1966 Dodge Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Dodge for 1966: New Body – New Model – New Engine
The 1966 models were completely restyled, they were nearly an inch shorter than the previous year and wider to give a cleaner, bolder look. The roof lines were retained, but all other body panels were new. Model lines stayed the same.The Dodge Charger arrived. The 425 HP “Street Hemi” appeared. – a race car for the masses!
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts: Resources
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1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts Body Paint Color Codes
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1966 Dodge
| 4 Sandstone | |
| 6 Mauve | |
| 7 Maroon | |
| 8 Deep Plum | |
| A Silver | |
| B Black | |
| C Light Blue | |
| D Medium Blue | |
| E Dark Blue | |
| F Light Green | |
| G Dark Green | |
| K Medium Turquoise | |
| L Dark Turquoise | |
| P Bright Red | |
| Q Red | |
| R Yellow | |
| S Cream | |
| W White | |
| X Beige | |
| Y Saddle Bronze | |
| Z Gold |
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1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car
The Coronet continued as the intermediate size model for 1966. Completely restyled for the new year, the Coronet was to become one of the most attractive of that model ever to be produced. The 1966 models were nearly an inch shorter than the previous year and wider. They featured a mesh grille with the parking lights at the extreme ends and larger rectangular taillights which blended in nicely with the overall styling of the rear of the Coronet models. A four-door Coronet 500 was added, called the Coronet 500 SE (Special Edition). It had special “SE” logos on the C-pillars and on the seat back.
The Charger in Launched
Chrysler selected their Dodge Division to enter the marketplace with a mid-size B-bodied sporty car to fit between the “pony car” Ford Mustang and “personal luxury car” Ford Thunderbird. The intention was to create a fastback look while sharing as much existing company hardware as possible.
The Coronet-based car that resulted was introduced in mid-season of the 1966 model year. The styling was a departure from the Dodge’s mainstream cars. Its competition would be the 1965 AMC Rambler Marlin, that also arrived during the 1966 model year. Both were cars which set a standard for radical fastback design in American mid-size automobiles.
Significantly, the Charger’s interior was different from all other cars, but derived from Chrysler’s experience with the earlier Chrysler 300 models of 1960-1962. It had a full-length center console and “all bucket seating” front and rear. The rear’s pseudo-buckets could be folded down to create interior space accessible via the rear hatch. The Charger was not intended to compete head-to-head with pony cars. It was intended to create its own market and was available with engine options which included Chrysler’s Street 426 CID Hemi V-8.
Numerous interior features were exclusive to the Charger including door panels, courtesy lights, as well as special trim and leather-look vinyl upholstery. The instrument panel used electroluminescence to light the four chrome-ringed circular dash pods, needles, radio, shifter-position indicator in the console, as well as clock and air conditioning controls if equipped. The dash housed a 0 – 6000 RPM tachometer, a 0 – 150 MPH speedometer, as well as alternator, fuel, and temperature gauges as standard equipment.
On the engine side – The Street Hemi Arrives
When the 426 CID Hemi was made available for the 1966 model year, it could be ordered in any Coronet model or trim level. No Hemi-powered Coronet wagons have been verified, but a few Coronet Deluxe four-door sedans are known to exist. A total of 136 Coronet 500 Street Hemis were built for 1966.
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Factoids
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The Charger’s interior was derived from Chrysler’s experience with the earlier Chrysler 300 models of 1960-1962. It had a full-length center console and “all bucket seating” front and rear. The rear’s buckets could be folded down to create space accessible via the rear hatch. The Charger was intended to create its own market and was available with engine options which included Chrysler’s Street 426 CID Hemi V-8. See more information in the 1966 Dodge Charger Brochure HERE.
The “Street Hemi” was introduced in 1966 for its mid-size Dodge & Plymouth cars. The engine was similar to the race Hemi but with two inline four-barrel Carter AFB carburetors, a lower compression ratio of 10.25:1 and a less aggressive camshaft and with cast iron exhaust manifolds instead of steel tube headers. See more information in the 1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car AMA Specifications Sheet HERE.
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Models Offered
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Coronet. The Coronet was the base trim level and included the 225 CID I-6 engine, 7.35 x 14 tubeless tires, heater and defroster, electric windshield wipers, chrome windshield and rear window moldings, a single horizontal chrome strip along the body side and the Dodge name, in block letters, across the center of the front of the hood and the vertical section of the trunk lid.
The available models were the 2-door Sedan BWL-21 and the the 4-door Sedan BWL-41 only.
