Sometimes I’ll look at a classic car, and I can instantly identify why I like it. However, some possess an indefinable something that makes me long to park them in my garage. The latter scenario is the case with this 1966 Dodge Coronet 500. This is an original survivor, and while it isn’t perfect, it still presents well enough to command attention and respect wherever it goes. Barn Finder Larry D spotted this awesome classic for us, so thank you so much for that, Larry. The owner has decided that the time is right for it to find a new home, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Coronet is located in Laguna Hills, California, and while the owner has set the BIN at $18,500, the option is available to make an offer.

The owner believes that the Coronet has received a repaint in its original shade of Code X Beige in the past, but he feels that a previous owner performed this work many years ago. While it continues to hold an impressive shine, the paint is far from perfect. It has accumulated its share of scratches and chips, and there’s no doubt that another repaint would lift the car’s presentation to the next level. The panels also sport a few dings and dents, but once again, none of these are severe. The worst damage is on the passenger side, but as you can see from this photo, there’s nothing present that would justify replacing any of the original steel. This classic is a black plate survivor, and a life spent in California has helped it to remain essentially rust-free. I’ve spotted some corrosion that is beginning to creep out from under the chrome trim on the back window, but I don’t believe this has progressed to the point where it has penetrated through the steel. If it is nothing more than surface corrosion, getting on top of it early would be a wise move. Otherwise, the vehicle is structurally sound, and it doesn’t appear to have any immediate needs. The trim and chrome are in good condition for a survivor of this age, as is the glass. The Coronet rolls on a set of 15″ Magnum 500 wheels, and while these look pretty nice, the owner says that the tires will need to be replaced before the car hits the open road.

When we turn our attention to this Dodge’s interior, the news seems to remain extremely positive. The upholstered surfaces appear to be in excellent condition, with no evidence of wear or physical damage. The same seems to be true of the dash and pad, along with the carpet and console. The only flaw that the seller identifies is a small hole in the headliner near the driver’s sunvisor. This hole is about the size of the average thumb, and its location may make it difficult to patch. However, with replacement headliners readily available for less than $200, addressing that problem should not break the bank. The owner has installed an aftermarket stereo in the glove compartment, and he has fitted speakers for this into the rear parcel tray. He has also fitted an aftermarket wheel, but he includes the original in the sale. Reversing these changes should be possible, but this setup does offer a workable compromise for the car’s next owner. The original owner ordered the Coronet with air conditioning, and while it is in situ, it doesn’t blow cold. The owner suggests that a recharge should address this, so that could be money well spent if the car is to remain in warmer climes.

Some classic buys can be a nightmare as new owners are faced with a myriad of mechanical issues to tackle before they can hit the road for a bit of fun. With this Coronet, it appears that its problems are limited to the older tires that I referred to earlier. The owner currently uses the vehicle as a daily driver, suggesting that it is in sound mechanical health. It’s also a car where its drivetrain combination holds the promise of an entertaining motoring experience. The engine bay houses its numbers-matching 383ci V8 that pumped out 325hp in its prime. The original owner also chose to equip the car with a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Pointed at a ¼ mile, this Coronet should consign the journey to the pages of history in 15.1 seconds. That’s some pretty rapid motoring, and given the car’s mechanical state, I can’t see why it couldn’t match that figure today. The owner has installed a new carburetor, air cleaner, and distributor. However, he does include the original components if the buyer wants to return this classic to its factory state. I have included a video clip at the bottom of this article. It provides a walkaround and also allows us to hear that sweet V8 running. It sounds super sweet breathing through its dual exhaust.

We can’t always get what we wish for, and some people will tell us that we should be careful what we wish for. When I look at this 1966 Coronet 500, I wish that I could identify precisely why I find it such an attractive car. However, I can’t do that, but that also brings me to my second wish. It is that I wish I could park it in my workshop. It has a presence that would help it turn heads, and the drivetrain combination should make it an entertaining thing to own and drive. Okay, so I can’t get my wishes, but maybe you can get yours. Are you tempted to try?