There is little doubt that the Hemi/4-speed version of the 1966 Dodge Charger is the most highly sought by collectors. This drivetrain combination makes the car worthy of the muscle car tag, and this 1966 Charger ticks those boxes. It is an original and unrestored survivor that appears to need nothing but a new home. If you have longed for one of these classics, you will probably join me in saying a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Charger listed here at Mecum Auctions in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is set to go under the hammer on Wednesday, May 14th, and you can be sure that it will command plenty of interest when its time comes.
Dodge released the Charger as its latest offering for the 1966 model year. The First Generation would remain in production for two years before the company would unveil its replacement, which would feature a more mainstream approach to reduce production costs and the sticker price. This ’66 is an original survivor finished in dazzling Bright Red. Its presentation is pretty impressive for its age, with no major paint or panel imperfections. The gaps are consistent, suggesting that the vehicle has never undergone any accident repairs. The seller doesn’t mention the presence of rust, and I see nothing in the supplied images to suggest that this Charger is anything but rock-solid. The sleek styling is accentuated by the concealed headlamps, while the trim and tinted glass are in excellent condition. However, this car’s beauty is more than skin deep.
Some engines achieve legendary status, courtesy of the power and torque that they generate. One American motor that stands above the rest is Chrysler’s 426ci Hemi. Any car featuring this V8 under the hood carries genuine muscle credentials. However, they were also expensive, which is why many buyers chose more affordable alternatives across various Chrysler models where the Hemi was available. This Charger’s first owner threw caution to the wind, ordering it with a Hemi, a four-speed manual transmission, and power steering. The engine should generate an incredible 425hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque, making it easy to understand why the Hemi Charger quickly found itself Dodge’s weapon of choice for NASCAR competition. The seller indicates that this classic is original and that its fuel system and ignition received some significant recent attention. They don’t mention how well it runs or drives, although the impression conveyed is positive. If enthusiasts are searching for a vehicle that could blow the opposition into the weeds at a Traffic Light Grand Prix, this Charger would be a strong contender.
Dodge released the Charger as a competitor to the Rambler Marlin, although it was a fairly expensive alternative by the standards of the day. Part of the reason was the interior equipment, which gave Dodge’s muscle car a distinctly luxurious feel. Buyers received a four-seater with a full-length console. The back seats were effectively buckets that folded flat, while the company selected costly electroluminescent technology for its beautiful gauge cluster. All of these items would disappear when the Second Generation Charger hit showroom floors as Dodge sought to reduce the sticker cost and increase sales. This Charger’s interior is original, unmolested, and trimmed in Black. As with the exterior, it presents exceptionally well for its age. It isn’t pristine, with some of the hard surfaces exhibiting wear. However, there are no items requiring attention, and leaving the inside of this classic as-is guarantees it will command respect as a survivor-grade vehicle.
Dodge produced 37,344 Chargers in 1966, but with the Hemi such an expensive option, it is unsurprising that only 468 buyers ticked that box on the Order Form. This classic lifts that rarity to a higher level, courtesy of the first owner’s decision to team the Hemi with a four-speed transmission. Only 250 examples of the Charger in that form were produced, and somebody has a chance to park one in their garage that is an original and unrestored survivor. That doesn’t happen every day, which is why I believe the bidding might be pretty intense. Are you tempted to make a play for this muscle car, or will you remain an interested observer?
I don’t think that Mecum sells the kind of cars
that we expect to read about here.
I don’t think that I could even afford to insure
this Charger.
This Charger has been the talk on the Hemi sites….not selling for a few reasons as it’s been for sale a while now.
Its kind of like looking at well known super model for the 100th time or a beautiful woman at the local super market( use stealth mode) out of your league & your a fool not to look but a fool to think you got a chance either way its worth it to dream because sometimes dreams do come true. Just my 2 cents
I think these are gorgeous This is exactly as I would want it red black interior hemi four speed I love it
You’re going to pay $$$ for what the car is, not necessarily the condition it’s in. Look closely.
