The Dodge Charger hit the scene in the middle of the 1966 model year. Using Chrysler’s B-body intermediate platform, the Charger was a cross between a personal luxury car and a pony car, offering both flair and some performance options. A mere 468 Chargers are said to have been built with the 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8, but this auto is not one of them. It was a 318 from the factory that was treated to a big block in its past. Located in Tracyton, Washington, this Mopar is available here on craigslist for $41,000 (firm). Barn Finder Pat L. comes through again in the tips department!
More than 37,000 Chargers were built in the car’s abbreviated first season, though demand would fall by half in its second. The lion’s share of the autos came with 318 and 383 V8s. So, if this Charger was numbers matching with the Hemi, the asking price would likely be much higher. Finished in what appears to be Light Green Metallic, the body and paint appear to be in good shape. But out of the mere six photos the seller provides, just one is of the exterior of the car. And the listing does not refer to the physical condition of the car, so we assume it’s good given the price tag.
This Dodge is said to have 118,000 miles and the Hemi has 23,000 since a rebuild, but we don’t know how the two connect. Has the engine been in the car a long time or is this a more recent transformation? We’re told the motor is paired with a TorqueFlite automatic that’s supposed to match with a 426. Aluminum heads were a part of the rebuild, so the seller says the 10:25-1 compression ratio engine will run on regular gas (really?). The radiator is also said to be new.
We get to see a little more of the interior, which matches with the paint color, and I’ve always thought this was the perfect combination for the first-generation Chargers. In 1968, they would get redesigned, and the buying public would respond enthusiastically, running the ‘68 headcount to upwards of 100,000 units. According to the seller about this car, “I’ve done all the work and expense, now you can enjoy” which implies there is more to the Mopar than meets the eye or the listing.
This car is exactly how I would want one. I think the asking price is very fair. One thing for sure with the elephant in the room she’s not much of a handler with that iron up from on skinny tires. Drum brakes wouldn’t help much either. All things that could be improved and because it’s not original subtle changes will only enhance this car.
I’d upgrade the tires from bias ply to radial ply tires. I’d also upgrade the brakes. Unless it came with disc brakes already, I’d upgrade to disc brakes. I’d also reduce the asking price from $40k to $30k. You want to have money left for inspection, upgrades, insurance, etc.
WOW WOW that would be a blast. Being a non number car makes it great to do anything you want and it would only enhance it. Always liked this Charger (not taking anything from the newer members of the family) but it’s just a very unique style and a Hemi? Heck yeah.
This is a real beauty, how many Hemi cars were drove over 100,000 miles ? I’ve never seen one ! Want so much !
Oops, I hadn’t read the article, if it wasn’t a Hemi from the factory, that explains why it had over 100,000.
Hope he added Hemi leaf springs and an 8.75 posi rear end. If he did all that I want to add is disk brakes and power steering.
I see the power steering unit now in the engine picture.
At that price it’s still a decent buy. As far as the springs and the differential all can be swapped in as better binders. Mechanicals are sorted and should be the talk of a local show.
Looks like I’ve been hacked and someone obtained a copy of my bucket list……
Always loved the 66 Chargers up thru to the 1970 model years. Mine was a 1968 (white with black interior and black vinyl top) and I hope to own one again someday.
This ’66 is a beauty, just the kind I’d love to have even so…
Nice Charger with a Hemi. But I would update the brake system. If those are 318 torsion bars that’s not good you have to change it to the big block and I’m pretty sure Hemi has its own setup with the torsion bars. And also the leaf springs in the back must be set up for a Hemi. The shocks all the way around has to be changed to the big block setup. To carry the weight of the Hemi. Otherwise this is a sweet ride and the price is very fair for this vehicle. Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻🇺🇸
Ad claims “hemi torsion bars.” I agree with the need for disc brakes, I’d go all 4 wheels. In general, I’m not a big fan of 1st gen Chargers as my very first car was a 2nd gen but I could easily live with this.
Wasn’t there one on here a couple years ago
Same Color Same story Same area
Coincidence or Just lucky to have something like that in the same place
I think it might have had different Rims though
And it was $32k or best offer
Selling for health reasons
I remember years ago an old lady (relative term) in the neighborhood had one and would lay some rubber for the carryout boys at Dillons store. It had a hemi.
I used to own this cars twin the same color and a 318/ 2bbl.. It got great mileage and was enjoyable just the way it was. I struggle to understand attending cruise ins where guys have some cars so modified they are barely streetable. They invest thousands to just drive from point A to B and can’t truly enjoy trips to shows a little longer distance away or just more time behind the steering wheel and less under the hood. Then there are the gas prices.
Manual 4 speed anyone?
Hey Charger! Beautiful looking car. IMHO, it’s the best looking car Dodge offered. My other favourite car was the 1966-67 Dodge Coronet.
So cool I’m definitely becoming a member
Keep it, price way too high.
I had a 67 charger 318. Even they needed a rebuild by 100k! These cars rust like crazy underneath, dangerous when leaf spring shackle is no longer connected! Connections at rear of torsion bar should be checked too, if this rusts out you’re screwed. 67 had turn indicators on top of front fenders and a better console set up. Back seats folded down and you could drop panel in trunk and it was like a station wagon. You could put a cooler or two behind those back seats. Nice cruiser car, turns heads. Also need to upgrade regulator to electronic, older cars had single field alternators, will blow up if you put a big sound system in.