Dodge Charger. 1966–7 (prod. 53,132 sold). 2-door coupé. F/R, 318, 361, 383, 426, 440 in³ (V8 OHV). Dodge had been looking at doing a fastback version of its new-generation Coronet, and in the wake of the success of the Mustang (against which the earlier-launched Plymouth Barracuda failed to compete), attempted to fast-track the project. Launched January 1966, it differed from Coronet with its fastback roof, hidden headlights, and full-width taillights; the interior was more special, with a full set of gauges housed in round pods, and front and rear bucket seats. The rear seats could be folded flat—a rarity in 1966. The 426 Hemi was particularly potent. A homologation special came with a trunk-lid spoiler, making the Charger the first US production car to be offered with one as standard. Reasonable handling for the mid-1960s. Never caught on, and the addition of a 440 engine for 1967 did not lift sales.

Manufacturing location: USA

Marque: Dodge | Model: Dodge Charger | Successor: Dodge Charger (1968–70)