1965 Dodge Coronet Custom
The Coronet is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge in seven generations, and shared nameplates with the same bodyshell with varying level of equipment installed. Introduced as a full-size car in 1949, it was the division’s highest trim line and moved to the lowest level starting in 1955 through 1959. The name was reintroduced on intermediate-sized models from the 1965 to 1976 model years.
Engine of this 1965 Dodge Coronet Custom is balanced and blueprinted, 452 heads, 509 cam, 11.5 compression, Chrysler 4-speed with Hurst shifter, 8 3/4″ Chrysler rear axle. Don Gartlis Hilborn Fuel Injection air-cleaner, hidden Vintage Air and Lextan windows. Max Wedge exhaust manifolds with 3″ stainless exhaust. Correct super-stock red interior. Detroit Auto-Rama 4th place winner. Popular Hot Rodding magazine feature car.
The car is a righteously retro custom that was built to turn heads. And yes, the car is capable of hitting the drag strip and knocking down some impressive times. However, this mighty MoPar isn’t just some whipped dragster that’s been wrapped in nostalgic paint. It’s a bona fide street steed that’s been professionally sorted for both the street and the strip.
Dodge emphasized the twin virtues of value and sportiness in promoting the 500 in ’65. Magazine ads proclaimed “Hot Dodge … new lower price,” and “a whale of a car for the cost.” A sales brochure echoed that appeal: “The car that puts excitement back in driving without bending your budget.” Just under 33,000 Coronet 500s (hardtops and convertibles) were built before the line was restyled for 1966.
