1969 Dodge Coronet is Automotive Royalty

Celebrate the Old Road

The late 1960s can be described as big times in the American automotive industry —literally and figuratively. The debut of the Dodge Coronet in September of 1968 marked the entry of one of the largest sedans the United States had ever produced —the 1969 Dodge Coronet. As this Dark Bronze Metallic '96 Coronet illustrates, this was a car that was large and in charge, one that marked the genesis of the American muscle car movement that continues to this day.

Photos Courtesy of Motorious

Turned From Rust to Gold

This particular model's "copper metallic" finish was one of a slew of vibrant new exterior paint colors offered by Dodge to appeal to younger drivers, including Bright Green, Bright Yellow, and Bright Turquoise Metallic. But striking new colors weren't the only tool Dodge utilized to tap a growing market. The Coronet was available in a variety of models to suit drivers of all kinds: a two-door coupe, two-door hardtop, four-door sedan, and for large families on the go, a two and three-seat nine-passenger wagon model was also sold.

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Surfacing Again

The car's burnt orange vinyl interior is a true throwback to the era —easy to clean but a bit hot to the touch whenever you forget your windshield sunshade. Faux wood paneling accentuates the dash and door panels while a chrome shifter and three-pronged steering wheel conjure the vehicle's race-capable speeds. All and all, it's a sweet vintage look, with passenger room that would make today's pickup trucks look small.

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Leave it All on the Floor

The 375-bhp 440 Magnum four-barrel was the '69 Dodge Coronet's standard engine. This car is mated to it's original Matching Number 727 Trans and to a Sure Grip 8 ¾” Rear End Differential. In original fashion, it's 440 engine is set up with the correct 1969 Model Four Barrel Intake and a Holley 600 CFM Carb —the same as the day it rolled off the assembly line. The car's talented restoration team even dressed up the power-plant with a stock-style Magnum Breather and stock- style valve covers.

>>Join the conversation about this classic Coronet right here in the Dodge Forum.

Fly As a Jet

The Dodge Coronet was the first vehicle produced by Dodge to feature the famed "R/T" badging, short for "Road/Track." Dodge Coronet 440's like this specimen were a No. 1 seller among the Dodge lineup of cars and trucks for 1969. Collectors and vintage car fans are also likely familiar with the famed "Super Bee" models which featured more racing style features like fiberglass hood panels and functional hood scoops.

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Golden Highway Sunset

Thanks to a stable-yet-stately exterior that only hints at its potential power, the 1969 Dodge Coronet remains American automotive royalty. In fact, it's exterior design and performance platform would ultimately act as an inspiration for the car novices often mistake it for —the infamously powerful Dodge Charger, one of the modern automotive true muscle monsters.

>>Join the conversation about this classic Coronet right here in the Dodge Forum.

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