The owner of this 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 says that not only has the car been garage-kept since new, but it has only accumulated a genuine 12,650 miles on the odometer during those 54-years. He has decided to part with the car, and while it looks like a clean survivor, there are a couple of things that transform this car into a bit of a mystery machine. The Coronet is located in Monaca, Pennsylvania, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the price for the Dodge at $13,500 OBO.
We don’t get any clear full shots of the Coronet, but what we can see looks very encouraging. The White paint has a nice shine to it, while the car appears to be nice and straight. The owner makes no mention of rust in the vehicle, and it is hard to get a clear view from the provided photos. What we can see is one of those items that I thought that the next owner might want to change. I’m not quite sure about the car wearing side-pipes, but I guess to the person who fitted them, they must have seemed like a good idea at the time. The external trim and chrome look to be in good condition, but the windshield will require urgent replacement. The owner refers to it as having a “small crack,” but given the fact that what can be seen in the photos are multiple cracks radiating from a central point in front of the driver and covering more than ¼ of the windshield, it would seem that the owner is also the master of understatement.
The interior is where this Dodge really shines. The Black leather upholstery looks absolutely stunning and is virtually impossible to find fault with. The dash and pad appear to be close to perfect, while the carpet has managed to avoid developing a faded look. There is an aftermarket 8-track player mounted under the dash, along with something mounted under the steering column that has me completely perplexed. Maybe one of our readers can enlighten me because I don’t mind telling you that I have no idea what it is. The center console is a feature that really jumps out as stunning, and not only is it in good condition, but it brings a slice of 1960s flair and class to what was a range-topping vehicle when it was new.
Under the hood of the Coronet, we find a 318ci V8, a TorqueFlite transmission, and power steering. The owner states that the car runs, but he has to pick up a new battery for it. This is also a moment that adds further confusion to what is becoming a bit of a mystery machine. When I first spotted that huge cooler in front of the radiator, my initial thought that it was for an air conditioning system. However, the compressor and belts should be clearly visible in this engine shot, as they usually sit at the top of the motor. In addition, there are no vents inside the car for any type of A/C system, so I’m not sure about that one. Maybe the car has been fitted with air conditioning at some point, but parts of the system have been removed. Or maybe this is some sort of oil cooler, but if it is, then it is a pretty heavy-duty piece of equipment. The owner also states that the Coronet has covered a genuine 12,650 miles, so hopefully, he holds documentary evidence to verify this.
At first glance, this 1965 Coronet 500 looks like a really nice survivor, and maybe it is. However, the side-pipes hint at the potential of a hard life, so since the owner states that he is motivated, I would be very inclined to enquire about the possibility of inspecting the vehicle. That way those few oddities about the car might be able to be clarified before money changes hands.
Johnny Prochnow. He lived across the alley from my folks, and had this exact car( sans the lake pipes) circa, 1971. His 1st car was a Fiat 850 coupe, dismal car, then he got this. We all laughed because it looked like something his parents would drive. Same white, 318, buckets, console, but was a stone. Wouldn’t even do a burnout, which was imperative at the time. It was a nice car, and we saw a lot of monster ’65 Dodges, just not this one. Thanks for the mems.
Wouldn’t do a burnout? My 68 Coronet with a 318 did burnouts like there was no tomorrow, although mine was the LA 318. Still, something must have been wrong with it.
I was going to say the thing under the column might be a trailer brake, and the cooler would be for the transmission oil, indicating that the car may have been used to tow something. But if that’s the case, the hitch has been removed.
You are correct sir
The only other thing that could be is a line lock.
No not a line lock, old school trailer brake control
That was my first thought also!
I really find it hard to believe the low mileage and I bet the owner doesn’t have the documentation to back it. Nice car but visually not a real eye catching design. A little bland for my tastes.
Maybe 112k miles..and the interior is “stunning”? Is that the new term for “faded”?I guess I’m a little ticked because I like these mid-sized mid 60’s Mopars, and I hate to see one sold this way.
Bland is what partially makes sleepers. I have my doubts about the mileage, also. Questionable a/c, broken windshield, and a few other areas needing to be addressed. I also believe the price is a little high. For me, if I were to bid, $10K would be my ceiling. Basically, I like this car but, there are those questions. Bring coveralls, creeper, flashlight, a couple wrenches and a few of your friends.
nice car but I would rather have a 65 plymouth sport fury for 1 or a 65 dodge monaco 500 both way better looking that this!
I believe that’s a hand control,left lever for braking, right for throttle, most likely for a handicapped person. Just a guess tho…
No…… trailer brake old school
Under the steering wheel? Trailer brake. Duh.
