Reliability is often a key consideration when choosing a classic to park in your garage. Nothing spoils the ownership experience more than being stuck on the side of the road because the car of your dreams has suffered some mechanical failure. The seller suggests that this shouldn’t be an issue with this 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible. They describe it as a “reliable cruiser,” which ticks the first box for potential buyers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Dodge listed here on eBay in Valparaiso, Indiana. Seventeen bids have pushed the price to $7,100, which is below the reserve. There is also a BIN option of $16,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
The “500” was the range-topping variant of the Fifth Generation Coronet upon its 1965 release. Buyers could select from two-door Hardtop and Convertible body styles, with a four-door added in 1966. This first-year Convertible makes a positive impression, finished in White with a matching soft-top. Its presentation is tidy, with no significant cosmetic issues. The seller confirms that the soft-top is original and that a developing seam separation requires attention. However, the listing images raise a few more pressing concerns. There’s a bit of rust beginning to appear around a couple of wheel arch lips, which doesn’t look bad. The trunk pan has holes that require patches or a pan replacement, but the floor may be a bigger problem. One image appears to reveal a hole with a fiberglass patch beneath a layer of undercoat. I might be misreading that shot, but climbing beneath this Dodge for a closer look may be wise. The remaining underside shots are encouraging, suggesting that this Convertible is structurally sound. The trim is in good condition, and this Coronet rolls on a new set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels.
Powering this Dodge is the 318ci “Poly” V8, which the first owner teamed with a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission and power steering. Dodge quoted a power output of 230hp for the Poly, but this motor may develop a few additional ponies. The original two-barrel setup has gone the way of the dinosaurs, with the 318 featuring a different intake and a four-barrel carburetor. The front end received a disc brake conversion, which I consider a wise safety move. The seller describes the car as a reliable cruiser, suggesting that it is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs.
Red can be a dazzling interior trim choice, especially when combined with a White exterior. This Coronet proves that point, and the interior’s overall condition would allow the buyer to drop the roof and sit tall and proud aboard this classic. There is no appreciable upholstery or carpet wear, and no evidence of significant aging. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, but I suspect that this classic may have received at least a partial interior retrim.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it: I always encourage in-person inspections before enthusiasts hand over their hard-earned cash for a classic purchase. That doesn’t guarantee the vehicle in question is faultless, but it reduces the risk of nasty surprises. I think it would be wise to inspect this 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible to determine whether there are any rust issues that will require attention soon. The Coronet appears structurally sound, but lingering doubts remain based on the listing images. Do you agree?
Looks nice, at least superficially, the BIN price even comes across as attractive. This is the sixth time since late October it’s been run through eBay, during that time it “sold” three times, though the transaction was never completed.
Steve R
Kinda makes you wonder if all’s not what it seems, doesn’t it? It sure looks good, though. I like that Hurst pistol- grip automatic shifter retrofit. GLWTS.
The fiberglass floor patch and holes in the trunk suggest the car isn’t as clean as it might seem. The are several areas of this car which appear to be ‘fixed’ with body filler. The convertible top’s rear window shows no signs of the discoloration one would associate with a 60 year old piece. Judging from under the hood the car may have been black originally.
It’s not a bad car but potential buyers should lower their expectations. After all it is a used car.
As A.G. said, the price looks good, but beware of what you can’t see. I restored a 65 “B body” and got a lesson on what can be hiding in a car that hasn’t been in snow and looks solid. Make sure if you’re paying good money for it that somebody familiar with the weak spots in this car looks it over.
The first few things that jump out are the fiberglass patches and the screws that appear to be attaching the inner fenders to the outer fenders. My eyes aren’t what they used to be, but they are supposed to be spot welds from the factory. The Mopar expert who did my car cut my inner fenders out and full welded new ones in with paint and “weld over primer.” Even a “Dry car” would have corrosion in there eventually and he wasn’t having it.
But it’s only money . . . . .
My mistake, The 5/16-18 bolts that I was looking at are the outer fender bolts. There is still something wrong with the inner fenders, not sure what it is, but it should be lapped and spot welded and that’s now what there now. My car was 100% stock when I got it in 1982 and that’s not what this one is.
Yeah its a nice looking car, but the fender lips has “bondo,filler,mud) on them,,probably rusted and tried to fix it the chaep way and didn’t hold up,,also the “chrome” trim around the wheel openings appear to me to be the plastic glue on trim