1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 426 Hemi Convertible

The Dodge Coronet began in the 1950s, initially as the division's highest trim line,but starting in 1955, it was demoted to the lowest trim line. In the 1960s, the Coronet was Dodge's mid-size entry.

The Coronet received a redesign in 1966, and a facelift in 1967. There was the base Coronet, Coronet 440 and Coronet 500. In 1966, the Coronet Deluxe was introduced, fitting between the base Coronet and the Coronet 440. The Coronet R/T was introduced in 1967. The Coronet R/T was available as a two-door Hardtop or Convertible. 

The 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T Hemi was a result of great packaging. The midsize Coronet was given handsome new styling and could be armed with devastating power, but to casual eyes, that  "426 Hemi " fender badge was all that separated it from grandpa's grocery-getter.

Then, Dodge took care of that for 1967, when they introduced the new R/T model whose initials stood for Road and Track. Without disturbing the Coronet's clean lines, the R/T added enough performance cues to make its meaning crystal clear. It wore its own Charger inspired grille with exposed headlamps, plus modest nonfunctional hood slats and small R/T emblems.

Inside, the sporty theme continued with standard bucket seats. A Tachometer was $50 extra . But underneath, the R/T was all business. Its suspension had heavy-duty everything including ball joints, while the standard 11-inch police-spec drum type brakes could be enhanced by a $70 front-disc option.

The $3,199 base price of the R/T Hardtop or the $3,438 Convertible included Chrysler's largest engine, the 440 cid V8,  tweaked to 375 bhp ,and given the “Magnum” name . The only engine option was the 426 cid Hemi, which was now in its second year in "Street" trim and again rated at 425 bhp. That option cost you another $908.  Mopar's capable heavy duty three speed TorqueFlite automatic or 4 speed manual transmissions were offered for you to choose from.

The 440 was the popular choice for low hassle street work.  It was quicker than the Hemi up to about 60 mph, cheaper to buy, and easier to maintain. But if you wanted to lay absolute waste to all challengers, you demanded the Hemi. The 426 Hemi had both speed and defiance. It’s still considered the King to this day.  The Street Hemi gave a smooth, quiet idle, and did very well in traffic.  But, when you opened it up, it behaved like a bloodthirsty animal seeking prey.

Today, the 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 426 Hemi Convertible sits at the top of the heap as “The Rarest of the Rare” of all muscle cars by collectors and auto enthusiasts.  The main reason it retains that title is due to the fact that only TWO original 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertibles were ever produced from the factory.  One with a 4 speed manual transmission, the other with the Torqueflight automatic.  Sure, there may be “tributes” out there, but if you are one of the lucky two people that have an original…you’re sitting on a gold mine, and everybody will want to be friends with you.  Must be nice….yep.

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