1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1965 Dodge Coronet
1. Polara Moves Upstream
2. The 330 Line Disappears for 1965
3. Front and Rear Styling Changes for 1965
4. Hemi Only Available Race Engine
5. 21 Coronet Models - Base Price from $2,228 to $2,852
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1965 DODGE CORONET DELIVERED MID-SIZE & MAX-PERF” – Car Guy Chronicles
1965 – Coronet Returns & Polara Moves Up to Full Size
The Dodge Coronet nameplate appeared once again in 1965 as the new intermediate-sized B-body using a 117-inch wheelbase. The Dodge Polara would now become a full-size car. Trim levels initially were Coronet, Coronet Deluxe, Coronet 440, and Coronet 500.
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Resources
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1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car
| 3 Pink Silver | |
| 7 Pale Gold | |
| 8 Yellow | |
| A Gold | |
| B Black | |
| C Light Blue | |
| D Medium Blue | |
| J Light Turquoise | |
| K Medium Turquoise | |
| L Dark Turquoise | |
| N Pale Mist | |
| P Bright Red | |
| R Beige | |
| S Ivory | |
| T Ruby Red | |
| V Cordovan | |
| W White | |
| X Light Tan | |
| Y Medium Tan |
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1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car
NOTE: The 1965 Dodge Coronet is categorized in our Fact Sheets as a mid-size car due to its shorter 117 inch wheelbase. The Polara and Custom 880 utilized a 121 inch platform similar to the Chrysler models. The Dodge Dart was a compact car and is not covered in this Fact Sheet.
The Dodge Coronet appeared for the 1965 model year as the intermediate-sized B-body using a 117-inch wheelbase, now as a Coronet model name. The Dodge Polara would now be q full-size car. The Coronet nomenclature/numbering was a carryover theme from the 1963–64 Polara series.
Trim levels initially were Coronet, Coronet Deluxe, Coronet 440, and Coronet 500. The base Coronet and Deluxe were available as two-door sedans, four-door sedans, and station wagons. The middle of the Coronet line-up was the 440 which was available as a two-door hardtop, convertible, or station wagon. The top of the Coronet line-up was the Coronet 500 which was available as a two-door hardtop or convertible in 1965. Slightly over 33,300 units were sold in 1965 and included as standard, a 273 CID V-8 engine, exterior trim and badging, bucket seats, padded dash, and chrome floor console. A tachometer was optional. Front seat belts and padded dash were standard.
Engines offered for 1965 included the base 225 I-Six, 273, 318, 36, 383, and 426 CID V-8 engines. Sales brochures list the 413 (its last year offered) as available, but no records exist of this engine, commonly used in Imperials, being installed in Coronets for 1965. Dodge sold 209,500 units, making the Coronet the most popular model sold by Dodge that year, though only by a few thousand over the Dart compact.
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Factoids
- The Hemi is Available Only as a Race Engine
- Coronet Nameplate Becomes Mid-Size as Polara Moves to Full Size
- The 273 CID V-8 Becomes the Entry Level V-8
- Coronte Spans has 21 Models
Chrysler’s Race program focused solely on the Hemi this year, with the NASCAR engine much like 1964 and the NHRA engine in two flavors, Twin 4-barrel for “stock” and “super stock” classes and injected nitro and alcohol for “FX” (factory experimental or “funny car”) classes.
In reaction to GM and Ford, who have created distinct mid and full size cars, Dodge moves the Polara nameplate to the platform previously occupied by the 880 Series only. In its place, the Coronet nameplate is revived and becomes the mid-sized car.
The 273 CID V-8, introduced in the Valiant/Barracuda in 1964, is now the base V-8 in mid-sized Dodge Coronets. It was the “yeoman version with a 2-barrel carburetor and an 8.8:1 compression ration allowing it to run on regular gasoline. See the “Engines” section below for more information and specifications.
Recognizing the popularity of mid-size cars in 1965, Dodge expands the Coronet line to include low-price entry level six cylinder vehicles all the way up to luxury level V-8s.
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Models Offered
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Coronet. The plain Coronet (330 call-out no longer used) was the base trim level. It included the 225 CID six-cylinder or the 273 CID V-8 engine as the base powerplants, 7.35 x 14 tubeless tires; heater and defroster; electric windshield wipers; front seat belts; the Dodge name, in block letters, across the front of the hood (and on the right side of the trunk lid) and the Coronet name, in script, on the front fender tip.
The Coronet was available as a 2-door Sedan and 4-door Sedan.
