodge Polara and Monaco models. The Super Light was designed to provide enhanced visibility without blinding oncoming drivers. It accomplished this by emitting a beam of light toward the road’s lower right side.
Operated by a dashboard switch and activated through a foot dimmer switch on the floor, the Super Light eliminated the need for drivers to toggle between low and high beams when encountering other vehicles. Designed with assistance from the Sylvania light company, this system used a quartz iodine bulb and reflector to direct the light precisely. Though production numbers are unavailable, this rare option added exactly $50.15 to the car’s price. Today, NOS (New Old Stock) Super Light parts can still be found on eBay.
The Mod Top and Floral Top: A Touch of Psychedelia
In the late 1960s, Mopar introduced a unique option for Plymouth and Dodge vehicles known as the Mod Top and Floral Top, respectively. These options featured a flowery, psychedelic design for vinyl tops, interior seats, and door panels. Buyers could choose from various configurations, including the top, interior, or a combination of both.
Marketed as “the car you wear,” these vibrant options aimed to attract buyers who embraced the bold style of the 1960s and appealed to female customers. The Mod Top and Floral Top came in three available colors: yellow-green and black, blue and green, or green-golden and light blue. Over two years, fewer than 2,900 vehicles featured these distinctive designs. It’s worth noting that Dodge produced none of them in 1970, with the option only available on the Barracuda or ‘Cuda that year. Rumor is that some dealers replaced the Mod Top with traditional vinyl tops to facilitate sales.
The Dana 53 Rear End: A Rare High-Performance Gem
Many Mopar enthusiasts are familiar with the Dana 60 rear end, often found in high-performance Plymouths and Dodges. However, the Dana 53 rear end is a far rarer sight. This unique component was limited to 1967 and 1968 C-body cars with a four-speed manual transmission and the 440 High-Performance engine.
The Dana 53 came with 3.31 gears as standard, closely resembling the Dana 60 but with a different bolt pattern. It must be distinguished from later vehicles’ more common 9.25-inch rear end. You’re more likely to encounter the Dana 53 on earlier Jeeps before finding it in a C-body, making it a rare treasure for Mopar collectors.
Exploring these rare Mopar options and features offers a glimpse into the rich history and unique touches that make these vehicles so coveted among enthusiasts. Whether it’s the Super Light’s innovative lighting system, the Mod Top and Floral Top’s psychedelic designs, or the elusive Dana 53 rear end, these rare features continue to captivate and intrigue Mopar aficionados.
