1966 Dodge Charger

Description

The Dodge Charger was introduced in January 1966. The only body style was the fastback version that came with four bucket seats which had rear seats that individually folded flat. Hidden headlights were standard.

Based on the Coronet, the Charger had a different front grill, and the distinctive fastback roof line.

In the interior, a full length console that extended from the dash to the rear of the car was used for 1966 only.

The standard engine was the 318 cubic inch 2-barrel (230 horsepower and 340 ft-lbs of torque), while the 361 cid 2-barrel (265 hp and 380 ft-lbs), the 383 cid 4-barrel (325 hp and 425 ft-lbs), and the 426 Hemi (425 hp and 490 ft-lbs of torque) were optional.

1966 Charger Key Differences

The only external difference between the 1966 and 1967 Dodge Chargers is that 1967s have turn signal indicator lights mounted on the leading edge of the front fenders. 1966 Chargers have a chrome strip running along the edge of the front fender, but it has no light in its front section.

In the interior, 1966 Chargers have a console that runs from the dash to the rear seats, while 1967 Chargers have a console that runs only between the front seats.

Similar Years

1966 and 1967 Chargers share the same bodies and are almost identical, other than the turn signal indicators located on the front fenders in the 1967 Charger, and the full-length console on 1966 Chargers.

How to Identify a 1966 Dodge Charger

Overview

• The first version of the Dodge Charger (1966-1967) had hidden headlights and a fastback roof

1966 Charger Fastback Roof

• The distinctive fastback roof on the early Chargers extended to the rear of the car and incorporated a large, nearly flat rear window (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Fender Trim

• The 1966 Charger had a chrome strip running along the top edge of the front fenders (1966 only, shown)
• The 1967 Charger added turn signal indicator lights to the chrome strip (1967 only) (click for picture)

1966 Charger Grill

• The metal grill consisted of fine vertical ribs (1966-1967)
• Hidden headlights resided behind the grill (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Headlights

• Dual headlights on each side were normally hidden, but rotated 180 degrees to face outward when turned on (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Signal Lights

• Turn signal lights were also concealed under the outer edges of the grill (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Grill Emblem

• The Dodge emblem in the grill used the "fratzog" logo (the three V-shaped symbols) in a circle (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Tail Lights

• A full-width tail light stretched across the rear panel (1966-1967)
• "CHARGER" was spelled out in separate chrome letters spread out across most of the width of the tail light (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Trunk Badge

• The "Dodge Division" badge on the trunk also used the "fratzog" logo in a circle (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Dash

• The Charger dash had four large round dials in a row which included a tachometer (1966-1967)
• Mounted on the center console was a clock, not a tach (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Seats

• The Dodge Charger had four bucket seats, with the rear seats able to individually fold flat for up to seven feet of cargo room (1966-1967)
• For 1966 only, a full-length console ran from the dash to the back of the rear seats (1966)

1966 Charger C-Pillar Emblem

• The Charger name and emblem adorned the C-pillar behind the rear quarter window (1966-1967)

1966 Charger 383 Emblem

• The optional 383 cubic inch V-8 engine came with fender mounted emblems (1966-1967)

1966 Charger 383 Engine

• The 383 4-barrel engine was rated at 325 horsepower and 425 ft-lbs of torque (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Hubcap

• These hubcaps were standard on the Charger (1966-1967)

1966 Charger Steel Wheel

• Optional styled steel wheels (1966-1967)

More 1966 Charger Pictures

For more photos of vintage 1966 Chargers, visit the Dodge Charger Gallery at the Muscle Car Jungle.

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