Coronet Deluxe. The Coronet Deluxe was an interior trim upgrade from the base trim level and added a station wagon to the line. The available models were the 2-door Sedan BWL-21, the the 4-door Sedan BWL-41, and the 2–seat station wagon BWL- 45.
Coronet 440. The Coronet 440 was the intermediate trim level of the Coronet Series and included all the features of the base Coronet Series, plus air foam front seat, power top and vinyl interior on the convertible, carpets and the nine-passenger station wagons had the 273 cubic inch V-8 engine and power tailgate window as standard equipment.
The available models were the 2-door Hardtop BWH-23, the Convertible BWH-27, the 4-door Sedan BWH-41, and the 2- and 3-seat station wagons, BWH- 45 and BWH-47 (only available as a V-8).
Coronet 500. The Coronet 500 was the top trim level Coronet for 1966 and included all the 440 features, plus, padded instrument panel, console and bucket seats, wheel covers, 225 cubic inch Slant-Six in the four door sedan and 273 cubic inch V-8 engine in all others, four vertical chrome louvers on the rear fenders just ahead of the rear wheel well and the Coronet 500 name, in script at the front of the front fenders.
The available models were the 2-door hardtop BWP-23, the convertible BWP-27, and the 4-door Sedan BWP-41.
Dodge Charger. The Charger used Coronet chassis and running gear components, but the body was completely different. The Coronet grille opening was filled with a concave grille with fine vertical bars and a round Charger crest in the center. The rear fascia used a single, full-width taillight with “Charger” in block letters, spaced across the entire length. Hidden headlights were featured along with the full-width taillights. Two feature lines were used along the body side and the fastback top terminated at the rear end of the car.
Inside, the Charger’s rear seats folded to provide a very spacious luggage compartment, and the instrument panel was unique to the Charger. Four large round pods contained all the instruments and located them directly in front of the driver. The standard or automatic floor shifter was located in a full-length console which divided both front and rear seats.
The Charger was only available as a “Sports Coupe”BWP-29. Engine choices were V-8s only – from the 273 CID to the 426 CID Street Hemi.
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Engines
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- 225 CID I-6 145 HP
- 273 CID V-8 180 HP
- 318 CID V-8 230 HP
- 361 CID V-8 265 HP
- 383 CID V-8 325 HP
- 426 CID Hemi V-8 425 HP
225 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.40:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2400 RPM.
Camshaft: Solid valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 240°, Exhaust: 236°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.394″, Exhaust 0.390″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Holley R-3279A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-3280A. California: (manual transmission) Holley R-3281A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-3282A.
273 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 273 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.63 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 180 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 1600 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.395″, (Exhaust) 0.405″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4113 S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4114 S. California: Ball & Ball BBD-4115 S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4116 S.
318 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.3797″, (Exhaust) 0.403″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Stromberg WW3-258; (automatic transmission) Stromberg WW3-259. California: (manual transmission) Stromberg WW3-260; (automatic transmission) Stromberg WW3-261.
361 CID V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.120 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic .
Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap: 26°; Lift: (intake) 0.392″; (exhaust) 0.390″.
Carburetor: Two-barrel (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4125S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4127S. California: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4126S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4128S.
383 CID 4-barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 256°, Exhaust 260°, Overlap: 32°; Lift: (intake) 0.425, (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) AFB 4130S; (automatic transmission) AFB-4131S. California: (manual transmission) AFB 4132S; (automatic transmission) AFB-4133S.
426 CID Hemi HP V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Hemispherical heads. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 276°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 52°; Lift: (intake) 0.480″, (exhaust) 0.460″.
Carburetors: Carter Two 4-barrel Model all transmissions: (Front) AFB-4139S, (Rear) AFB-4140S.
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All: 117 inches.
- Overall length: Wagons: (2-seat) 207.9 inches, (3-seat) 210.4 inches, Others: 203.0 inches.
- Overall width: Coupes & Sedans: 76.4 inches; Wagons: 74.9 inches .
- Overall height: Wagons: 55.3 inches, Sedans 53.7, Hardtops: 52.8, Convertible: 53.2 inches.
- Front tread: 59.5 inches.
- Rear tread: 58.6inches.
- Tires: I-6 – 6.95 x 14; 273-383 CID V-8 – 7.35 x 14; 3-seat wagon – 8.25 x 14; 426 CID – Blue Streak 7.75 x 14.
- Optional tires: All: Blue Streak 7.75 x 14; blackwall 8.25 x 14 Except 426 CID V-8 cars – none.
NOTE: See 1966 Dodge Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets for more detailed information HERE.
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.80:1 on column.
