There have been a lot of cars with the number “500” in the name. Cases in point are the Ford Galaxie 500 and the Shelby GT500. But there was also a 500 in the Dodge Coronet series from 1965 to 1970 as the car’s top trim level (excluding the performance R/T model). In 1968, a Coronet 500 convertible was a rare commodity, with sources suggesting only 1,600 were produced. The seller has one that may have been sitting for a bit, with mostly undefined issues. Located in Federal Way, Washington, this Mopar drop-top is available here on craigslist for $11,500.
Five variants of the mid-size Coronet were offered in 1968. In the pecking order, there was the Deluxe, 440, 500, and R/T with the Super Bee somewhere at the lower end (Dodge’s version of the Plymouth Road Runner). Sales were solid at more than 213,000 cars that year, of which 40,000 carried 500 badging. A V8 engine was standard equipment (318?), with a 383 big block being the next step up. That’s how the seller’s car is equipped, though we don’t know if it has a 2 or 4-barrel carburetor or if numbers-matching is applicable.
This ragtop is well equipped with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, power windows, power radio antenna, and power assist for the top, which comes with a zip-out rear window. The body may be okay (the photos don’t show massive holes), but the floorboards have issues,s and the seller is sending replacements along with the car. The paint is said to be dark green (almost black in appearance). The Dodge was last driven with 88,000 miles to its credit.
The roadworthiness of the vehicle isn’t discussed, nor do we get any under-the-hood pics. The interior is also a bit of a mystery in terms of condition. Chances are, if you bought this Mopar to restore, it would be the only ’68 Dodge Coronet 500 convertible in your inner circle. Road Runners and Chargers from that era are still relatively plentiful. Heads up to “Curvette” for the tip!
Compared to some of the asking prices on scrap heaps out there, this “looks” like a good project.
The ad lists the condition as, “good”. I see “fair” at best and that’s only if the light is good.
If the underside of the doors and rear fenders are good, it’s not a humongous job to replace the floor and trunk pans. If this is solid, it’s a good starting project. Value also depends on drivetrain condition and how much of the interior is salvageable.
even though it only has a 11.5K selling price the owner could have taken the plastic off, as well as the tool box and maybe took a couple of interior and engine shots. guess that they are not too motivated to sell it.
I believe the 500 moniker derived from a 500 mile endurance race. Likely back in the 50’s. Tail light configuration and tail panel on the 68 5oo and R/T. are one of my favorites.
guarantee that interior is shredded by critters and weather or missing entirely: removed by someone sourcing a project or taken out for a refurbishment that never happened.
My mother had one new in 68. Bronze color with black top. It had a glass back window and the 383. Very rare car and never see one at car shows. Should be easy to restore. Our car was turned in for a new 70 Banana Yellow Challenger convertible.
Not bad for the price. Plenty good to work with.. Money and patience is all it takes.
how bout the c20
“May have been sitting for a bit”?I don’t think there’s any doubt about it!
And what about the frame?
Unibody…no frame
How about the Capri?
That arse end is growing on me. I didn’t like it before, but the lights are so different. Refreshing to see.
Interesting… would have to look at it in person to see all the bad not shown . its safe from me . I live on east coast . Well you could sale the back rims and get 100 bucks back on the cost of car….
The lettering on the back of the car has Dodge misspelled.