Nice car, loose the side pipes drop a 440 mocked up as a 426 street wedge with a bit more rubber and shazam, instant Mopar mania. The motown missle…ha, not quite.
Yet another featured car that comes with sketchy pictures at best. And he wants over 13k? Come on already, this car has ‘Flipper” written all over it and that’s too bad. I always liked these and the Plymouth Belvedere, it’s sister.
One of the pictures show rust on the leading edge of the drivers door. I think the seller was selective with his picture selection in order to hide issues. I’d be wary if this one.
Steve R
Terrible photos, hard life with 13k? Or your assuming mileage is fake and rolled over?
Or rolled way back..You can tell either, by the way. The numbers never align perfectly. I see that they don’t show the odo here.
From what can be seen from the poorly-taken pictures, this looks like a nice car. Even if you discount the mileage claim, it appears to be rust-free with very good paint, chrome and trim. The interior looks really good, too. Loose the side pipes, under dash radio and trailer brake, replace the windshield and you’re good to go. While the 318 may not be a tire shredder, it’s better than a slant six. I think it a good deal at $13,500 and it seems as if a lower offer can make it yours. Bet it doesn’t last long.
I’m from the Pittsburgh area and this car has been listed on Craigslist for at least the last 6 months. Which should speak volumes about what the car actually looks like in person. For one the hokey ad ons like the side pipes and later “SE” Dodge crests on the fenders. If it stood up the ad it would’ve been sold. If it’s clean it’s an $7500 car.
The wife and I had a brown one just like this one when we first got married. It was our favorite car. Told the wife I wanted another before I croke. But now I’m retired and on a fixed income it’s not looking like that will happen. But I keep wishing.
Once I notice a seller has misrepresented one aspect of their car, then everything is suspect. Check out on a lift and bring a magnet
Please try to remember, most cars come with VINYL interiors, not leather.
Vinyl is the new leather. Just like a picture of the speedometer is documentation of mileage.
Steve R
Beautiful car, but I highly doubt 12K miles. Anyone who had a 12K mile 50 year old car would have never added the silly pipes or after market air cleaner. I would go over it with a magnet too. Too bad, one of my favorite car and a great interior too. Either a sleazy seller, or an unusual one. There would be many questions I would have to ask and closely inspect this car in person before I laid down my money. Bet the seller wants a quick sight unseen internet as is sale.
It’s not a virgin low mile car….someone’s been doing a lot of messing around with that Dodge.
If you’re willing to spend a whole lot of money to squeeze only a few extra ponies from a Poly 318, this is the car for you.
https://www.streetmusclemag.com/tech-stories/engine/video-what-is-a-mopar-318-polysphere-and-how-come-nobody-likes-it/
Too many questions here. Number one being, there is plenty of space on the driveway of the garage to roll out the car and take full size pictures. 2) He lies about the windscreen cracks. It could be a magic car but right now, Run Forest, run!
Apparently didn’t wanna run up the mileage moving the car out into the daylight for photos…
It’s obviously had a complete repaint including jambs judging by the poorly masked VIN tag. Very unlikely that the mileage stated is genuine, bring your magnet!
One large red flag is the firewall and inner fenders are painted black on what’s supposed to be a white, low mile car. According to my local Mopar expert, in 1965 Mopar painted the engine compartment at the same time the outside of the body was painted, so whatever the exterior color is should be the same under the hood.
I notice underside of the hood and inside door panels are white, but the engine compartment should be too.
Those bodies were dunked in paint back in the good days be of quality. God Bless this Nation
David, I’d believe the bodies were dunked in primer. I’m almost 100% sure that the finish color was sprayed. I’m told that the entire bottom of the floor pan painted body color is not a correct restoration. The body color is supposed to cover the first 6″ to 12″ of the outside of the floor pan, but the center is an ugly shade of light green primer. My 65 Belvedere was original and looked like that when I got it in 1981.
I like pretty and going to last, so my car is 100% body color underneath. It might lose points at car shows, but I don’t care. One word of warning – don’t paint the top side of the floor pan with finish color. Leave it in epoxy primer. My friend painted the top side of the floor pan in the first 65 Satellite he restored and the carpet slips on the paint when you get it. He had it for 20 years and never fixed it, but it always annoyed him.
Also, don’t assume that you can “just drop in a big block.” Mopar had small block and big block bolt patterns on the back of the blocks. The 318 wide block is a small block bolt pattern. A big block will not bolt up to that trans.
And 1965 Mopars are a bastard design. They look like 62/64’s, but Mopar was transitioning to the different 1966 designs. That means a lot of the 1965 parts are unique to 1965, nothing else works. That applies to the “cable shift” Torqueflite transmissions. 1964 down is controlled by the push buttons connected to cables. 1966 up is a normal rod shifter. 1965 column shifters are adapted to the older cable shift transmissions with parts that are 1965 only.
