Rediscovery of the 1967 Dodge Charger: A 35-Year Garage Residency

Elizabeth Puckett Elizabeth Puckett Aug 16, 2023 Found
Rediscovery of the 1967 Dodge Charger: A 35-Year Garage Residency

The iconic Dodge Charger, despite its initial lukewarm reception in its first-generation release, has always been a car with potential. While it took the end of the 1960s for the Charger to truly shine with significant upgrades and enhancements, the charm of its early models remains undeniable.

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Exclusively equipped with V8 engines, the Charger boasted some beastly engine choices, most notably the 426 Hemi. However, only a fraction—468 out of 37,344 units produced in its initial phase—came outfitted with this powerhouse.

With the 1967 model, Dodge made considerable refinements. Introducing the 440 Magnum was pivotal, and substituting the 361 (5.9-liter) engine with the beefier 383 (6.3-liter) marked another significant change. The outcome? A limited 15,700 units produced that year, 118 of which had the Hemi on board.

After 35 years concealed in a garage, a 1967 Charger, equipped with the 383, has emerged. This vintage beauty, though confined for nearly four decades, surprisingly remains a complete project. Current photos reveal some missing exteriors, like the bumpers and taillight panel; however, they're safely stored in the car's cabin.

The present seller, emcoastf, initially purchased this hidden gem intending to restore its former glory. A few minor repairs later, including a starter solenoid replacement, the seller is now on the lookout for a passionate new owner willing to continue the restoration journey.

Yet, a couple of mysteries envelop this barn-find Charger:

  1. The car houses a 383 big-block engine. Still, its actual condition remains an enigma. Is it the original? Can it still roar to life? The owner hasn’t tested it, possibly to preserve its untouched state.
  2. Authenticity questions arise. It's known that the car originally sported a light blue hue off the assembly line. Somewhere along its journey, someone gave it a color makeover, but the details remain scanty.

For enthusiasts eyeing this Charger as a potential restoration project, the best advice would be to visit Alva, Florida. A hands-on inspection, especially checking for rust and verifying the engine's condition, is paramount.

In the interim, the bidding war has commenced. A leading bid of $1,000 hasn’t met the reserve price. Eager Charger aficionados can, however, end the suspense by choosing the "Buy It Now" option with a straightforward payment of $8,500, halting the auction.

With its rich legacy and potential for restoration, this 1967 Dodge Charger, awaiting in the shades for over three decades, promises to be a treasure trove for the right owner.

Source: eBay