Don’t be fooled by its tired exterior, because this 1967 Dodge Charger is a promising project candidate. Looking beyond the tired paint and accumulated surface corrosion reveals a surprisingly solid classic. The fact that it left the line with a 440ci V8 under the hood enhances its appeal to those seeking a genuine muscle car. I want to extend a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Charger listed here on eBay in Celeste, Texas. The seller set their BIN at $22,500 with the option to make an offer.
Dodge released its First Generation Charger in 1966, and it is easy to discern by the styling that its target opposition was the Rambler Marlin. The appearance of the pair is strikingly similar, although many enthusiasts feel that the Charger looks more elegant. The company enjoyed first-year success, with 37,344 buyers splashing their cash to take home a Charger. However, things were less rosy in 1967, with sales plummeting to 15,788 vehicles. Several factors contributed to the drop, including the rise of Pony Cars and the fact that Dodge’s standard equipment resulted in a relatively high sticker price. Therefore, this 1967 Charger is relatively rare from a “big-picture” perspective. It would have looked stunning in its original Bright Blue, but the Texas sun has badly baked the exterior. Surface corrosion is appearing, but it is the dry type that you typically encounter on older classics from the region. The seller states that the Charger is suffering from minimal penetrating rust, and the photos seem to indicate that the lower body extremities and floors are solid. Many trim pieces require restoration or repair, and the tinted windshield is badly cracked.
Dodge threw caution to the wind when developing the Charger, equipping its interior with features that were lavish when compared to its competitors. The Charger was strictly a four-seater, with the rear fold-down buckets separated by a console. There was a similar feature for front seat occupants, while the dash housed a stunning gauge cluster lit by an Electroluminescent system. Apart from the front console, this Charger retains those features. The White vinyl trim is beyond salvation, and the pad is toast. However, the foundations are there to recapture the interior’s former glory, and the first owner enhanced this car’s luxurious feel by ordering it with air conditioning and power windows.
The muscle car war was in full swing by 1967, and Dodge provided Charger buyers with plenty of mouthwatering options. The Charger was strictly V8 territory, and those with sufficient funds could order one with the legendary 426ci Hemi engine under the hood. However, those on a tighter budget weren’t left out in the cold, with Dodge adding the 440ci “Magnum” to the options list in 1967. That was the motor chosen by this car’s first owner, and they also ticked the boxes on the Order Form for the A-727 Torqueflite transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The Magnum is a mighty motor, placing 375hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque under the driver’s right foot. The seller confirms that this Charger isn’t numbers-matching. The Torqueflite is gone, and the date-correct 440 included in the sale is partially dismantled. I can spot some of the engine’s ancillaries in the image gallery, but there is no sign of the cylinder heads. Therefore, a rebuild and a host of additional parts will add to the restoration budget.
This 1967 Dodge Charger is a promising project candidate, and the lack of rust means that the buyer will face minimal cutting and welding. Dismantling the car entirely would be the best way to achieve a high-end result, which is a time-consuming process. That isn’t so bad if the new owner adopts a DIY approach. However, paying somebody by the hour would see costs balloon very rapidly. That would put the financial viability into question, especially considering that values have fallen recently. Do you think that the relative rarity of the 1967 Charger and the first owner’s decision to equip this one with a 440 justifies the seller’s price, or do you consider a lower figure more realistic?
This is the same dealer whose 1966 Hemi Charger was featured on this site last week. They’ve had countless cars featured prior, they find some really desirable cars, then either put them up for auction with reserves matching the asking price on their website or list the with a BIN that does the same.
If this was a 68-70 Charger it would be a bargain based on what the market will bear, but the 66-67 Chargers don’t have nearly as strong of a following. It’s hard to see an engineless roller that needs full restoration pulling $22,500 even if it left the factory with a 440.
Steve R
I would be surprised if it even gets five figures. Face it, the days of big buck cars are gone. These were very comfortable cars when new. I rode cross country in one over 50 years ago. Just a 318, but cruised at 80 without complaint and the air worked flawlessly. Unfortunately, the big bucks require big HP, even if it isn’t practical.
The days of “big buck” cars a far from over. Hopefully the market will be more selective, but most cars that have a strong following today have had one for decades. Cars without will drop in value, you can see that happening with many 1930’s through 1950’s cars, 4 doors and others. Some people confuse the seasonal slow down which occurs annually with the beginning of a general collapse, this is nothing new, I’ve heard that repeatedly for the last 30 years.
Steve R
Agree….these guys are the Mark Worseman of Texas…..even though it is a 440 car it sadley need way too much – the inside parts cost a small fortune.
The market is strong and going nowhere but up! If you are in the market for one of these rare historical rides from time past, you need to anti up and purchase soon. The market has ALWAYS supported the followings of these cars, especially those that have established themselves as “Americana”. Good luck.
*ante
another Texas dealer
If I was to get a first gen. Charger I’d want a 67′ with the 440ci, but I would much rather pay more for something already in the condition I’d like than take on a project like this.
With limited photos I just don’t see very much meat left on the bones of this project by time you source all that it will take for a 100 point restoration many would give up before they finish
I used to own a ’66 Charger, when I decided to sell it. It was a challenge to say the least.