I find solace in finding the non-muscle car version of a popular model known more for its oomph. I think it’s the fact that they were so commonplace at one time – they were the market makers, and of course, are generally gone from the planet and usually trade for less, usually. Today’s find, courtesy of rex m, is a 1970 Dodge Coronet 500. This one is powered a bit differently under the hood than the typical 500, so let’s investigate. This Dodge is located in Las Vegas, New Mexico (I didn’t know that there was such a place) and is available, here on craigslist for $12,500.
Being a Coronet 500 puts this example at the top of the Coronet totem pole, saving, of course, the R/T muscle-bound variant. All ’70 Coronets have the same twin-loop wrap-around front bumper – a sort of love-it or hate-it styling cue. I recall its introduction in late ’69 and found it to be a goofy-looking step back from the more pleasing ’69 version. As with so many things, it has grown on me over the years. There is certainly no mistaking a ’70 Coronet when spied – you know what it is.
The body on this example is typical for a life-long southwestern car in that the finish (cream code Y-3?) is pretty faded. Rust is present, most notably in the lower quarters. Most obvious, however, is what looks like the park-by-sound treatment that has been afforded this Dodge – it has quite a few scrapes and dents. The bodyside rub strip is unattaching itself from this car’s flanks and the rocker panel trim is missing on both sides. The chrome bumpers, however, both forward and aft, have held up OK.
Under the hood is a 383 CI V8 but it’s not disclosed if this is a 290 or a 330 HP variant (I don’t know what’s up with the off-kilter images), both were available as options. It’s a nice surprise as so many of the 15K ’70 Dodge Coronet 500s (8,200 two-door hardtops) came equipped with the more pedestrian 230 gross HP 318 CI V8. It is claimed that this Coronet is, “All original, nothing has been removed from this car” but that said, this one appears to be a non-runner. As is usually the case, a Torqueflite automatic transmission backs up the “B” block engine.
The interior upholstery selection appears to be corrugated cardboard – well, maybe not originally. There is a split-bench seat under all of that brown paper but it is sun-shredded to bits. The headliner looks to have given it up as and the driver’s side door panel is among the missing. The upholstery’s condition is in keeping with what one would expect to find on a car long domiciled in the hot, bright southwestern sun.
So, anything remarkable here? Not really, the 383 engine is a little unusual but if it’s not the 330 HP, four-barrel carburetor version, then this Coronet 500 is only mildly more interesting than a lessor-powered example. Outcome? Assuming that Mopar Mania doesn’t run rampant price-wise, and $12,500 is not really there, I see Super Bee or R/T clonesmanship occurring in the near future, how about you?
Most likely a 383 w/2bbl carb; rare car at any rate.
Love that luxury interior too!
Neat but I’m afraid it’s gonna get cloned into an R/T.
No need to clone this, or any, really.
Sweet ’70 if the underside is clean.
Las Vegas New Mexico, where they filmed the original “Red “Dawn” 1984
I don’t care what you say, that’s one ugly front end.
I would make this a go mango orange Coronet RT with a white top without hesitation.
What Dusty Rider says. 69 Coronet the last good looking one. These cars rotted out by 1974. That’s the truth.
Hardly …. There were still plenty of these B bodies running around New England into the early 1980s – rusty by that time yes, but so was every 10+ year old car that drove in the salted winter roads here .
Brings back memories back In ’82 I had this same one, drk green with a 318 I could not kill! Kept it for a year for ‘transportation’. It was in ex cond as compared to this joke. No rust for a CT lifelong car either! I bought from my late friend Richie, for $100, RIP. I was 22 then but didn’t realize these were used for Super Bees as wasnt a fan of Mopar. You may have seen his dad on TV, ‘Batso’! He has a few custom cars you got to see to believe! https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Batso-Tattooed-animal-rescuer-turned-TV-star-283188.php
One of the uglist mopars ever made. 12500$ dreamin
Not my favorite year for the Coronet. Prefer much anything before/after 1970. Take a 70 Plymouth Satellite over this one though.
Car should be restored to original condition with maybe some minor improvements but please don’t turn it into an RT or Super bee.
I think the stock coronet look would be best for this one right down to the rally wheels , but the rest is all up for improvement, big rearend 440 ect.
Would be a great sleeper.
Love the “70” Coronet!
One too many zeros in the price. Needs paint, body work, rust repair, total interior replacement, and probably does not run.
A big block 2 door Mopar from the muscle car era, fairly solid, buckets with the buddy seat, less than $20,000. Yet people are still complaining about price? I don’t get it! A $5,000 Pinto is ok but not this easy restoration for $12,500? Wow! I think it is a bargain!
Every bit of interior component it needs is readily available, body is sold with minor rust, just needs some dents massaged out & paint. Durable all stock drivetrain. Whatever ails it can be fixed. If I had the money, this would already be heading to Milwaukee.
I bought this car on Thursday for $9,500 Bringing it up to Colorado Springs this weekend. The seat is unusual. It’s real buckets the whole thing in the middle is removable. I love, love, love, the ’70 Coronet/Super Bee front end! It will join my ’71 Challenger, ’71 Charger and ’69 Charger.