I’m a massive Mopar man, owning many 68-70 Chargers, Roadrunners and more (over 150 or so) and I have always thought these were the ugliest piles Mopar ever made. Virgil’s cars took some getting used to, I happen to like them, but these things are hideous
I know a lot of people will want this whether they can afford it or not. One thing of concern to me is the hood to drivers fender fitment. I know the info says there’s no accident but that seam does not line up from what I can see. Just saying if you want to bid, check it out.
It’s still a Dodge…and a gamble….much better deals can be had with a Ford or Chevrolet product- more realistic than this car. Lots of good deals to be had out there..this won’t be one of them…
Dodge ruled the racetracks since the 1950s. Nothing from Ford/GM in 1966 could hold a candle to the styling & power of a 66 HEMI Charger.
BTW: The factory underrated the horsepower, as it was more like 500 hp.
Keep digging there Gary, you’ll find out your statement is wrong…..in many ways.
Fords 427
In this hobby or profession everyone has different opinions ideas likes or dislikes all the classics have a unique style and respect those who enjoy them
Hi. Find a one of 250, 1966 Mustang or Impala. Must haves:the most iconic engine from them at that time. So some kind of C/J in the Mustang I would guess. 427 for the Chevy? And a 4 speed. I don’t know but all of them are way out of my range. What would be the most expensive one do you think?
Sorry Al, your prejudice is uncalled for. Too harsh? So is your dismissal of anything Dodge. I’ll put my 1970 Dodge Challenger or my Dads 1966 Charger up against anything you wanna bring from the Ford factory any day of the week! Did you touch a nerve? Hell yeah you did. By 2025, I would expect that we all respect all the cars of that era. Period. You clearly don’t.
Sorry Don,, sometimes the truth hurts…and some can’t handle the truth.
Lookin like the hood isn’t latched, but for an original Hemi car survivor ? I’m guessing a buyer would be asking questions – including that ! Cool cars, I built 2 of them as a teenager – my begining of a life of Mopars – They’re unique – I wish I had the boxes of parts that were saved over time, especially dash & headlamps
Nice survivor, but every car of this vintage has a story. I don’t believe these big auction houses allow for the type of in depth inspection that would be needed to arrive at a value. That aside, this could be a very solid, blue chip investment vehicle that simply needs a refresh.
Mecum does not have any experts check high dollar cars to make sure they are not fake. Barrett Jackson employs Dave Wiss to certify Mopars. Everybody today wants a 68 to 70 Charger. I was 10 years old when this 66 was new. There was a silver one at our local Dodge dealer one block from our house. After school one day I just stood there drooling.
Back in the day I had a 66 Satellite 426 Hemi with the 727 auto. Weren’t too many around to race head to head but the auto would pull ahead at least 1/4 car length every shift of a 4 speed.
Oh my an early one w the Hemi and 4sp to boot. Wow. 🏁👍
I owned a ’66 Charger, and the two main maintenance items were the rotating headlights and instrument lights. Instead of vacuum operated flaps like Ford used, they were unbelievably costly to manufacture heavy full rotating assemblies which used an array of electric motors, switches, shafts and controls. Very 007 in action. The instruments used ‘electroluminescent’ lighting instead of bulbs, and the gauge markings glowed from an electronic powerpack. Even the individual needles had thread thin wire conductors for their glow action.
In this hobby or profession everyone has different opinions ideas likes or dislikes all the classics have a unique style and respect those who enjoy them
Amen William..my words exactly….
I had a choice of 2 cars from 1seller in 86. One identical to this exactly 30k miles in excellent condition for 3k$. Or a 70 RT convt. Excellent condition 15k miles with 450hp built 383 for 2k$. I wish I could have afforded both. But I didn’t like the style of Charger at the time. I’d make another choice now. But I loved my wife’s “birthday present ” . She didn’t like the clutch pressure. Oh well, she later got a Camaro but I kept her present.