For a few B-Body fans, the magic didn’t really start until the introduction of the second-generation Dodge Charger in 1968, the year things took off exponentially in the direction that helped turn this moniker into an iconic muscle car. However, the 1966 and 1967 examples are fine offerings as well, with that sleek fastback roofline and those cool concealed headlights up front. If I were a mathematician, I’d say this 1966 Charger here on Facebook Marketplace is about 90 percent or more desirable, but it has one not-so-easily-visible blunder that needs to be taken into consideration before committing to a purchase. Priced at $28,000, this one is located in Raymond, Maine, and our thanks go out to reader RichardinMaine for sending us this excellent Mopar tip!
Outside, this Charger looks splendid from every angle, with the sheet metal appearing straight and the gaps lining up beautifully. The owner mentions there is no rust, and I’m certainly not spotting any exterior areas that seem to need any attention at all. However, it’s noteworthy that the seller is transparent about a frame repair on the right side, which he says sustained damage from a collision a very long time ago. While the bodywork in this area appears undetectable, just be aware that this structural weld lies beneath. The images also show the car wearing different sets of wheels, so I’d inquire whether it will include what I believe are Keystone Classic aftermarket components and white-letter tires, the pictured whitewalls and hubcapped rims, or both.
Dodge wasted no time in offering its street Hemi as a possibility in the first-year Charger, as 1966 was also the first time it was officially available in a production car. However, these are few and far between, and most came with one of the other engine options, including the 318, 361, or 383. This one features a 361, but that’s also classified as a big block, so there are some bragging rights to be had here, even with the 2-barrel carburetor. Things in the bay are clean and orderly, and this Charger is also equipped with an A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
There are only a couple of photos showing the inside, but they’re enough to see that the interior appears to be in better-than-satisfactory condition for a nice driver. The ’66 featured a stylish, very long console that ran almost all the way from front to back, and a great instrument panel layout that looked even better at night with the dash lights illuminated. Other than the frame repair, I’m not finding much else to fault here, and feel this 1966 Dodge Charger has a plethora of positives to offer potential buyers. What do you think?
I don’t have familiarity with the 361, less than the 383, but this looks GREAT and menacing in black. Oh, for a third pedal…
I also thought it was black but it is a very dark blue.
Sharp looking car, reasonably priced, but frame weld is concerning…
“FRAME REPAIR’….never be the same again…cut that asking price in half.
Need to research my Mopar history. 361 V8 ?? Great looking charger, not a big fan of Keystone Classics but they look good on this car. A hemi would definitely wake up the neighborhood. Gotta love the old Mopars 1965-1974.
Pretty sure 361 started life as a TRUCK MOTOR
361 was a very popular engine in the 60s.
I think its a real nice looking car clean.I would bring a frame guy with me to check out. and if all was well I would buy it. Its a classic
I always liked these cars if the frame repair was done by a good professional shop it should be fine Just make sure to look it over real good .I have a 74 Barracuda that I bought in 1980.and the passenger rear quarter had already been replaced You cannot tell looking at the outside you have to open the trunk and see that the panel is different
Done a lot of frame repair on all sorts of cars. Usually includes new metal and good welding. If this doesn’t look right go for a reduced price and get a good welder to fix it. Nice car here, deserves a proper fix. Picture shows replacing bent sub frame ends.
Such a cool interior on these cars!
This is my favorite Charger body style! I would drop a 383 or Hemi into it though.
Lovely car. I’ve always loved this version of the Dodge Charger. I love the 1966-69 Charger.
361 was just a smaller 383, this one would be the low compression 2bbl. Buddy had a silver 66 Charger with this engine. I believe that in later years they dropped the 361 and went with a 383 2bbl, but my memory gets fuzzy!
My left whatever for this one in black…. These cars grow on you…. 440 and make sure you have posi….
The 68′-70′ Chargers are my favorite but I do still have a love for these 1st gen. Chargers. They were really cool looking and those dashes at night were something to behold. The frame repair, if it was done correctly should still make it a worthwhile purchase. If I was going to have a 66′-67′ Charger I’d actually prefer a 67′ as it was the first year to get it with the 440ci. No hemi needed for me, no matter how mystical they may sound. I’m Mr. stock so I’m glad he still has the original wheels and wheel covers included with it.
Judging from the comments, people didnt really look at the picture of the frame repair.
Had to put on my extra strength bi focals and I still couldn’t see a quality repair. Been around this work for 40 years and that isn’t something I would consider a good repair . Nice car But tread carefully and reconsider that price.
361 was available in the ’66 Charger. The only year that it was. In ’67 they added the 440 in the engine line up and dropped the 361
nasty looking repair job. no mention if those expensive dash lights are working
This would be an early production model as that particular dash has the antenna center caps instead of the later volcano. I just had my dash repaired (gauges and electroluminescent lights never worked) by a specialist. Just shy of $3K, but worth it.