I recently did something that I have never done before: walking into a dealership to order a brand new car as my daily driver. I chose to throw caution to the wind, ticking the boxes beside the paint shade and the options that I decided were “must-have” items. The original owner of this 1967 Dodge Coronet 500 followed the same approach, maximizing the enjoyment they would derive from their new toy. The seller has performed a few changes, including additional parts in the sale that should unlock this car’s full potential. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder TV for spotting the Dodge listed here on Craigslist in Homewood, Illinois. They set their price at $37,500 for this low-mile classic.

After a five-year absence, Dodge revived the Coronet badge when it introduced the Fifth Generation version for the 1965 model year. It remained in production until 1970, with our range-topping Coronet 500 rolling off the line in 1967. The seller was told that the car received a repaint in its original Dark Green Poly with a Black vinyl top in the 1980s or 1990s, and the fact that it still presents so nicely indicates that the work was performed to a high standard. Close inspection will reveal minor chips and marks, but if considered purely as a driver-grade vehicle, the appearance is comfortably acceptable. The panels are straight, while the consistent gaps suggest an eye for fine detail. There is no rust to spoil the ownership experience, with the trim and tinted glass looking exceptional. The 16″ Torq Thrust II wheels are the most obvious sign that there is more to this classic than meets the eye.

Delving inside this Coronet reveals that the first owner was willing to splash their cash to create the car of their dreams. They equipped it with air conditioning, an AM radio with the optional rear speaker, a console with a factory tachometer, and the Light Group Package. An FM update was performed on the radio at some point, but it operates using the factory controls. Otherwise, the interior is as it left the factory. There is no appreciable wear or other problems, UV rays haven’t done their worst, and the only non-functioning item is the factory clock.

The specifications demonstrate that the first owner wasn’t focused purely on comfort, equipping this Coronet with a 383ci V8, a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission, an 8¾” Sure Grip rear end with 3.23 gears, and power-assisted steering. The 383 would have delivered 325hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque in its original form, but there should be considerably more available under the driver’s right foot. The engine received a professional rebuild, including a capacity increase to 408ci and the installation of Edelbrock RPM Aluminium Heads and a Competition Camshaft. The Dyno Sheets confirm that power and torque have rocketed to 466hp and 500 ft/lbs. However, that isn’t the end of the story, because the seller includes a range of additional components that the buyer could install at their discretion. These include an upgraded intake, carburetor, headers, and other components. The first item that I would probably fit is the Leeds front disc conversion kit, because I suspect that the existing factory four-wheel drum setup might be found wanting if the driver pushes this package to its full potential. However, since the Coronet is in excellent mechanical health, any changes could be made as time and circumstances allow.

The Barn Find philosophy is “To protect and preserve,” meaning that we typically prefer to see classics in their factory form. However, we acknowledge that the market is filled with modified vehicles deserving inclusion on our site. This 1967 Dodge Coronet 500 is a perfect example of that thinking. It should offer significant performance gains when compared to its factory form, with the included parts collection allowing scope to squeeze more from this package. The work performed has not detracted from the vehicle’s character, but further emphasizes its muscle car credentials. Is that enough for you to pursue it further, or would an unmolested example be more your style?