The Dodge Coronet first graced the automotive scene as a full-size car in 1949, only to be discontinued a decade later in 1959. However, the nameplate made a triumphant return in 1965, this time adorning Dodge's intermediate lineup, positioned below the Polara.
Moreover, Dodge utilized the Coronet to debut the R/T high-performance trim level. This badge, which later gained fame on high-performance Charger and Challenger models, originated on Dodge's versatile intermediate vehicle.
The Coronet R/T emerged in the 1967 model year, preceding similar packages on the Charger by a year and the Challenger by three. Exclusive to the two-door hardtop and convertible models, the R/T came equipped with a standard 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) 440 V8, while the 426 HEMI remained optional. These powerful engines boasted impressive outputs of 375 and 425 horsepower, respectively.
In 1967, the Coronet was a resounding success, selling nearly 185,000 units. However, only 10,181 buyers opted for the premium R/T package. Among these, a mere 628 were convertibles, resulting in just 9,553 two-door hardtops bearing the iconic badge.
As a Mopar aficionado, I usually gravitate towards the vibrant High Impact colors that adorned late 1960s vehicles. However, this Coronet R/T's sleek black paint gives it a subtle, unassuming sleeper appearance that is undeniably captivating.
This particular R/T wasn't always a showstopper, though. For much of its life, it remained with the same owner and spent considerable time in storage, eventually succumbing to rust issues that necessitated restoration.
Thankfully, a thorough makeover took place in 2012, and the Mopar continues to impress over a decade later. Even better, the car retains its original V8 engine. While it's not one of the rare 426 HEMI-powered models, of which only 283 were produced, the 440 RB V8 is a close second when it comes to power and exhaust note.
The fifth-generation Coronet laid the foundation for the legendary Charger in 1966 and birthed the Super Bee in 1968. This iconic vehicle played a pivotal role in the golden muscle car era, contributing two exceptional Mopar models.
The Coronet itself was far from an ordinary car. Although it gained popularity as a four-door sedan and station wagon, Dodge also produced two-door variants boasting high-performance engines. The Coronet featured a 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8 starting in 1966, right when Chrysler began incorporating this engine in its road cars.
The Coronet itself was far from an ordinary car. Although it gained popularity as a four-door sedan and station wagon, Dodge also produced two-door variants boasting high-performance engines. The Coronet featured a 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8 starting in 1966, right when Chrysler began incorporating this engine in its road cars.
Moreover, Dodge utilized the Coronet to debut the R/T high-performance trim level. This badge, which later gained fame on high-performance Charger and Challenger models, originated on Dodge's versatile intermediate vehicle.
The Coronet R/T emerged in the 1967 model year, preceding similar packages on the Charger by a year and the Challenger by three. Exclusive to the two-door hardtop and convertible models, the R/T came equipped with a standard 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) 440 V8, while the 426 HEMI remained optional. These powerful engines boasted impressive outputs of 375 and 425 horsepower, respectively.
In 1967, the Coronet was a resounding success, selling nearly 185,000 units. However, only 10,181 buyers opted for the premium R/T package. Among these, a mere 628 were convertibles, resulting in just 9,553 two-door hardtops bearing the iconic badge.
While these numbers don't necessarily make the 1967 Coronet R/T exceptionally rare, finding a well-preserved example today is no easy feat, as exemplified by this striking black-on-black gem.
As a Mopar aficionado, I usually gravitate towards the vibrant High Impact colors that adorned late 1960s vehicles. However, this Coronet R/T's sleek black paint gives it a subtle, unassuming sleeper appearance that is undeniably captivating.
This particular R/T wasn't always a showstopper, though. For much of its life, it remained with the same owner and spent considerable time in storage, eventually succumbing to rust issues that necessitated restoration.
Thankfully, a thorough makeover took place in 2012, and the Mopar continues to impress over a decade later. Even better, the car retains its original V8 engine. While it's not one of the rare 426 HEMI-powered models, of which only 283 were produced, the 440 RB V8 is a close second when it comes to power and exhaust note.
Take a closer look and listen in the video below.
Tags:
car-news