For fans of the unusual, this 1966 Dodge Charger is a fantastic find. Finished in a classic combination of white over red and powered by a 361 cubic inch V8, it's an iconic piece of Mopar history that stands out from its more common younger siblings. The Charger was Chrysler's early efforts to combat the Mustang's screaming success, and the fastback body style suggests speed and power, with a decidedly futuristic look. Proportions are quite pleasing to the eye, with a progressive enlargement of the rear quarters, giving the impression of powerful rear haunches. This particular Charger is extraordinarily clean with an older repaint in the original code WW18Q White, although there's a bit of pearl in it today just to make it really glow. There are a few signs of use and age and they didn't over-restore it, so it's still got a good, honest look with nothing to hide. All the dramatic body creases are sharply rendered, thanks to some expert bodywork, and there's a subtlety to the car that the later models seem to lack. Up front, the "electric shaver" grille is finely detailed, the bumpers are in decent shape, and there's just no mistaking that full-width rear taillight, all themes that would return to the Charger a few years later.According to the fender tag, the bucket seats and center console are original equipment, and the upholstery just might be original, although it's so nice that it's hard to believe. The slick red seats with matching carpets and dash are the perfect complement to the white exterior, creating a very upscale piece of Mopar muscle. The gauges are beautifully designed but showing their age, and they're joined by a set of aftermarket dials under the center of the dash. An older AM/FM/cassette radio lives in the dash, but you'll be glad to have it when you're out cruising. Chrysler fans will recognize the simple chrome shift lever for the TorqueFlite automatic, and we've always liked the courtesy lights on the sides of the console, which seems smart. The rear seats flank their own console, which makes the Charger especially cool, and with that big rear window, the cargo bay is positively cavernous. The 361 cubic inch V8 put in its final appearance in the 1966 Charger before being upgraded to the 383 that we all know and love, and was rated at a stout 265 horsepower. We suspect this is a very old engine swap, since it doesn't appear to be the car's original engine, but it was surely done a long time ago. Dressed in traces of Mopar Turquoise paint, the Commando V8 runs well with a solid whack of low-end torque. Upgraded with an Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carburetor, along with a chrome air cleaner, it's a bit flashier than it was originally, but nobody will mind after they see how incredibly tidy this car truly is. The engine delivers big torque and effortless acceleration with that characteristic Chrysler rumble compliments of a Flowmaster dual exhaust system. The original wheels and hubcaps wear fat 225/70/14 blackwall radials for a period performance look.For the Mopar guy looking for an edge at the next cruise night, this is it. With a little TLC it could really be something, but even as it sits, it's the Charger for guys who don't follow the pack. Call today!
|