Time to take a look at another example of the non-muscle car version of a muscle car (it should probably be the other way around). Anyway, this 1968 Dodge Coronet is the generic version of Dodge’s mid-size model that spawned both the Coronet R/T and Super Bee, And dare I say it, a survivor? Let’s find out. This Coronet is located in Osage, Iowa and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $20,800 with seven bids tendered so far.
One has to wonder how a car like this has managed to survive, intact, for this length of time without experiencing mistreatment, or worse, cheezy hot-rod modifications. This Dodge two-door post coupe represents the bottom of the Coronet lineup for ’68 and it is simply denoted as a Coronet Deluxe Coupe. Moving upstream is the Coronet 440, Coronet 500, and then the performance-oriented R/T parked at the pinnacle. The Super Bee version of the Coronet was a stripped-down muscle car affair, ala the Plymouth Road Runner, and appeared after the model year introduction. Coronet Deluxe body styles included a two-door post coupe, a four-door sedan and a station wagon.
This Coronet is listed as a 55K mile example and the seller claims to have documentation to back up that claim. It presents itself as many cars of this ilk did back in the ’60s. It was purchased as straightforward transportation, the kind of automobile that was kept for several years, driven every day, and then moved on to a new owner. It has obviously been well stored as the beige finish is deep and non-faded and there is no indication of corrosion or body damage. The only noted mishap is a small dent in the rear bumper. There is no mention of any restoration work having been performed or any visual evidence of such. Clearly, this Coronet has been enjoying life somewhere while well-protected.
Power for this Dodge is typical of an entry-level car, it is Mopar’s tried and true 230 gross HP, 318 CI V8. The seller makes no mention as to how this Coronet performs but there is no reason, at least based on visual observation, to suspect a problem. This coupe appears to be a rather plainly appointed model as there is no evidence of power steering/brakes or A/C. There is a TorqueFlite, three-speed automatic transmission in place, however. One notable feature are the bias-ply tires. You have to imagine that those are probably leftover from years ago and not items that have been recently acquired, at an absurd price, from a vintage tire supplier.
The interior is the only place where this Dodge shows some weakness, and the issues are minor. The attractive two-tone vinyl and fabric upholstery is starting to lose its seams and the door panels are discolored and wrinkling. The dash, headliner, and carpet look fine, however, and the instrument panel, as simple as it is, is amazingly clear. Not surprising to find, is the lack of a radio – this Dodge was probably ordered with some budget consciousness in mind.
So, what to do with this survivor from another era? How about nothing, buy it, drive it, maintain it and enjoy it. I’m hoping that the next owner can avoid the temptation to coble this Coronet into some sort of an obtuse hotrod/restomod thingee. But that’s my view, what’s yours?
This certainly does bring back memories to my first car, a 1968 Coronet 500 sedan. Yes, this should move along pretty well, because I held my own against some GM cars with 350s in them, and these were really light. Probably the worst handling car I’ve ever owned, but that was with bias ply tires.
Reminds me of my near-base model tan 1968 Belvedere , also with a 318 auto and little else. It was no where near this shape and I beat the heck out of it . I used to do brake stands at stop signs and when I got off the brake it smoke the tires in 1 to 2 to drive .
I’m questioning the Dodge logo on the quarters though. Its obviously upside down, but I only remember them on the rear roof posts when the car had a vinyl top.
68-69 coronets. Handsome and masucline cars.
Make that masculine.
I agree with Jim, I’d prefer the new owner keep it stock and respect its past. But with the strong values of hipo Mopars, I guess the temptation would be to stuff a big engine in it, add performance tires and wheels, to make it fit in with the big boys? Even with the beige paint… maybe that needs changed too? But with the $20k-plus entry price, would the resulting “clone” be worth the effort and money? For me, it would be just as much fun as a simple cruiser.
I’d wouldn’t touch the body or interior, install some body colored 15” wheels which will fit the dog dish hubcaps. Upgrade the drivetrain with a relatively mild 440, possibly a 383 swap over to a 727 torqueflite and an 8 3/4 with either 3.23 or 3.55 posi, add disc brakes, then call it a day. Those modifications would make the car much more fun to drive without changing its outward character and could be done on a budget.
Steve R
Why would you change anything? This is a perfect time capsule of the time, it should stay as such. Someday, people are going to respect originality, but after people like you ruin things, there is no going back.
Troll. Round #2.
Steve R
Darn Steve, do you always feel the need for the last word? I thought we could at least debate cars here, but you are forever making personal attacks. You must be young, your maturity level seems lacking. That is not an insult, just an observation. Give it time, patience is something we all need.
That’s funny coming from the guy that constantly changes his user name. Your comments on the Charger featured on this site yesterday come off as very mature. So does you comment about the crashed Lamborghini wishing the owner had died because he was rich is a classic too.
Girls, girls! You’re both pretty, OK?
That said, I agree with Curt. There are plenty of Super Bee and R/T clones out there so I’d say leave it alone.
