1966-1970 Dodge Charger Guide

1966: FANCY FASTBACK 

The Charger was a mid-sized Coronet with a fastback roof and richer interior. Dodge called it a “Sports Sedan.” It was designed so young dads could say they were buying a “station wagon.” The Charger looked long, low, and wide, with hidden headlights and wall-to-wall taillights. There was a small round emblem on the grille and a larger one on the deck.

A 383-powered Charger could do 0-to-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 16.2 seconds at 88 mph. The Hemi gave it muscle. Hemis had dual four-barrel carbs, extra-fat dual exhausts, badges, heavy-duty suspension, big brakes, 7.75 x 14 Blue Streak racing tires, and a four-speed or TorqueFlite transmission. The 12-month/12,000-mile warranty didn’t cover extreme operation or modifications.

Production included 468 Hemis, and 218 had the TorqueFlite. NASCAR drivers thought the fastback would be aerodynamic, but it lifted the rear, a problem solved with a small rear spoiler. Then, Chargers won 18 races.

Standard Equipment: Standard safety features, body paint stripe, all-vinyl interior with full-length center console, retractable headlights, cigar lighter, map, courtesy and glovebox lamps, glovebox lock, full-foam front buckets, rear buckets with 1-1/4-inch foam padding, front/rear armrests with ashtrays, rear center armrest with cigarette lighter, carpeting, heater and defroster, three-spoke steering wheel with horn ring, 318 V-8, covered spare, tinted rear window, oil pressure gauge, tach, rear pillar interior lamps, trunk carpet, hinged carpeted trunk panel, and 7.35 x 14 tires.

VIN: The first symbol designated car line: X=Charger. The second symbol designated price class: P=Premium. The third and fourth symbols indicated body style: 29=Sports Hardtop. The fifth symbol designated the type and displacement of the engine: D=318-cid V-8, E=360-cid V-8, F=383-cid V-8, H=426-cid Hemi V-8. The sixth symbol represented the year (6=1966). The seventh symbol designated the assembly plant.

ENGINES:
318-cid/230-hp V-8; 360-cid/265-hp V-8; 383-cid/325-hp V-8; 426-cid/425-hp V-8.

CHASSIS:
Wheelbase: 117 inches. Length: 203 inches. Tires: 7.75 x 14.

1967: RARE AND RACY 

1967 Chargers reflected Dodge’s racing image with new fender-mounted turn signals and a few added chrome bits. The center console became an option and now ended just behind the front seats.

The 360 V-8 was dropped. Standard was a lighter weight 318-cid, 230-hp V-8 good for 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds. There were two 383 V-8s, standard and high-performance. A new 440 V-8 was good for 0 to 60 in 8 seconds and a 15.5-second quarter at 93 mph.

1967 Chargers are rarer than 1966s. Only 15,788 were built. This included 118 Hemis, and half had four-speeds. Standard colors increased from 16 in 1966 to 18, and a buffed silver blue was a new option. There were six interior colors again, some different. A black or white vinyl top was a new option.

Standard Equipment: Same as 1966, except front fender turn indicators and no center console.

VIN: Same as 1966 except the fifth symbol designated the type and displacement of the engine: F=318-cid V-8, G=383-cid V-8, H=383-cid high-performance V-8, L=440-cid high-performance V-8, and J=426-cid Hemi V-8. The sixth symbol representing the year changed to 7 for 1967.

ENGINES:
318-cid/230-hp V-8; 360-cid/265-hp V-8; 383-cid/270-hp V-8; 383-cid/325-hp V-8; 440-cid/375-hp V-8; 426-cid/425-hp V-8.

CHASSIS:
Wheelbase: 117 inches. Length: 203 inches. Tires: 7.75 x 14.

1968: AIRPLANE FUSELAGE STYLING

Beautiful new styling with many changes characterized 1968 Chargers and boosted sales to 96,100. Dodge introduced “airplane fuselage” styling with a smoother, rounded, Coke-bottle-shaped fastback body and wheel bulges.

Hidden headlights were continued, and a blacked-out grille was used to give a racing taped-headlight look. A racing-style gas filler was added. Scallops in the hood could be optioned with turn indicators. The doors were also scalloped. There was an integral rear spoiler, a blacked-out beauty panel and two round taillights on each side.

Motor Trend summed up the look of the new R/T model-option as a Charger with a set of mags, Wide Oval tires, and a bumblebee stripe. It also had name badges, heavy-duty underpinnings, and a 440-cid, 375-hp Magnum V-8. This engine was good for 0-to-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and a 15-second quarter at 93 mph.

