1966 Dodge Coronet 440 4 Door Sedan

If you're asking yourself what a Coronet is, then you wouldn't be alone. The Coronet is a car that we always forget has been around since the late '40s. As a 4-door sedan, it started life as a mid-sized post-war car that was somewhat up-scale in relative to its Dodge brothers and sisters As the years went by, its core competency didn't change much as it was still a 4-door sedan in standard form but once Chrysler started building their muscle car era-defining V8s, things changed for the Coronet.

For consignment, the 4 door sedan in original condition with just 52,224 title verified actual miles. How can the mileage be so low on such a pedestrian car? Easy, the original owner, we're told, bought two 1966 Dodge Coronet 440's at the same time. One he used for daily use; the other, this one, for short jaunts to the church and special occasions. A real deal Sunday driver, preserved lovingly for the next caretaker. They say every car has a story…and that's a great one!

Exterior
The dual headlight front grille is flat and has an electric shaver styled in shiny chrome. A bumper below is tucked neatly into the bottom, and on either side of the headlights and hidden behind the grille are the signal lights. What a cool design feature and a bit of an Easter egg! The remaining chrome of the door handles, window trim, bumpers, and side mirror all present very nicely. A smooth, long hood bathed in a Dark Turquoise Metallic, is flanked by the front quarters which are trimmed in the wheel wells with aluminum and sport Coronet 440 badging in the front, along with “V8” towards the front of both fenders while a small Dodge/Chrysler pentastar appears on the passenger fender only. The long straight body is intersected by polished metal body molding; the rocker panels and C-pillars pick up on that horizontal line with a metal trim piece of their own. A long trunk deck wraps around the back of the car and a horizontal trim with DODGE badging is on the center of flared tail lights. 14-inch steel wheels have Dodge dog dish hubcaps. Imperfections include some rust at the leading edge of the rocker panel, some pitting that may have been resprayed, and some surface rust near the point of some metal trim at the rocker panel. It appears the right front fender has been resprayed.

Interior
A swing of the doors reveals the turquoise interior, appearing original and it is all in very good, preserved condition. Gray-green tuck-and-roll cloth inserts are found on the bench seats and repeat for the center of the doors where the actuator, armrest and window crank are located. The bottom panel is turquoise vinyl, and the top sill is metal painted turquoise. Seen is the original green plastic steering wheel, complete with center horn ring fratzog, fronting an original dash which is very clean and covered in turquoise and a silver-lined black bezel surrounding the instruments. An AM radio and column shifter are the standard for this model. Turquoise carpeting floods the floors and is in good condition while above is a tight headliner. A plaid liner covers the trunk, which is very clean, especially the underside of the decklid which is gleaming turquoise and still has an original sticker attached.

Drivetrain
The original 273ci V8 is in place and is fed by a single 2-barrel carburetor; the combo was originally rated at 180 horsepower. The original Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission is present too, and trails to an 8-3/4-inch rear axle with 2.94 gears. Drum brakes occupy the corners, and a single exhaust vents the product of combustion. The engine bay is patina-filled but has so much workable space, it would almost be fun to restore and detail it!

Undercarriage
Underneath, some slight surface rust is noted in the usual places; driveshaft, leaf springs, exhaust, rear axle, but all structurally sound with plenty of undercoating still attached to the floor pan and inner fenders. Some grease on the tie rods and some splattered grease from the front of the driveshaft U-joint area, otherwise things dry as a bone underneath. The independent torsion bar front suspension is present and looking good and leaf springs are on the back. A stock style muffler hushes the exhaust through a single pipe.

Drive-Ability
Peering over that long hood as we pointed the big '66 towards our test loop, feeling very much like we've entered a driver's education film from the era. Decent power from the 273, smooth acceleration and automatic shifting as we get up to speed in a hurry. While I wouldn't autocross this car, it had a nice turn in and a soft ride. The interior is like a greenhouse with lots of light and a comfortable upright sitting position. All functions were working just fab save for the reverse lights not lighting.

A simple design and simple function so appealing in the world of computerized mobility and all this turquoise only adds to its period appeal. This is a fine, well-preserved example of 60's normality and daily use…only this one was reserved for Sundays. What a great opportunity to join a short list of owners to become the next caretaker of this very cool, very straight Mopar.


WH41D61279439

W-Dodge Coronet
H-High Price Class
41-4 Door Sedan
D-273ci 2bbl V8
6-1966
1-Lynch Rd, MI Assy Plant
279439-Sequential Unit Number

FENDER TAG

p6-Remote Outside Driver's Mirror
u1-Sold Car

AB31-273ci 2bbl V8
C5-Torqueflite Automatic
R1-2 Watt AM Radio

SO NUMBER 52309240-May 23rd Build
BODY WH21-Dodge Coronet 4 Door Sedan
TRM H1Q-Turquoise Vinyl & Cloth
PAINT LL1L-Dark Turquoise Metallic, Dark Turquoise Metallic Upper Door Frames

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