Most Popular Mopar Cars Of The 60’s
Most Popular Mopar Cars of the 60’s. The 1960s was a golden era for muscle cars, and Mopar produced some of the most iconic and powerful vehicles of the decade. These cars not only revolutionized the American automotive landscape but also became legends among car enthusiasts. Here’s a look at the most popular Mopar cars of the 1960s.
1968 Dodge Charger R/T
In the late 1960s, amidst a blooming muscle car era, Dodge introduced an automobile that would forever change the face of American automotive history: the 1968 Dodge Charger. The Charger was an evolution of the Dodge Coronet, designed to compete in the burgeoning market of mid-sized fastback vehicles. The Charger’s debut marked Dodge’s first foray into the high-speed street racing arena, boasting a distinctive fastback body style and full-width taillights that set it apart from its competitors.
The 1968 Charger was a resounding success, with sales skyrocketing from a meager 16k in 1967 to a staggering 93k in 1968. The Charger’s unique design, combined with its impressive performance capabilities, solidified its place within the ranks of automobile celebrity.
1969 Plymouth Road Runner
Plymouth’s legendary Road Runner made for the ultimate muscle car. The formula was simple: take a common and inexpensive body style, strip out all the unnecessary bits, lower the stance, widen the tires, and drop in a massive powerplant that’s sure to light up the rear axle at any time. This 1969 Road Runner is no exception, powered by a formidable, numbers-matching 383 C.I. V8 breathing through a 4-Barrel Carburetor sitting inside an immaculate engine bay. Torque is stomped into the pavement through an equally numbers-matching A-727 “Torqueflite” 3-speed automatic transmission, sure to put a smile on your face as this Road Runner speeds down the highway.
1966 Dodge Coronet
Dodge’s first ‘Hemi’ engines appeared in the 1950s, helping the company build a reputation based on performance, reinforced on circle tracks and drag strips. By the mid-1960s, Chrysler designers were still perfecting its design direction, phasing out any residual style cues left over from the Virgil Exner day. Dodge’s Coronet, which had been dropped for 1958 only to re-appeared in 1965, would shoulder much of Dodge’s performance standard through the balance of the decade. Resting on a 117-inch wheelbase, the styling with crisp and clean, with its most distinguishing design cue being a rear roof pillar on the sedans and hardtops that was wider at the top than at the bottom.
1969 Dodge Super Bee
The Dodge Super Bee was Dodge’s answer to Plymouth’s Road Runner. First introduced in 1968, the 1969 model brought more refinement and power to the lineup. With bold colors, eye-catching graphics, and the availability of the HEMI engine, the Super Bee was a potent street machine that appealed to younger drivers looking for performance on a budget.
1967 Plymouth GTX
Based on the good-looking two-door Belvedere hardtop and convertible, the GTX dressed up with a special grille and tail panel, simulated hood scoops, and chrome gas cap. Twin racing stripes were optional. The cabin was top-of-the-line, with bucket seats, embossed vinyl, and lots of brightwork.
Going fast without fuss was the GTX’s mission. So, it got a standard powertrain capable of enormous power with minimal effort. Mopar’s newly fortified 375-bhp 440-cid V-8. Plymouth called it the Super Commando 440. This was Chrysler’s big-car engine improved for high-rpm performance with a revised camshaft and valve train, and free-flowing intake and exhaust systems.
1964 Plymouth Barracuda
The 1964 Plymouth Barracuda was Chrysler’s valiant but futile effort to unseat the Ford Mustang. But the car was the Plymouth Valiant prettied up and with a wraparound rear window. Hitting the showroom two weeks before the Mustang did. The car that was at first wanted to be named Panda was given the Barracuda name instead.
Plymouth as well as other automakers were fascinated with manufacturing sport compacts in the mid-sixties. The race was heating up but the original pony car, the Mustang was hard to beat. The Barracuda’s sale for the whole of 1964, 23,443 barely beat Mustang’s sale of 22,000 units on its first day alone.
1963 Dodge Polara
In 1963, the Polara was the top of the line among Dodge models. Standard features on the Polara included a 383 V8 engine with an optional 426 cu.in. V8. Also available was the Polara 500 which came in a 2 door Hardtop or Convertible. Twenty-eight Polara 500 convertibles came with a Ram charger option and only 7 of those had a high Compression package. A reverent nod to the notorious Max Wedge cars that ruled the drag strips in the early 60s. The Max Hemi is just that.
The 1960s were filled with automotive innovation and excitement. Mopar cars led the charge with their high-performance engines, bold designs, and lasting cultural impact. Whether it was tearing up the drag strip or starring in Hollywood. These iconic Mopar cars continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