Standard Equipment: [Charger] All federal safety features plus all-vinyl front bucket seats, carpeting, three-spoke steering wheel with padded hub and partial horn ring, heater and defroster, electric clock, cigar lighter, ashtray light, heavy-duty suspension, sway bar, heavy-duty rear springs and torsion bars, front and rear bumper guards, wheel opening moldings, concealed headlights, quick-fill gasoline cap, the 225 six-cylinder or 318-cid V-8, and 7.35 x 14 tubeless black sidewall tires. [Charger R/T] All Charger features plus 440-cid Magnum V-8, TorqueFlite, dual exhaust (with chrome tips), heavy-duty brakes, R/T handling package, racing stripes, and F70-14 Red Streak or whitewall tires.

VIN: Same as 1966-67 except the fifth symbol representing engine codes included B=225-cid six-cylinder, the sixth symbol representing the year changed to 8 for 1968.

ENGINES:
225-cid/145-hp six-cylinder; 318-cid/230-hp V-8; 383-cid/290-hp V-8; 383-cid/330-hp V-8; 440-cid/375-hp V-8; 426-cid/425-hp V-8.

CHASSIS:
Wheelbase: 117 inches. Length: 207.9 inches. Tires: F70-14 x 14.

OPTIONS: Limited-slip differential ($42.35). Tachometer ($48.70). Custom wheels ($97.30). Console ($52.85). Power brakes ($41.75). Front disc brakes ($72.95).

1969: MASCULINITY INTACT

The 1969 Charger used the 1968 body. Changes included a new divided grille, new horizontal taillights, and new side marker lights. The patterning on the bucket seats changed. The R/T was the high-performance model. Hemi R/Ts sunk in sales, to 400 units (192 with the four-speed). The Charger SE was the sports/luxury model. A limited number of super high-performance Charger 500s were built to fulfill a NASCAR racing requirement. The 500s had a flush grille (not recessed into the oval grille opening), fixed headlights, and a wind-cheating, flush-mounted rear window. Creative Industries, a Detroit aftermarket firm, built these cars. Ford launched the Talladega and Cyclone Spoiler with superior aerodynamics to outrun the slippery Charger 500s. Dodge countered with the Charger Daytona. It had an elongated fiberglass nose covering the standard grille opening and a huge, roof-high decklid spoiler. It was designed to win the championship for Dodge. The Daytona and similar Plymouth Superbird with their Hemi engines could navigate superspeedways at nearly 200 mph. They won so many races that NASCAR outlawed Hemi and wedge V-8s.

Standard Equipment: [Charger] All federal safety features plus all-vinyl bucket seats, carpeting, three-spoke steering wheel with padded hub and partial horn ring, heater-defroster, electric clock, cigarette lighter, ashtray light, heavy-duty suspension (including sway bar), heavy-duty rear springs and torsion bars, bumper guards, wheel opening moldings, concealed headlights, quick-fill gas cap, 225-cid six-cylinder or 318-cid V-8, and 7.35 x 14 tubeless black sidewall tires. [Charger R/T] All Charger features plus the Magnum 440 four-barrel-carb V-8, dual exhaust with chrome tips, TorqueFlite automatic transmission, heavy-duty, manually-adjusted brakes, F70-14 Red Line tires, R/T handling package, and Bumblebee stripes. [Charger S/E] All Charger features plus leather and vinyl front bucket seats, simulated woodgrain steering wheel, deep-dish wheel covers, hood-mounted turn signal indicators, simulated woodgrain instrument panel trim and light group.

VIN: Same as 1968 except the sixth symbol representing the year changed to 9 for 1969.

CHARGER SERIES

ENGINES:
225-cid/145-hp six-cylinder; 318-cid/230-hp V-8; 383-cid/290-hp V-8; 383-cid/330-hp V-8; 440-cid/375-hp V-8; 426-cid/425-hp V-8.

CHASSIS:
Wheelbase: 117 inches. Length: 207.9 inches. Tires: F70-14 x 14.

OPTIONS: Included limited-slip differential ($42.35). Tachometer ($48.70). Custom wheels ($97.30). Console ($52.85). Power brakes ($41.75). Front disc brakes ($72.95).

1970: DODGE’S NEXT DECADE

The 1970 Charger used the 1969 body with minor trim changes. The hi-po R/T had a new grille, a new loop-style front bumper, two hood scoops, big bolt-on scoops with R/T badges on the rear quarter panels, and a choice of longitudinal or bumble bee racing stripes. A new interior and wild exterior colors were offered. Charger, Charger 500, Charger R/T, and Charger Special Edition models were marketed. The Charger 500 had no aerodynamic enhancements. New options were a pistol grip gear shifter and an electric sunroof. The biggest engine was the 383 four-barrel V-8. An optional version used the 375-hp Dodge Magnum cam, freer flowing heads, and a new cast iron intake with a Holley four-barrel. Dodge built 42 R/Ts with the 426 Hemi. In addition to 13 standard exterior colors, Charger buyers could special order Plum Crazy, Sublime, Go Mango, Hemi Orange, and Banana Yellow paint.

