Uncovering a Rare 1967 Dodge Coronet R - T 440 Four-Speed: A True Mopar Muscle Project with Restorer’s Potential

The Legacy of the 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T: A Standout Year for Mopar Muscle Cars

In the heat of Detroit’s muscle car rivalry, Dodge made a bold statement by introducing the Coronet R/T in 1967. Designed to go head-to-head with the era’s toughest street performers, the R/T—short for “Road/Track”—was far more than just cosmetic. This variant transformed the otherwise family-friendly B-body Coronet into a legendary performance machine, marking Dodge’s serious entry into the ongoing horsepower wars of the late '60s.

Specifications and Performance: Big Engines, Authentic Power

When it debuted, the 1967 Coronet R/T lineup was available only with high-output V8 powerplants: the robust 440 Magnum as standard, or the iconic 426 HEMI for those who demanded the ultimate Mopar firepower. Both engines could be paired with the heavy-duty TorqueFlite automatic or preferred by purists, a four-speed manual transmission—key for those who craved direct engagement behind the wheel.

Production figures highlight just how exclusive these machines are. Of 10,181 total Coronet R/Ts built in 1967, just 3,438 left the factory with that desirable four-speed manual gearbox. Even more sparse, only 1,360 of these paired the 440 Magnum engine with the hardtop body and stick shift, placing survivors like the featured car firmly in the upper echelons of Mopar rarity. For those seeking the ultra-rare, only 290 cars received the even hotter 426 HEMI across all builds.

Under the Hood: Proven Drivetrain and Key Components

The particular Coronet R/T on offer boasts its original high-performance DNA. From the heavy-duty Dana 60 rear axle with 3.54 gears to the robust 440-4 Magnum engine (currently a 1972 short block that still turns freely), this R/T lays the groundwork for a rewarding full restoration or a temporary running project. For the originality-focused restorer, the sale includes a 1967 date-correct HP engine block that has been professionally checked for integrity—though the prospective buyer should be aware it needs cast iron repairs, making this an excellent starting point for a numbers-matching build.

Condition and Completeness: A Strong Foundation for Restoration

For a nearly six-decade-old muscle car, this Coronet R/T's structure fares well. While the frame is solid, attention will be needed to address a couple of holes in the torsion bar cross member and restore areas of typical rust in the driver’s floor and around the trunk’s rear wheel well arches. The drive-side inner fender shows a cutout typical for cars of its age and history. Notably, this R/T is impressively complete, featuring original components such as the factory console tachometer (repaired), a rebuilt period-correct carburetor, the distinctive 915 cylinder heads, original radiator, intake manifold, and fuel tank. The rear glass has already been renewed, sparing a critical step for project-minded buyers.

What Sets This 1967 Coronet R/T Apart?

Unlike many classic muscle projects that are partial or pieced together, this Dodge stands out for retaining its important parts and its authentic four-speed configuration—key points for collectors and genuine enthusiasts. With a transparent rundown of its current state and no overwrought marketing gimmicks, this car makes a strong case as one of the few remaining affordable gateways into real Mopar muscle history.

Market Position and Value: A Project Car with Real Potential

The car is being sold on behalf of the owner's father out of Leland, Illinois, and is available via Facebook Marketplace. With an asking price of $18,000 (or best offer), it’s clearly a project and is priced accordingly—not an over-restored auction star, but a solid, honest platform for a skilled enthusiast to bring an authentic R/T back to life. In today’s collector car market, where four-speed Mopar muscle commands ever-higher values, opportunities like this are increasingly rare.

Comparison: Why The 1967 Coronet R/T Stands Tall Among Muscle Car Legends

While competitors like the Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 and Ford Fairlane GT offered impressive performance, only a handful matched the Coronet R/T’s balanced blend of brute force and understated styling. Its combination of the 440 Magnum engine, tough driveline, and rare four-speed makes the 1967 R/T a linchpin in Dodge’s muscle car heritage, appealing to purists, collectors, and anyone captivated by the golden era of American V8 performance.

Conclusion: An Opportunity for True Mopar Enthusiasts

For those with mechanical know-how and a passion for American muscle cars, this 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 four-speed offers a rare chance to resurrect a piece of automotive history. With all major original components included and honest documentation of its needs, it’s a compelling project for any serious classic car restorer or Mopar devotee. Don’t miss the opportunity to own one of the last original, numbers-conscious R/Ts at a price point within reach for the devoted enthusiast.