Big-block cars fit the growing racing appetite like a glove back in the ’60s, and the Coronet R/T was, for many, the perfect chance for a thrilling weekend on the track. The yearly production numbers were increasing steadily towards the end of the decade, exceeding 10,000 units for the 1967 model year.
The 2-door hardtop dominated the Coronet R/T space with more than 9,500 units, while the convertible struggled to make a name for itself. It accounted for just 628 units of the total Coronet R/T production.
The standard engine was the Magnum 440, rated at 375 horsepower. It was available with either a four-speed or TorqueFlite transmission.
The Dodge Coronet R/T you see in the photos uses the latter, still flexing a working condition after several rough decades.
EBay seller bigpapa400 explains they discovered the car in a barn in Georgia where it’s been sitting for 46 years. Parked in 1977, the vehicle remains entirely original, running on the same big-block unit. However, it needs gas directly in the carburetor, so it’ll probably require a new tank, new fluids, and everything else to return to fully work ing condition.
The car’s condition is impressive, given the long tenure in hiding. The rust has already taken its toll, but based purely on the provided images, the existing damage isn’t critical. Most rust appears on the surface, and there’s no such damage around the front and the rear glass (a typical Coronet problem). All glass is good, and the complete trim is still available.
The listing leaves several essential questions without an answer. For example, I’d want to know if this Coronet is complete, as an R/T came with several special parts that are very sought-after in the restoration business. Dodge equipped the car with special tires, heavy-duty brakes, non-functional hood scoops, and rear fender air vents. The special hood is still there, but you’ll have to inspect the car in person to determine if other significant parts are missing.
The interior seems to be in good condition, which could be a sign that the car spent five decades in a proper environment. I’ve seen way too many classic cars becoming chicken nesting boxes during their tenure off the road, but this Coronet was one of the lucky models not sparking poultry interest.