Coronet Deluxe. The Coronet Deluxe was an upscale interior trim level over the base trim level. It included the 225 CID six-cylinder or the 273 CID V-8 as base engines, 7.35 x 14 tubeless tires; heater and defroster; electric windshield wipers; front seat belts; the Dodge name, in block letters, across the front of the hood (and on the right side of the trunk lid) and the Coronet name, in script, on the front fender tip.
The Coronet Deluxe was available as a 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, and 6-passenger Station Wagon
Coronet 440. The Coronet 440 was the intermediate trim level of the new Coronet Series. It included all the features of the base Coronet Series, plus backup lights; air foam front seats; carpeting in all models; power top and vinyl interior on the convertible and, in the nine-passenger station wagon, and a power tailgate window as standard equipment. The 225 CID I-6 or the 273 cubic inch V-8 engine were base powerplants.
Coronet 440 Models were available as 2-door Hardtop, Convertible, 4-door Sedan and 6-passenger Station Wagon along with 9-passenger V-8 powered wagons.
Coronet 500. The Cornet 500 was the top trim level of the Coronet Series and included all the 440 features plus, padded instrument panel; console and bucket seats; wheel covers; 273 cubic inch V-8 engine; a single horizontal chrome strip at the belt line and the Coronet 500 name, in script, at the rear of the wheel well on the front fenders. The I-6 engine was not available in this line.
Coronet 500 models were the 2-door Hardtop and the Convertible only.
1965 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-8 330 HP
- 426 CID V-8 365 HP
- 426 CID Hemi V-8 400 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: 8.20:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2400 RPM. Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: 232°, Exhaust: 228°, Overlap: 8°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.371″, Exhaust 0.364″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball one-barrel: BBS-3839S or Holley R-3059A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS-3840S or Holley R-3060A.
273 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 273 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.625 x 3.310 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 180 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.395″, (Exhaust) 0.405″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3843S or Stromberg WW3-248, (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3844S or Stromberg WW3-249.
Base 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: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.397″, (Exhaust) 0.403″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3847S or Stromberg WW-3-250 (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3848S or Stromberg WW3-251.
265 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
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: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball Two-barrel Model BBD-3849S or Stromberg WWC3-254 (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball Two-barrel Model BBD-3850S or Stromberg WWC3-255.
383 CID V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel (manual transmission) Model AFB-3859S (automatic transmission) Carter Model AFB-3860S.
426 CID S “Street” 365 HP V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 365 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 470 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic .
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.430″, (exhaust) 0.430″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel (manual transmission) Model AFB-3859S (automatic transmission) Carter Model AFB-3860S.
400 HP V-8 NASCAR Hemi. Overhead valves. Hemispherical heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 12.5:1.
Horsepower: 400 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 465 @ 3800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 76°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Intake manifold: high rise 4-bbl
Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3861S, or Holley Model R-2814 A (Primary 1.69″/Secondary 1.69″).
NOTE: This engine was NOT available to the general public. For more information See: Chrysler Corporation Bulletin “New Hemispherical Combustion Chamber Engine” HERE.
425 HP V-8 “Acceleration” Hemi. Overhead valves. Hemispherical heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 12.5:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 6000 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 4600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 76°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Intake manifold: Integral 15″ short ram.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3861, or Holley Model R-2814 A (Primary 1.69″/Secondary 1.69″).
NOTE: This engine was NOT available to the general public. For more information See: Chrysler Corporation Bulletin “New Hemispherical Combustion Chamber Engine” HERE.
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Passenger Cars: 117 inches; Wagons: 116 inches.
- Overall length: Wagons: 209.3 inches, Others: 204.2 inches.
- Overall width: Station Wagons: 75.1 inches; Others: 75.0 inches.
- Overall height: Wagons: 55.2 inches, Sedans 54.9, Hardtops: 54.2, Convertible: 55.2 inches.
- Front tread: 59.5inches.
- Rear tread: 58.5 inches.
- Tires: All Except Wagons: 7.35 x 14; Wagons 7.75 x 14. Black or whitewall tubeless.
1965 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.
- 273 & 318 CID V-8: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.95:1.
- 361 CID V-8: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 383 & 426 CID V-8: 1st – 2.66:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.39:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.58:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.23:1.
- I-6 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.31:1, 3.55:1.
- I-6: Wagons 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- I-6: Wagons 3-Speed AMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8 273 & 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.94:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8 273 & 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.94:1 Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8 361 & 383 CID 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1 Optional 2.76:1.
