Moving up into the special category where only Hemi convertibles dwell, this 1966 Dodge Hemi Coronet 500 Convertible will certainly allow you membership into that exclusive fraternity of current-day owners. This was the very first year the A102 426 Hemi engine was offered in a street car, and while buyers ordered them in everything from stripped-down post sedans and four-door police specials to top-line Chargers, only 21 Hemi Coronet 500 convertibles were built during the 1966 model season. Not only would that fact make this top-of-the-line car incredibly rare, but it is also unrestored with 5,600 miles showing since new. Documented by no less than four factory broadcast sheets, this performance machine will be sold with its original title from Frontier Dodge in Cincinnati, Ohio, the original window sticker, fender tag, Chrysler Certi-Card and its title history to present day, plus a Chrysler Registry report denoting its packaging. Fully redesigned for the 1966 model year, the Coronet 500 convertible was the most deluxe offering in Dodge’s midsize car lineup, with all 500s coming with a selection of premium trim as standard equipment. Nonetheless, what remains most appealing here is the level of preservation, as this car has factory-original EE1 Dark Blue Metallic paint and its original white bucket-seat interior, as well as the original 426 CI Hemi engine with correct date codes and original TorqueFlite automatic transmission with correct date codes. As a production mill, the new-for-1966 Street Hemi engine had only been mildly detuned from its racing form, getting dual inline 4-barrel carburetors, a special heated intake manifold, 10.25 compression and more street-friendly cam timing. Otherwise, it was near-identical in form to what David Pearson and Dick Landy were competing with in their Dodges. The dual exhaust was free-flowing, and traction came from a Sure Grip-equipped differential. This car has both power steering and brakes as well. Stepping inside, one finds the rarely ordered power windows, an AM radio, in-dash clock, center console with chrome shift handle, tinted glass, seat belt and the premium light package. In addition to the original front bucket and rear bench upholstery, the car still has original black carpet, white door panels and white top boot. From the outside, the 500 was identifiable by the lightly trimmed blackout grille, quadrant of rear quarter chrome inserts, 500 callout tags in gold and wheel well chrome trim. This car is additionally highlighted by the white soft top and deluxe wheel covers on steel wheels. A set of blue streak tires completes the look. With convertibles remaining a bellwether of the muscle car market, Hemi cars like this are not often offered for sale. Cars built with premium equipment such as power windows are scarcer still, and ones featuring the level of provenance seen here are even more desirable. Now add to this example the sheer level of originality and you will understand why the person who becomes its next owner will likely be just as proud of it as the first buyer. Make your move, as it may be a long time before a car of this status is made available again.
