Remember the “Dodge Rebellion” advertising used by the Chrysler division in the mid to late 1960s? The company wanted to make sure buyers knew that when it came to performance, its dealers were the place to go. The Charger debuted in 1966 and led that “charge”, a sporty fastback based on the mid-size B-body used by the Coronet. It was a modest success initially, but sales took off with the second generation (1968-70). This first-year Charger has been in the same family since new and seems rather nice, perhaps a survivor. Located in Tehachapi, California, the black/yellow license plate Mopar is available here on craigslist for $15,000 (firm). Our thanks go to Barn Finder “numskal” for this contribution to the Tips Department!
The Charger was all about style in 1966, with its fastback styling and bucket seats not only in the front but also in the back (admittedly, it was big for a 4-seat automobile). Dodge sold more than 37,000 copies in an abbreviated first year and it was surprising that sales dropped by more than half for the second outing in 1967. A 318 cubic inch V8 was standard but you could work yourself up to a Hemi if you were so inclined (few buyers did). The seller’s car has that engine along with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission at 99,000 miles.
Few details on the history of this auto are provided, which is a shame since it never left its original family in 57 years. The red paint looks nice, but the seller only provides low-resolution photos so if you blow them up it’s hard to find imperfections. We’re told there has never been any rust on the Dodge, so all the sheet metal should be factory. The white interior seems to have held up nicely if it’s also original.
No modifications have been made to the car, so the engine should be good for 230 hp. Power steering was also an option and power-assisted brakes would also seem likely. The seller says the car “runs” but doesn’t provide any adjectives like “well.” So, this could be a nice survivor that you could use sparingly or as a great foundation for a restoration if your budget allows it.
Remember the “Dodge Rebellion” advertising used by the Chrysler division in the mid to late 1960s? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
I remember clearly. I was always a Poncho guy but I always respected the Mopar crowd. Back then you were loyal to your brand and stayed loyal to your brand. I’m afraid with that electric Charger thing,.Dodge may join my beloved Pontiac in the abyss!
All the way back to when I was a kid (car fanatic starting in the early 1960’s), I have never been totally brand loyal. While differences in corporate culture, resources, and approach have always existed, they’re still just big corporations. It always seemed far too limiting, and I didn’t care to put down my friends’ ride just because it was different than the crowd favorites. Oh, I think many of us have our preferences when comparing specific models, but it just seems we “car nuts” shouldn’t hesitate to spread the love around freely, there’s just too much great stuff.
Spearfish, I agree completely.
I have owned many models from the “Big 3”, with a few German and Asian models thrown in along the way. I have also liked specific AMC models but have never owned one.
I would never limit myself to one manufacturer of anything, I go with what appeals to me at the time.
To each their own.
Best body style to wear the Charger nameplate.
I love ugly cars, but gag me with a spoon, the uglies pile of crap Chrysler ever made, this coming from a guy who has owned ove 100 Dodge, Plymouth and Chryslers. The AMC Marlin was a equally unimpressive turd.
Gary, you got it wrong, but I guess that happens every once in awhile.
I agree with Mike. Needs a gen 3 hemi (not that hillbilly ls oil burning nonsense)
While I’m partial to the ’69 m.y. body, this one gets the console prize. That space behind the rear seats was a fun place for a kid of the ’60s to ride while contemplating the full moon above that expansive rear window.
Nice car, but I’ve had a ’66 – 67 B-body in my driveway since my dad brought home a new ’66 Coronet 500. That’s how I know that’s a local upholstery shop’s handiwork on the seat covers: ’66 buckets sport horizontal pleats, ’67’s have narrow vertical pleats without plain bolsters.
In 1966, May, we went to see Indy 500 and headed to Louisville to inspect 40 Chryslers and 10 Cadillacs that had been involved in a derailment. I had never looked at the Charger up until then, because even being a dealer, not many of these came down the pike after the intro. I always thought the rear console and bucket seats were too cool. My first experience thinking “why” as they had loaded all the cars with the nose up in the air at an angle for shipping. I never did find out what precautions were taken to prevent fluid losses. None of the cars was even remotely rebuildable. Probably all ended up in Hammond, Indiana, as there was a wrecking yard there that bought all the remains of shipping caused damage. I would return to 1966 in a second.
Agree on the 66/67 being the best….and did miss my chance on the barber shop manager’s orginal owner yellow one when he passed….but was paying off my first house still…..and it was garage kept but….yellow
Please, the 68 was the most beautiful design of any Charger. I’ve owned 68,69 and 70’s and always thought the 66 and 67 Chargers were butt ugly
I hope I am not mistaken but I believe you said it has a hemi in it but it looks like a 318 poly engine in the photos. Some call this a hemi but every one that I had was a boat anchor. I could not get any performance from any of them. always switched to a big block.