The good news is this one is a Coronet 500 with a console shift. If you use a 1966 up transmission, you can get an aftermarket shifter to go in the console and work with that transmission. You’ll get killed at concourse car show judging, but most people don’t care. If it looks good, like it and drive it.
Nobody puts a trailer towing package on a car and only drives it 12,000 miles.
only been raced 12,000 mi.
The 318’s were notoriously under rated in power and all for the most part were known to Overheat, so I would think the the COOLER is for the radiator to try to keep heat in check with or without it being a tow/hauler vehicle. I would not think as poor on power as these were anyone would try to use it tow and or haul anything with it. This car has seen as hard hard life at best. This is a $6500 to 7500 dollar car at most.
I had a ’65 Plymouth Belvedere hardtop with the 318 back in the 80s. I remember that it had decent power and fuel mileage. Mine was a 2 barrel. It had a little over 100k on it and used a little oil, but never overheated.
Nice looking car. I hope it goes to a good owner. :)
Greetings from Tacoma..one mile from the Dome here.
Nice car awesome body design…Now the motor is basically a large detriment to the value of the car. Just like buying a roller who would leave a motor in it like this!
Big Wedge is required.
$8500 sound fair mileage if accurate is irrelevant!
To me, I refer to this car as my Goldielocks car. “Just right ” I had a ’65 and I loved how it drove and held the road. A great driver !
Yes, it is a wide block 318 and not a LA 318, so many parts will be hard to come by. If it was used as a tow vehicle only, I can see it with only 12,000 miles. The side pipes and tranny cooler could of been added for more durability.
And don’t forget the oil cooler… Hmmm. trailer brake control and low miles?.. right..
Another mopar painted GM black engine compartment UGH every time I see one
After reading all of these posts someone would be crazy to buy this car at this price. I really love BF! There are so many knowledgeable autohaulics here. I learn something every day. Thank you!
I made the mistake of buying a 67 model one time for about $500. It was 318/727. Shortly after I bought it a rod started knocking, put another 318 in it then the trans gave up, put 904 and driveshaft from a Satellite in it. Then a tie rod broke, replaced that then I’d had enough put an ad in Seattle newspaper and sold it for $850. No need to explain why I don’t like Mopars.
God bless America
Bendix trailer brake on the steering column I believe…
Yes that is the correct period trailer brake used in the 60s there was also a heat sink electric coil spring on a board under the hood that was tied into it, It was also tied into the hydraulic brake line by the master cylinder. Its still on my 63 Plymouth Savoy 6 stick that my dad bought in 64 and that slant six did a great job pulling our 2K pound 15 foot 67 Hills camper all over the USA!!
It looks like a trailer brake to me. And this car is a $3500.00 seller max. There’s too much suspect and you really have to want this car to own it.
As far as the trailer brake goes, it is odd that there is no hitch on this car and it doesn’t look like there was one previously.
Maybe the guy likes under dash installs. Look at the passenger side.
Would make a great “Landy’s Dodge” clone!
I’m tired of people to lazy, stupid or dishonest to at least drag the car out into the daylight. take some good pics. and post the info. most buyers want to know, so buyers don’t have to play these guessing games fun as they are at times. This car is just ok Its not that cool. 3-4k. Sail on down the line………………Later…………………….JIMMY
Looks nice. Needs personal inspection
You know Chrysler power ..sells all kind of performance parts for the poly 318…Just need to check the car out good…Here lately I’ve seen em rusted out for 10 grand..So it might be a good deal who knows..And after being around cars for 40 years….I’ve never heard a old mopar knock..the newer v6 yes
In the early ’80s, I had a black one with a 273 and three on the tree. I was 20 years old and had fun thrashing it around. Thieves loved it too; it was stolen once (I got it back) and broken into twice. In New York City….go figure.
Sketchy advertising!! Beware!!
It looks like mine that a restoration shop owner in Shelton Washington made disappear, poof. I have a pic similar to this when Mine was in storage. Registered, titled, video verified in Washington state. Vin number w455100011 first day of production. I didn’t know. BUT he did and I have the tabs, the plates, the registration to expire in November, 14 2022 all within my reach
The car hasnt been heard of since 9/16/13
THAT WOULD BE Great logical reasoning behind the silly display… Hence I doubt this is idiocy,. I Will BET YOU that this is illegal GREED…. just saying as I was aware of mine being a 361 wedge 2 bb Stromberg tortion front leaf springs fiberglass doors aluminum door hinges metal dash brake pedal through the floor boards the metal lower dash toggle switch for wipers also heater core cable in which ceased to exist until I had something to do with that 1965 Dodge Coronet 500