Captain Ahab, what white whale are you chasing? These accusations are absurd, but it really matters not to me in the long run. Continue your quest if it makes you feel better.
Perfect
IMO, one of the best looking Mopars of the 60’s and 70’s.
Wow, neat car. I think the only option is the 318 and auto trans. (over the /6 with 3 on the tree). I don’t even see a radio. The fender tag on this car should be completely empty. I hope it stays this way.
base V8 for those was the 273, I’d be surprised if that was a 318 in this one
The third car I ever purchased (in 1979) was a blue (originally green) 69 Coronet (black vinyl interior) with the 318 3-spd. It was my winter beater for my 79 Mustang Cobra. It was pretty rusted out, so I upgraded my beater a couple of years later. I really enjoyed the Coronet and miss it to this day.
I looked at the twin to this Coronet in the early nineties and it had 34000 miles on it but didn’t buy it same engine/lack of options as this one.
I was actually surprised to see a V8 under that plain hood.
Speaking of which, the V8 emblem on the driver’s side is positioned incorrectly (could be factory error, but it’s really off), and there appears to be no V8 emblem on the passenger side. Possible accident damage or repaint?
Not a V8 emblem, that’s the Dodge “fratzog” logo of the era. And (as Don noted above) it is indeed upside down and misaligned, and (as you say) mismatched vs. the passenger side. I suspect this indicates the car has at least had a respray if not more bodywork done.
My first car was a 1973 Chevy Vega. I just kept throwing money at it until even that couldn’t keep it road worthy as the unibody frame rusted out causing the rear end to sway and hop. Second car was a 1969 Chevy Malibu and the same scenario accept the frame split in front of the passenger coil spring.
My third car and what I call my first real car was a 1969 2 door 440 model Coronet with the little 318. I loved that car and it took a beating. That 318 2 barrel had surprisingly good power and acceleration for bone stock. I’ve owned a pretty built 440 powered car and a newer hemi one. I’d leave that Coronet bone stock as there is nothing wrong with it the way it was delivered! The 318 was a great and very dependable motor overshadowed by higher performance engines and very under appreciated for the backbone of Chrysler vehicle sales that it was. No other Chrysler engine existed as long as the mighty little 318 in its various generations from a to la and ending in the magnum series. There is more interchangeability between the various generations then a lot of people know about. The A engines and earlier LA 318’s like this one can take 120 over bores without sonic testing and are internally balanced with forged cranks. While I am saying I would leave it stock the potential to get serious 340 type performance or stroker performance is there with that engine.
While I can appreciate and agree with your enthusiasm for the dependability and good performance for the 318 as I’ve had a few over the years. The LA 318 never came with a forged crank nor can one be over bored to .120. However the A 318 or Poly can and has been bored to .90 in some cases and they did in fact come factory with forged steel cranks.
You are greatly mistaken! All Poly and early LA series 318’s came with forged cranks and internally balanced.
Polys yes. LAs not. I won’t say never but I’ve never heard nor seen an LA 318 with a factory installed forged crank. Respectfully disagree.
Sorry, but I lean towards the idea of modifying this car, but in very subtle looking ways. Add in power front disc brakes, and I understand that the aftermarket has ” add on ” power steering systems for vintage cars that are better than the waaaay too lifeless OEM systems.
The tires are probably ” museum pieces ” and should be carefully stored somewhere, so do a plus one with wheels and hubcaps that EXACTLY resemble the originals. Upgrade the rubber, somewhat, though I wouldn’t break my neck looking for 15 inch whitewalls as even blackwalls are hard enough to find.
In other words, make this car look as close as possible to what it looked like when new, but make changes that are useful for driving in traffic and not just on and off a trailer.
I learned to drive on a 1949 Plymouth that could almost be the automotive equivalent of this car’s grandmother. I admire the simple honesty of that Plymouth, but I wouldn’t want to drive it very far in today’s traffic. This car wouldn’t need much to be able to ” run with the pack ” in today’s world, why not make those few/subtle changes?
Simply a mild big block with supporting parts and the aforementioned 15″ steel wheels or factory rallys and redline radial tires would be as far as I’d go. That’s just me, it’s a great b body either way.
Special ordered a 68 Belvedere, 383, 330 HP, 4 speed, no power anything. Almost a Road Runner, except no stupid horn, and only $3300. Drove 143,000 miles and family duties required selling for only $300 to a lady who had never had a clutch in her life. Kick myself everday!!!
It’s up to 21k,its a really nice, stock,solid car,someone will enjoy it hopefully as is, or partially as is…or not,who knows?
I love this, love the color, love the 318. Brings back so many memories.
might be a 273, base v8 that year.
I went with the seller’s claim. While the 273 was standard in the base Coronet and Coronet 440, the 318 was an option.
JO
Ya, I think I’d leave it as is, maybe clean it up & do an interior resto using oem repop materials from SMS fabrics. About the only thing I’d change is install of an AC system to make it better for cruising here in sunny Florida. I love the wheels and poverty caps. I just wish it had a 3 on the tree lol…