One Prior Owner Yard Find: 1966 Dodge Charger
When the Dodge Charger was introduced in mid-1966, it was intended to be sort of a mid-size “pony car” with fastback styling. Based on the B-body Coronet, the car had four bucket seats and a sleeker look than the AMC Marlin, a similar product. Sales were modest until 1968, when a redesign sent demand through the ceiling. This ’66 Charger was a one-owner car until the seller purchased it, and it may end up being his or her project if it doesn’t sell (just a hunch). Located for the moment in Mott, North Dakota, this vintage Mopar is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,500. Our thanks to Barn Finder “Ted” for this tip!
While it initially resembled an oversized Ford Mustang, the car was likely to compete more with the Oldsmobile Toronado and Ford Thunderbird in the personal car segment. But muscle car buyers were attracted, too, as the Charger became the “Leader of the Dodge Rebellion” in the company’s advertising. A 318 cubic inch V8 was standard equipment, but you could upgrade beyond that. The seller’s Charger has a 383 V8 with a 4-barrel, which we assume is original to the vehicle. Dodge found more than 37,000 buyers for the Charger in the car’s first outing.
As the story goes, this Dodge has been off the road since 1977 for unspecified reasons. The odometer reading is 37,000 miles, so we suspect it’s on its second time around unless there was a catastrophic mechanical issue. The original owner had the vehicle until the seller came along, and we assume he/she purchased it to restore it at some point or to flip it. We’re told everything is original except the wheel covers are missing.
The red paint is entirely faded and there are dents and dings everywhere. The car is sitting low to the ground, perhaps due to flat tires or maybe even no tires (like the driver’s front side). The Sun has baked the interior so that a complete restoration will be in order. The seller says that if the Dodge doesn’t sell in the next three months, it will be moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio (apparently, the seller migrates between the two locations). Maybe you can make an offer that can’t be refused so the seller can save on moving it. I wonder why the seller includes a GM truck identification tag in the photos.
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Comments
People like to complain about overpriced 68-70 Chargers, which they are, but they are highly desirable. Not so much for the 66-67’s, they have a following, but they don’t bring anywhere close to that of the second generation cars. Potential buyers would be better off to keep looking, they should be able to find a better project for less money or spend more to get one that’s already done. With the visible body damage, sun dried interior and signs of rust, which is likely to be pretty bad considering how far it’s sunk into the ground, it’s a hard pass.
Steve R
I sold my 67 project to my brother for 3500. Way better shape than this car.
Best looking body style to wear the Charger n/plt
Sitting in dirt since 1977 – or 47 years? Is there anything left below the door sills? I am surprised at how little rust there is on this car, although I don’t see a panel that does not need serious work. This car may be parts for someone, but is sounds like a “jack up the steering wheel and drive a new car underneath” restoration.
These had the best looking interiors of all classic Chargers. To bad this on is in such bad shape. I agree with Steve R over priced for this project.
Funny, I bought one of these as my first car about the same time this one was parked – 1978. Paid $700 for it. Mine was a 383 as well. No way in hell this thing is worth $10,500.
Bought mine in 75 for 900.00. 383magnum. It was a great car. Got rear ended which bent the body,got 900.00 for it from the guys insurance, kept the car. Sold it in Texas to my roommate for 900.00. I still miss that car.