- V-8 361 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1 Optional 3.55:1.
- V-8 383 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1.
- V-8 361 CID 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1 Optional 3.55:1.
- V-8 383 CID 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1 Optional 2.94:1.
- 426S – 3-Speed SMT & 4-Speed SMT 3.23:1.
- 426 Hemi: No set Rear ratio – set by buyer.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.76:1 to 6.17:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios. See 1965 Dodge AMA Specifications Sheets for all actual ratios HERE.
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard except 426 CID.
- Automatic transmission ($191-$210).
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission 361, 383 and 426 CID V-8s ($188).
- V-8 318 CID 230 horsepower two-barrel engine ($25).
- V-8 361 CID 265 horsepower two-barrel engine ($73).
- V-8 383 CID 330 horsepower four-barrel engine ($122).
- V-8 426 CID 365 horsepower four-barrel engine ($444).
- V-8 426 CID 400 horsepower Single 4-barrel Carbureted “Hemi” engine (*).
- V-8 426 CID 415 horsepower “Hemi” engine. (*).
- V-8 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower “Hemi” engine (*).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($50). Available rear axle gear ratios: 3.23:1; 3.31:1; 2.93:1 and 2.76:1.
NOTE 1: (*) The 426 cubic inch Hemi V-8 price was approximately $1,800 over the counter.
NOTE 2: The 180 HP 273 CID Base V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Significant Options
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- 4-speed Transmission with Hurst Linkage.
- Air conditioning.
- All-Vinyl Interior (Sedans & Hardtops).
- Automatic Transmission.
- Backup lights, standard on Polara.
- Console-Mounted Shift Lever Polara 500.
- Electric Clock (Standard on Polara).
- Heater and defroster, without air-conditioning.
- Light Group, nine-passenger wagon.
- Mirror, Day/Nite.
- Mirror, Left-hand outside rear-view.
- Mirror, Left-hand outside rear-view – remote control.
- Padded dash – Coronet Base only.
- Power Brakes.
- Power Seat, six-way.
- Power Steering.
- Power Windows.
- Radio, AM DeLuxe push button.
- Radio, AM push button.
- Radio, AM-FM.
- Rear foam seats – Coronet Base only.
- Seat Belts.
- Steering wheel, DeLuxe – standard Coronet 500.
- Sure-Grip Differential.
- Tailgate assist handles with rear wind deflector – wagons only.
- Tinted glass, all.
- Tinted glass, windshield only.
- Undercoating with hood pad.
- Wheel covers, standard on Coronet 500.
- White Sidewall Tires.
- Windshield washer.
- Wipers, variable speed.
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1965 Dodge Mid-size Car Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Print Ads
1965 Dodge AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Dodge Coronet Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Dodge Coronet 426-S Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Dodge Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Dodge Mid-Size Line will appear below
1965 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible
The 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible was the top line convertible Coronet in 1965. It could only be had with V-8 power.
1965 Dodge Coronet 500 2 Door Hardtop
The 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 2 Door Hardtop was the “performance” coronet in 1965. It had a bucket seat interior and was only available with v-8 power, among which was the 426 “street” V-8 with 365 HP.
1965 Dodge Coronet 440 Convertible
The 1965 Dodge Coronet 440 Convertible was a step below the 500 and did not come with the bucket seat interior. It could be had with all V-8s – all the way up to the 426-S.
1965 Dodge Coronet 440 2 Door Hardtop
The 1965 Dodge Coronet 440 2 Door Hardtop was not available with buckets, but it could be had with the 426 “Street” V-8and was a popular choice for those seeking wins in the stop light Grand Prix.
1965 Dodge Coronet 440 4 Door Sedan
The 1965 Dodge Coronet 440 4 Door Sedan was the upscale mid-size sedan for Dodge this year.
1965 Dodge Coronet 440 Station Wagon
The 1965 Dodge Coronet 440 Station Wagon was available in 6- and 9-passenger versions with i-6 or V-8 power, except in the 9-passenger which only was available with V-8 power
1965 Dodge Coronet 4 Door Sedan
the 1965 Dodge Coronet 4 Door Sedan would have been a popular choice for families seeking room and utility at a great price.
1965 Dodge Coronet 2 Door Sedan
The 1965 Dodge Coronet 2 Door Sedan was the entry -level Coronet this year. .
1965 Dodge Coronet Station Wagon
The 1965 Dodge Coronet Station Wagon was the entry-level mid-size wagon.