383/4-Speed: 1967 Dodge Charger

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This 1967 Dodge Charger will probably divide opinions among our Barn Finds readers. Some will examine the images, assess the baked paint, and view it as an ideal restoration candidate. Others will consider the same attributes, but view its lack of rust as ample justification for preservation. Whichever camp you fall into, you will undoubtedly agree that the 383/4-speed drivetrain combination promises exhilarating performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting this promising classic listed here on Craigslist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. You can become this Charger’s new owner for $27,500, though the seller will consider offers.

Introduced midway through the 1966 model year, buyers warmly embraced the First Generation Charger. Some were attracted to the stunning styling, while others were drawn to the distinctive, luxurious interior. The result was sales success, with a production total of 37,344 vehicles, an impressive tally given the late introduction. The following year wasn’t so rosy, with the tally plunging to 15,788. Many reasons have been given for this sales drop, although the availability of cheaper pony cars didn’t help the Charger’s cause. This second-year example is a survivor that has spent its life exposed to the Arizona sun. Therefore, the baked state of its Code Z Gold paint is unsurprising. It has worn away in places, and there are areas of dry surface corrosion. However, the same climate that cooked the paint has kept the Dodge structurally sound. The seller identifies two small areas of penetrating rust that the buyer could patch. Otherwise, there are no issues demanding immediate attention. The trim generally appears acceptable for preservation or a driver-grade restoration, and there are no problems with the tinted glass.

Examining this Charger’s interior demonstrates why the sticker price was surprisingly high when compared to the opposition. Buyers received bucket seats, both front and rear, plush trim, and what I consider one of the most stylish gauge clusters from that decade. They looked awesome in the light of day, but came into their own at night, courtesy of Dodge’s use of electroluminescence. This classic retains those features, and the interior is complete. However, significant UV damage will likely lead many potential buyers to consider the cost of a complete retrim. Seatcovers and dash pads are readily available, but it will take determined searching to locate some items. The seller states that while the car’s factory air conditioning is complete, it doesn’t blow cold. Otherwise, the gauges and other features appear to function as expected.

The ’67 Charger was V8-only territory, with this car retaining its numbers-matching 383ci V8. As the four-barrel variant, it sends 325hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque to an 8¾” Sure Grip rear end with 3.23 gears via a four-speed manual transmission. The first owner also ticked the boxes to include power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes. The seller indicates that this is 1-of-601 Chargers produced in 1967 with this engine and transmission combination, and I have located evidence supporting that claim. That doesn’t make it the rarest combination, but it is still an important point that will add to the car’s inherent appeal. The listing confirms that this Dodge runs and drives exceptionally well. If so, the buyer could enjoy it immediately while contemplating this classic’s future.

Okay, the jury is out for me on this 1967 Dodge Charger. It would undoubtedly present superbly following a high-end restoration, guaranteeing its share of positive comments and admiring looks. However, it would command equal attention if the new owner treated the existing surface corrosion to prevent deterioration and preserved the car as a genuine survivor. Both options have their attractions, but which would you choose?

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Comments

  1. Mark

    99.795% rust free. nice solid 4 speed,A/C Charger here

    Like 1
  2. mb

    Fix the front seat clean it up and drive it !

    Like 0
  3. Bluesman

    yeah, sure. A Dodge Chargemore.

    Like 0
  4. Steve R

    Cool car, big block, factory 4spd and AC, the problem is the asking price, $27,500. It’s priced more like a 1968 through 1970 than a first gen Charger.

    Steve R

    Like 0

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