1966 Dodge Coronet 500

Coronet 500 image

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The Dodge Coronet 500 of 1966 is a classic car that stands at the forefront of automotive engineering during its time. It is a mid-size vehicle that ticked all the boxes of the muscle car era. Its sleek body design, powerful engine, and advanced features made it a favorite among Americans in the 1960s. Here is a detailed technical description of this well-crafted car.

Power and Performance

At the heart of the 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 is a powerful engine that delivers performance beyond expectations. The standard engine is a 318 V8 that delivers 230 horsepower and 340-pound feet of torque, paired with a three-speed or four-speed manual transmission, or a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. However, those looking for more power could opt for the 383 B V8, which delivers 325 horsepower and 425-pound feet of torque. The Coronet 500 also has an optional 440 magnum engine that produces mind-boggling 375 horsepower and 480-pound feet of torque at 3600 RPM. The Coronet 500's engine is characterized by dual exhausts, a tachometer, and a high-performance camshaft that delivers an aggressive exhaust note.

Suspension and Brakes

The Coronet 500 had a front torsion bar suspension and leaf spring suspension at the rear. The suspension system comes equipped with heavy-duty shocks, which delivers a smooth and controlled ride. The Coronet 500 was designed with power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The heavy-duty brakes were upgraded and perform exceptionally, offering excellent stopping power.

Exterior

The 1966 Dodge Coronet 500's exterior design was ahead of its time. Its distinct design features include round taillights, chrome accents, and a smooth body design with sharp lines. The car's length stretches up to 203 inches, and it's 75 inches wide, giving it a solid presence on the road.

Interior

The 1966 Dodge Coronet 500's interior is both comfortable and stylish. One hallmark feature is the premium bucket seats, which come in various color options. The car's interior also features a wood-trimmed steering wheel, a console-mounted shifter, and an 8,000 RPM tachometer. The dashboard is a vintage masterpiece, with its classic design and its round gauges.

Safety Features

The Dodge Coronet 500 boasts several safety features far advanced compared to some of its contemporaries. It comes equipped with standard lap belts, padded instrument panels, and padded rear seat backs, which minimize injuries in the event of a crash.

In conclusion, the 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 is an exceptional car that blends elegance, comfort, and performance. The notably robust engine coupled with the advanced suspension and brake system, gives it an unmatched ride quality. The massive range of engines offered, power variation, and reliability make it an excellent classic for muscle car enthusiasts. The car's attention to detail in all areas sets it apart from the competition and cements its place as a timeless classic muscle car.

Milestones

- Introduction of the Dodge Coronet 500 in 1966 as a top trim level of the Coronet model line - Available as a two-door hardtop or convertible - Standard engine was a 318 cubic inch V8 with 230 horsepower - Optional engines included a 361 cubic inch V8 with 265 horsepower, a 383 cubic inch V8 with 325 horsepower, and a 426 cubic inch V8 with 425 horsepower - Styling updates included a new grille, revised taillights, and a new chrome trim strip along the body sides - Interior updates included new bucket seats and a redesigned dashboard with a woodgrain finish - Sales of the Coronet 500 accounted for approximately 25% of total Coronet sales in 1966 - Production of the 1966 Coronet 500 totaled 18,955 units.


Technical

- Engine: 383 cubic inch V8 engine - Power output: 325 horsepower - Torque: 425 pounds-feet - Transmission: Three-speed automatic TorqueFlite transmission - Rear Axle: 8.75-inch limited-slip rear axle - Suspension: Front independent suspension and rear leaf springs - Brakes: Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes - Fuel Capacity: 19.5 gallons - Wheelbase: 117 inches - Length: 208 inches - Width: 77 inches - Height: 55 inches - Curb weight: Approximately 3,500 pounds - Top speed: 121 miles per hour (estimated)

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