The 1967 model year saw the introduction of the R/T version of the Dodge Coronet. Buyers had the choice of two engines in this variation, and even the “entry-level” 440ci V8 offered impressive levels of performance. That is what we find occupying the engine bay of this particular car. However, don’t be fooled by the baked exterior. What you are looking at is a rust-free classic that is simply begging to be restored. It is located in Sherman, Texas, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The sale price for the R/T has been set at $14,500.

The Coronet R/T is a sleek and purposeful vehicle, and this one has a lot to commend it as a restoration project. The White paint that it wears is claimed to be original, but it is showing plenty of age now. Below the baked paint is a car that is afflicted with little more than some surface corrosion. There are no issues with the floors or frame, while there is also no visible rust in any of the panels. Both the front fender and the door on the passenger side of the R/T appear to have been replaced at some point, which might suggest some prior accident damage. However, the panel gaps appear to be very consistent, which makes me believe that any possible damage might have been superficial. The glass looks like it is in good condition, with no signs of any obvious flaws. All of the external trim, chrome, and the badges appear to be present, although there are several items such as the front bumper, which wear some minor damage. There are also a couple of components that would benefit from a trip to the plater, but the vast majority would seem to need little more than some work with a quality polish.

Hiding under the hood is a 440ci V8, which would have pumped out 375hp when the classic was shiny and new. The Coronet also features a heavy-duty TorqueFlite transmission, along with power steering. The good news is that this is a numbers-matching vehicle and that while the engine doesn’t run, it does turn freely by hand. There are a few minor components such as the carburetor and air cleaner that are missing, but sourcing appropriate replacements should not be difficult. The Coronet R/T could be ordered with either the 440ci engine or the 426 Hemi. While there are plenty of enthusiasts who tend to focus on the Hemi-equipped cars, the 440 was no slug in the performance stakes. It could accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, while the ¼ mile could be despatched in 14.4 seconds. Those sorts of figures should be enough to satisfy all but the most hardened of performance enthusiasts.

There is no hiding from the fact that the same Texas sun which has baked the Coronet’s exterior, has also taken a heavy toll on the interior trim. It will need a full restoration, but it isn’t all bad news. It does look to be complete, right down to the console and original AM radio. It would also appear that there have been no aftermarket additions such as extra gauges, meaning that this should represent a relatively straightforward undertaking. Full trim kits for the Coronet R/T are harder to source that kits for other Mopar offerings of the era, but they can be purchased for around $2,500. This doesn’t include any components required to restore the console or dash trim, so that will be an additional expense for any potential buyers to consider.

This Dodge Coronet R/T is going to require a full restoration, but at least the next owner is going to be starting this process with a solid and rust-free car. It is possible to find driver-quality cars of similar specifications to this one for around the $25,000 mark, but an immaculate and solid example will add a further $10,000 or more to that figure. A lot of the tasks that would be required to lift this car to that sort of level of condition and presentation could be tackled in a home workshop. That makes this classic an attractive proposition as a restoration project.