1966 Dodge Charger

Description

This is the car that launched the legend. The 1966 Dodge Charger is the first year for the now iconic name. With the sweeping fastback lines, factory-correct colors, unique interior, and huge 440 V8 under the hood, you're looking at a genuine hero at a workman's price.

The beautifully sweeping fastback style gave it an advantage on the track, and you know this one looks competition-ready in its intimidating factory-correct shade of PP1 Bright (Scorch) Red. Dodge was catching up to the new craze started by the Mustang, so their historically low production number are especially true for the mid-year introduction of these 1966 coupes. But part of the reason why it these a little late to the party was because they were getting the design right. More than just the bold roofline, this one has an aggressive style. It starts with the hideaway headlights that gives the front an uninterrupted toothy grille like a freight train. The chrome side moldings start here and run continuously over the Coronet rear kick up, and it doesn't stop until the wide rear bumper. The result is almost like a wraparound effect of brightwork. A very cool piece that is great to see in complete and in original condition on this coupe. The rear full with taillight panel is a hallmark element that we still look for today on the modern Charger. A nice finishing touch are the redline tires and American Racing Torq Thrust wheels that any performance car guy would have added, too, in 1966.

The Charger did not come cheap, and so they made sure the interior was a true premium experience with four buckets for everyone's comfort. The upholstery is quite correct and the black vinyl is offset by a few well-chosen bits of chrome and stainless trim, making for a very sleek interior that looks upscale. Everyone gets the luxury of the full length center console with armrests. Plus, the rear seats individually fold flat for versatility not seen on many muscle cars. The gauges are absolute works of art, exquisite aircraft-inspired dials with markings around the perimeter and have a very modern glow at night. An original AM radio remains in the dash, but a later AM/FM/CD stereo head unit has been discreetly mounted below it. You get a three-spoke sports steering wheel, and Chrysler fans will recognize the simple but elegant shifter for the automatic transmission.

The engine bay is filled with 440 big block power. Besides the cool brightwork on the air cleaner and valve covers, this one has some great performance chops. It inhales deeply with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and exhales with authority out of Hooker headers that feed the wicked rumbling H-pipe dual exhaust. This is obviously not the original V8 because this monster motor wasn't available in the Charger until '67, and one of those few will cost you quite a bit more. But actually this '66 originally had the big 383, which makes it quite a rare find with only 12,328 made. You know you have serious power any time you want it, so you'll also be glad you have power steering and the stout Torqueflite A727 three-speed to help you harness this beastly Charger.

You don't get many opportunities to obtain such a rare and nice example of muscle car history at such an affordable price. It's time to call today or regret missing out on this coupe tomorrow!