Introduced in 1966 as the new "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion," the Charger set a new standard for radical fastback design in American midsize cars. Some 55 years later and it's one of Mopar's most iconic muscle cars and a sought-after classic.
While not as sleek as the second-gen car, the original Charger has plenty of things to brag about. On top of its stylish fastback look, it was also one of the first Mopars to get the iconic 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8 engine and the first American vehicle to offer a spoiler. The latter was added as a dealer-installed option so that Dodge could use the device in NASCAR.
This 1967 Charger doesn't have a spoiler, and it doesn't hide a 426 Hemi under the hood, but it's a gorgeous survivor that rocks a rare paint and interior color combination. Dodge offered quite a few flashy paints back in the 1960s, and most of them were available with matching upholstery. Whoever ordered this car opted for Gold Metallic with color-keyed seats and door panels.
There's no word on whether the Charger still sports the original paint and upholstery or it's been restored at some point, but everything appears to be in tip-top shape. If it's the result of restoration, someone did a fine job because it's really hard to find any faults inside and out.
And to make things even better, the chrome trim looks fabulous, as does the red pin-striping running along the fastback roof. A set of American Racing wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires round off the classic muscle car look.
The first-gen Charger was restricted to V8 engines only (no slant-six mills like in the bare-bones Coronet), but Dodge offered quite a few of them. This fastback is equipped with the mid-range 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8. The seller doesn't say if it's the two- or four-barrel carburetor version, so the jury is still out on whether this Charger cranks out 270 or 325 horsepower.
But the ad does say that the 383 has been rebuilt for the sale. The V8 now includes refurbished cylinder heads with new bottom end bearings, a polished Edelbrock air filter, Mopar Performance valve covers, a new Edelbrock carburetor, and an MSD ignition coil. It's basically ready for long trips and, why not, a bit of fun at the drag strip.
Auctioned off by eBay seller "rollingtoysfl," the Charger has attracted a high bid of $18,400 with 22 hours to go. The reserved price hasn't been met. For reference, 1967 Dodge Charger values range from $18,000 for cars in Good condition to around $37,000 for Concours-ready examples. Hemi-equipped cars are obviously notably more expensive.
Would you drive this gold Charger, or is it too flashy for you? Let me know in the comments section below.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News