- 273 & 318 CID V-8: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.95:1 on column.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 361-383-426 CID V-8: 1st – 2.66:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1:39, 4th – 1.0:1, Reverse – 2.58:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1
- I-6: 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1; wagons 3.23:1 standard, 2.93:1 N/A.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.94:1,, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.21:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8 361 CID 2-bbl & 4-bbl – 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- V-8 361 CID 2-bbl & 4-bbl – 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.94:1.
- V-8 383 CID 4-bbl 4-speed SMT – 3.23:1
- V-8 383 CID 4-bbl 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.94:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 4-Speed SMT – 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.54:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.45:1 to 5.10:1. Sure Grip available in most ratios when dealer installed. See 1966 Dodge AMA Specifications Sheets for more information HERE.
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed manual transmission was standard.
- 4-speed manual floor shift transmission with ‘361’ and ‘383’ V-8s ($188).
- Automatic transmission, with Six ($192), with ‘273’ V-8 ($203), with other V-8s ($211).
- 318 cubic inch 230 horsepower two-barrel V-8 engine ($30).
- 361 cubic inch 265 horsepower two-barrel V-8 engine ($88).
- 383 cubic inch 325 horsepower four-barrel V-8 engine ($150).
- Crankcase vent system, mandatory for California built cars ($5).
- Race Hemi V-8 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower dual four-barrel engine.
- Street Hemi V-8 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower dual four-barrel engine.
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($39).
- Available rear axle gear ratios: 3.23:1, 3.55:1, 2.93:1 and 2.94:1.
NOTE: Some V-8s listed above were standard in certain models; not available in others. Prices varied from one model to another. Some engines required specific transmission.
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning on Coronet and Charger ($274).
- Auto Pilot cruise control ($64).
- Bucket seats ($75).
- Buffed paint ($16).
- Console ($20).
- Dual exhausts ($24).
- Electric clock ($11).
- Front and rear bumper guards ($31).
- Headrests with bucket or individual bench seats, pair ($42).
- Heavy-duty suspension package, except wagon ($22).
- Power brakes ($16).
- Power door locks ($42).
- Power front disc brakes {$54).
- Power steering ($73).
- Radio, AM on Coronet and Charger ($44).
- Radio, AM/FM radio ($127).
- Road wheels ($59-$75).
- Simulated ‘Mag’ wheel covers ($41-$57).
- Station wagon roof top luggage rack ($47).
- Tachometer ($38). Standard on Charger.
- Three-speed windshield wipers ($4).
- Tilt & Telescope steering wheel ($67).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($40), windshield only ($21).
- Two-tone paint, except convertible and Charger ($22).
- Variable speed wipers ($5).
- Vinyl top on four-door sedans ($58); on hardtops ($70).
- Wheel covers ($14-$22).
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Document
Downloads
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1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Print Ads
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Dodge SAE Hemi Development Paper #660342
1966 Dodge Charger 383 CID Road Test – Car and Driver Magazine
1966 Dodge Charger Introduced and Exposed – Car Life Magazine
1966 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Dodge Mid-Size Line will appear below
1966 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible was the top line convertible this year. It was only available with V-8 power.
1966 Dodge Coronet 500 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 2-door Hardtop was the top line 2-door this year. It was only available with V-8 power.
1966 Dodge Coronet 500 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 4-door Sedan was the top-line offering of 4-door models.
1966 Dodge Coronet 440 Convertible
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 Convertible was the mid-level convertible and the only other convertible in the line.
1966 Dodge Coronet 440 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 2-door Hardtop was the mid-level 2-door and the only other hardtop in the line.
1966 Dodge Coronet 440 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 4-door Sedan was the mid-line version of the 4-door.
1966 Dodge Coronet Deluxe Station Wagon
The 1966 Dodge Coronet Deluxe Station Wagon was the entry-level wagon this year and only came in 6-passenger configuration.
1966 Dodge Coronet Deluxe 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Dodge Coronet Deluxe 4-door Sedan differed from the base Coronet version by interior trim.
1966 Dodge Coronet Deluxe 2-door Sedan
The 1966 Dodge Coronet Deluxe 2-door Sedan differed from the base Coronet version by upgraded interior trim.
1966 Dodge Coronet 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 4-door Sedan was the entry-level 4-door mid-size Dodge.
1966 Dodge Coronet 2-door Sedan
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 2-door Sedan was the entry-level 2-door mid-size Dodge.
1966 Dodge Coronet 440 Station Wagon
The 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 Station Wagon was the top tier Dodge mid-size wagon this year. While it was available in 6- and 9-passebger configurations, the 9-passenger version only was delivered as a V-8.