The Dodge Coronet, often overshadowed by its more iconic siblings like the Charger and Super Bee, deserves a place of honor in the pantheon of muscle cars. While not as widely recognized, the Coronet was the first Dodge to bear the legendary “R/T” badge and was available with the formidable 426 cubic inch HEMI V8. Unlike its two door only counterparts, the Coronet offered a wider range of body styles, including four-door sedans and wagons.
Although not initially marketed as a performance car, Dodge readily produced two-door hardtop HEMI versions, ensuring that the Coronet could match the speed and power of its Charger and Super Bee brethren. Despite its impressive performance potential, the HEMI Coronet remained a relatively rare sight.
While 740 units were sold in 1966, sales dwindled over the subsequent years, culminating in a mere 13 examples produced in 1970. This final year’s HEMI Coronet, particularly the dark green four-speed manual transmission variant, stands as one of the most coveted and sought-after muscle cars from the golden era. Its documented history, tracing back to the original owner, further enhances its allure and value within the collector car community.
A pristine 1969 Plymouth Coronet R/T, boasting a numbers-matching 426 HEMI V8 and four-speed manual, recently commanded a record breaking price at auction. Fresh from a meticulous rotisserie restoration, this stunning Mopar’s dark green exterior and black interior offer a timeless elegance.
The engine bay, impeccably clean and factory correct, showcases the car’s exceptional condition. Despite its relatively modest color scheme, this Coronet R/T’s rarity, impeccable documentation, and superior condition have raised it to a coveted status among Mopar enthusiasts.
The Coronet’s history is as impressive as its appearance. Having participated in numerous car shows and concours events, this vehicle has garnered widespread admiration for its pristine condition and exceptional performance. The numbers matching drivetrain, a testament to the car’s authenticity and originality, further enhances its value.
The auction result for this Coronet R/T underscores the increasing demand for high quality muscle cars, particularly those with iconic engines like the 426 HEMI. The car’s exceptional condition, coupled with its rarity and historical significance, made it a highly sought after collectible.
