So what really happened? Dodge hit a major home run with its newly introduced 1966 Charger. But in ’67, sales fell right off of the table for what amounted to a repeat of the ’66 design, why? Based on today’s ’67 Charger find, it’s hard to say. Our subject car is a beautiful example but let’s drill down and see what, if anything, we can figure out. Located in Calgary, Alberta Canada, this second-year Charger is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $29,000 C (about $21,600 U.S.)
So back to numbers, Dodge knocked out over 37,000 Chargers in ’66 but managed to assemble just 15,700 in ’67, a 58% reduction. Other than some changes under the hood, improvements actually, and a bit of inside reconfiguring, it was essentially the same car. And this example still looks much as it did in ’67 except for the aftermarket “star” wheels (the original wheels and covers are included in the sale). The Silver Poly finish is in excellent condition though it’s not said if it is original. Same for the stainless trim, like that loooong piece that extends from the new-for-’67 fender-mounted turn signals all the way to the rear edge of the quarter panel. Rust or crash damage? Nope.
Built with a 325 gross HP 383 CI V8 engine, this Charger’s engine room still harnesses that original motor today though it has been converted to fuel injection. The seller adds, “Runs awesome, sound great, and looks even better“. A TorqueFlite automatic transmission handles everything gear related. Also mentioned is, “No power steering, power brakes, cruise control, A/C – basic 1967 standard options“. So this Charger, with its four-wheel drum brakes, is native 1967. The seller also mentions that he has the original valve covers, carburetor, and air cleaner.
The big change inside for ’67 was the elimination of the front-to-back center console, replacing it with a more traditional type that just separates the front bucket seats. That said, there is a separator positioned between either rear seating position that serves as an armrest. The black vinyl upholstered interior shows excellently benefiting from sound storage and likely gentle use over its 55-year, 87K mile motoring experience. The only adverse comment made is, “electrical issue: not working dash lights, radio gauges, power antenna“.
So, back to that “What really happened?” question. The conventional wisdom, proffered by many auto critics, is that sporting interests trended towards smaller cars. Consider if you will, Dodge introduced a beautifully restyled Dart while cousin Plymouth did the same with the Barracuda. The big power wasn’t quite there yet, but it would be in ’68. Outside of ChryCo, there was a redesigned Mustang and the all-new Mercury Cougar, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird – enthusiasts had many choices in ’67! And of course, all bets were off when the iconic, restyled ’68 Charger appeared but that’s another story entirely. And while I (and apparently many others) prefer the second-gen (’68-’70) Charger to the first, this example garners no complaints in my book, wouldn’t you agree?
I would think this car won’t last long since the exchange rate makes this extremely appealing to US buyers. Sign me up I would love to own this. Fixing the electroluminescent dash lights would be my priority one. Next would be a front disc brake conversion. I would need to drive it first as brakes might not be too bad. I know my Corvair with its Chevelle brakes do just fine on drums.
“The big power wasn’t quite there yet, but it would be in ’68.”
What are you talking about? Sure this Charger has a 383, but the 440 and 426 Hemi were both available in 66 and 67.
Seems like a great buy at $21K, wish I had room for it under my carport.
I wrote, “Consider if you will, Dodge introduced a beautifully restyled Dart while cousin Plymouth did the same with the Barracuda. The big power wasn’t quite there yet, but it would be in ’68”
I was referencing the Dart and Barracuda.
JO
I bought one when I was 16 and first got my licence, ,some one hit my rear tail light and I couldn’t find another one,the engine should be blue i believe.. I’m pretty sure 318, 383(most had) and 426 were the only engines available for that car.
Mine was a 66,I could be wrong on the engine,in 67 they also put a signal indicator on top of the upper fender
I think the top mounted turn signal indicators was an option. It was on my Barracuda.
Best looking body style to wear the Charger name plate.This is a nice car.
440 wasn’t available until 1967
Correct. In 1966, four engines were offered: 318, 361, 383, 426
The 440 was offered in 1967, other engines offered 1967 were 318, 383, 426.
Didn’t know about 361 engine option in 66,thx
Cue “The Man from UNCLE” theme song. It was the first time we saw the Dodge Charger, and like the Marlin, we all thought it looked hideous.
https://www.imcdb.org/v540203.html
It was better than the 1961 Oldsmobile. LOL
That’s funny…Napoleon Solo driving a Charger fastback. We had all the UNCLE toys/guns/badges merchandising created for that show.
And people think Stars Wars was the first to do that. Combat !!! also did
well before Stars Wars. Combat, UNCLE, Star Trek….a great era to be a kid.
Let us not forget the lesser known “UNCLEmobile”.
I had one of these and can tell you parts are a big reason why these are not more popular now. I never could find anyone to fix the original hideaway headlight motors, taillights were unobtanium, and that Electroluminescent dash is going to cost a fortune to fix. Probably worth it though, looks like a solid car
Everything works meaning Dash Lights, Headlights and my 4 Speed does huuuuge Burnouts with my large Engine! My headlights roll over unlike the 1968 Charger Vacuum actuated! My car is STOUT and STABLE at high speeds! I can haul *** Around Corners stomp on the Accelerator and drive it 130 mph down the Highway! I have owned many Mopars and the only better handling Car was a 1970 GTX similar to the Steering and handling of the 66 Charger. If of course like the 70 my 1966 too has a massive Front & rear Sway Bar and a Dana With a nice Thumping Snuber! Seldom do I find great handling cars and Challengers don’t handle good at all! Especially with alot of HP. I have owned two with Kieth Black Engines, one A 340 and 426 they handled poorly! The front ends are to long and suffer with terrible Camber just from the weight differential. Just my experience. The 1970 Dusters handled well. 71 ‘s even better. Does a 1967-69 handle good at 120? No! I have gone that fast in these Chargers and they handled poorly. Just my opinion, of how well one car handles. A 1966 Plymouth is a car that again handles very well, and has been ignored, I had a Police Interceptor Plymouth and it scooted so well it would give you Goose Bumps! Overall for speed for example heading to Vegas I choose the 66 Charger Everytime for the night drive.