Standard Equipment: [Charger] All federal safety features, 225-cid six-cylinder or 318-cid V-8, vinyl front bench seat, carpeting, three-spoke steering wheel with partial horn ring, heater-defroster, cigarette lighter, heavy-duty suspension (including sway bar), rear bumper guards, concealed headlights, quick-fill gas cap, and F78-14 tubeless black sidewall tires with six-cylinder or G78-14 with 318-cid V-8. [Charger 500] All Charger features plus vinyl front bucket seats, electric clock, and wheel lip moldings. [Charger R/T] All Charger and Charger 500 (except no clock) plus heavy-duty 70-amp battery, heavy-duty drum brakes, heavy-duty shock absorbers, front and rear Rallye suspension with sway bar, TorqueFlite automatic transmission, three-speed windshield wipers, Magnum 440 four-barrel-carb V-8, dual exhaust, R/T handling package, Bumblebee or longitudinal racing stripe, and F70-14 fiberglass whitewall or blackwall tires with raised white letters. [Charger Special Edition] Add the following to Charger 500 or R/T: leather-and-vinyl front bucket seats, simulated walnut sports-type steering wheel, pedal dress-up, light group, deep-dish wheel covers, vinyl map and utility pockets in door panels. If SE and R/T are combined, a simulated walnut instrument panel is included.

VIN: Same as 1969 except the sixth symbol representing the year changed to 0 for 1970.

CHARGER SERIES

Note: Combined production of Models XH29 and XP29 was 39,431.


ENGINES:
225-cid/145-hp six-cylinder; 318-cid/230-hp V-8; 383-cid/290-hp V-8; 383-cid/330-hp V-8; 383-cid/335-hp V-8; 440-cid/375-hp V-8; 440-cid/390-hp Six Pack V-8; 426-cid/425-hp V-8.

CHASSIS:
Wheelbase: 117 inches. Length: 207.9 inches. Tires: F70-14 x 14.

1966-70 ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

All OHV, With Cast Iron Blocks

225 SLANT SIX. Displacement: 225 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.41 x 4.13 inches. Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Brake hp: 145 at 4000 rpm. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: One-barrel. Years offered: midyear 1968, 1969, 1970.

318 V-8. Displacement: 318 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 230 at 4400 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Stromberg two-barrel WW3-258. Years offered: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970.

360 V-8. Displacement: 361 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.38 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 265 at 4400 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter two-barrel BBD-3849S. Years offered: 1966.

383 V-8. Displacement: 383 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.38 inches. Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Brake hp: 270 at 4400 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter two-barrel BBD-4125S. Years offered: 1967.

383 V-8. Displacement: 383 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.38 inches. Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Brake hp: 290 at 4400 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter two-barrel BBD-4125S. Years offered: 1968, 1969, 1970.

383 V-8. Displacement: 383 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.24 x 3.38 inches. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Brake hp: 325 at 4800 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AFB 3855S four-barrel. Years offered: 1966, 1967.

383 V-8. Displacement: 383 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.24 x 3.38 inches. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Brake hp: 330 at 4800 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AFB 3855S four-barrel. Years offered: 1968, 1969, 1970.

383 V-8. Displacement: 383 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.24 x 3.38 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Brake hp: 335 at 5200 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AVS 4376-S four-barrel. Years offered: 1970.

440 Magnum V-8. Displacement: 440 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Brake hp: 375 at 4400 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AFB 4130S. Years offered: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970.

440 Magnum Six Pack V-8. Displacement: 440 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Brake hp: 390 at 4700 rpm. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Three Holley two-barrel. Years offered: 1970.

426 Hemi V-8. Displacement: 426 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches. Compression ratio: 10.3:1. Brake hp: 425 at 5600 rpm. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Two Carter AFB 3084S four-barrel. Years offered: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970.

The author would like to thank Jim Holiday of Holiday Auto Body, Dana Mecum and Tom Christmann of Dana Mecum Auctions, Greg Fox of Franklin, Wis., Colin Comer of Colin’s Classic Autos, Robert Steele of Wild Rose, Wis. and the owners of all the cars photographed at Dana Mecum’s 23rd Annual Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, Ind.