Look up "muscle car" in the dictionary and you're almost guaranteed to find a Coronet pictured. While the individual tenants of American performance could be found in earlier cars, Dodge took it to a new level in the mid 60s putting them all together in one sinister package equally capable of a quarter-mile blast or a comfortable trip to the grocery store. This 1966 complete restoration is a detailed impressive example of an extensive frame-off restoration. This clean car is owned by an avid car collector and sits in his climate controlled storage with his other great American classics.
Sinister, tough, and attractive, this Coronet perfectly defines Mopar’s lasting legacy of creating sophistication with raw aggression. The front of the car is dominated by trademark, stainless-trimmed grilles that are anchored between double headlights, a pristine, chrome-finish front bumper. At the sides of that broad hood, the start of the chiseled sidelines begin as the fenders hang dent-free wheel trim and arrow-straight rocker guards. On the outside of those fenders, a custom 451 emblem hangs hinting at the jewel under the hood to create visual sizzle that matches the car's visceral thrill. Above those crests, Soft Ray glass combines with brand new stainless and a correct chrome mirror to highlight the car's super clean profile. And behind that glass, a second chrome bumper hangs small reverse lamps below a finned valence.
Lift the hood to find the Coronet powered in the form of a big block 451 V8. Originally leaving the factory with a small block v8, the owner opted to go for the potent big block setup. The carb linkage swivels like it's lined with silk, and the engine pulls the Coronet with real authority. Of course, the entire engine bay has been restored and detailed for show. Correct mopar valve covers and air cleaners definitely add some sparkle. In front of the engine you'll find an all aluminum radiator. Simply put, lift the engine's hood at any car show and you're sure to have a huge crowd around your car in no time.
Underneath the Coronet is just as impressive as the rest of the build. The stout 451 sends power to an automatic transmission that then send the power to the ground. Spent gasses travel out the rock solid drive train through true dual exhausts that exit out the just below the rear of the car to create a fantastic American muscle sound. At the sides of that booming soundtrack, a professionally restored suspension is complete with power steering and big disc/drum brakes. At the corners of that suspension, a set or 17” cragar rims wrapped in sport tires.
Open the doors and you'll be greeted by a stylish interior that is a fantastic blend of style and simplicity. On the seats you'll see the stylish pattern and the symmetry of the seats in this car is the result of careful fitting and lots of extra time spent during final assembly. On the floor, newer carpet, along with floor mats. At the sides of the car, nice door panels hang chrome handles. In front of the driver, a steering wheel spins a wood rim around a chrome horn button.
This pristine, 1966 Coronet is a fantastically restored showpiece that packs unbeatable performance in a highly desirable wrapper. It's the kind of car that'll be a pleasure to own for years to come. If you've been patiently waiting for the opportunity to pick up a flawless example of a muscle car, here's your chance!