Sales dropped in 1967 for a big reason ; that was a big year for pony cars . The Cougar, Camaro and Firebird made their debut , the Barracuda was redesigned and the Mustang had a more aggressive look than the 66 model. Even Chargers little brother the Dart was redesigned and had a nice hardtop style , all of which likely ate into the Chargers sales
That is correct the Ponies were coming along and the Horses were left in the Corral! The truth being said today there is more if a want for a Fastback than in 1966/67 and that goes for any Charger or factory Muscle car!
Hey Charger! Lovely looking car! This has always been my favourite look for the Dodge Charger. I hope it goes to a good owner. $21,000 is a bit expensive for me. I’d pay between $10k and $15k for the car.
I love this body style, prefer the 1966 with the split rear seat!
That is correct the Ponies were coming along and the Horses were left in the Corral! The truth being said today there is more of a want for a Fastback than in 1966/67 and that goes for any Charger or factory Muscle car!
Hes only showing so much of the car. I can see the front driver’s seat is ripped. probably needs interior. can’t tell what else it needs.
I remember seeing 66-67 Chargers on the NASCAR circuit and they certainly were potent competitors to Ford having come back from Chrysler’s 1965 boycott over NASCAR’s ban of the Hemi. LeRoy Yarbrough and Buddy Baker are two Charger drivers who come to mind. 1966 was the first year NASCAR allowed mid-sized cars to race. A Ford guy I always liked these Chargers although the 68 is my favorite.
So cool. In grade school, a kid in my class got a ride to school every day in one of these. He made his lving as a pro drag racer, and his Charger street car had the most wild paint job this 7 year old had ever seen. They had a the car for a few years, and I used to love seeing it.
Love this car – its a snip.
cheers,
BT
“So what really happened? Dodge hit a major home run with its newly introduced 1966 Charger. But in ’67, sales fell right off of the table for what amounted to a repeat of the ’66 design, why?”
Everybody bought AMC Marlins? No, that wasn’t it.
Marlins?!
No, I think I answered my question by stating:”Consider if you will, Dodge introduced a beautifully restyled Dart while cousin Plymouth did the same with the Barracuda. The big power wasn’t quite there yet, but it would be in ’68. Outside of ChryCo, there was a redesigned Mustang and the all-new Mercury Cougar, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird – enthusiasts had many choices in ’67!”
Marlins, heh-heh, that’s a good one!
JO
Our neighbor across the street bought a new ’66 Charger, white with a red interior and I was dazzled by the 4 bucket seats and console that ran all the way through the interior.
Sales dropped because this car resembled other poor sellers….basically from the back end. Ramblers. Nobody wanted Ramblers or cars that resembled Ramblers. Specifically the Rambler Marlin fastback.
Even the Mustang Fastback did not sell as well as expected.
I don’t think you could be more wrong with that statement.
More Marlin Nostalgia:
Brothers Larry and Don Hess raced a Marlin in the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona. Sponsored by Queen City Rambler, a Charlotte, North Carolina AMC dealership, the car ran almost stock, even with a radio antenna. The passenger seats were removed, a roll bar installed, and the factory exhaust system replaced with open headers that exited below the doors. The Marlin retired after 80 laps with overheating and steering problems, and was reportedly sold as a used car after the race.
1966 I was driving a 64 polars 440 / 413 4speed dule quad set up
Went to my dodge dealership to buy a set of points. They had just unloaded a pair of 66 silver blue cars.#1was a cornet 500 auto#2 was a charger 383 4speed in that I was getting married in 3 mo. I took the auto because my wife to didn’t drive a stick. Must have been the right choice since we just had are 55 anniversary.
There have been other 4speeds along the way,hopefully more to come
She’s a beauty and there should be NO negatives at this price.
This was a large car. Jumping in and zooming around town did not fit the time. The smaller Mustangs, F-Birds, GTO’s, and Camaro’s were the rage, and you could get a convert. Folks of my age have to remember you wanted a chick car back then, and the money spent was not bad to buy one. My wife had a ’68 Firebird convertible 4-speed, and she got wolf whistles cruising thru town. The Charger did not draw the young people….but I love the car.
A year from now, 21K will be a REAL bargain for this car. They aren’t getting any cheaper.
Or,the market could drop out,making cars like this
just used cars.
SO many people have said that the car market will drop out and all of these cars will be worthless, which always makes me chuckle.
The only noticeable drop off in car values was in 08 – 09 and then the rebound drove the prices even HIGHER than they were.
Recent car auctions are still going strong, and the latest mumbling about electrification will kill the muscle car industry is even more laughable. If anything, the electric car industry is doomed to failure, for many reasons that may or may not be apparent.