As with any valuable muscle car, determining the authenticity of its configuration and its history are both paramount. With a Hemi MoPar such as that offered here, that is made easier by Galen Govier, who has made a career of understanding these cars and documenting their originality.

A complete copy of Mr. Govier’s Visual Inspection of this Coronet is on file, noting that this car was one of 135 Dodge Coronet 500 hardtops built with the Hemi and TorqueFlite automatic transmission for U.S. sale in 1966. Significantly, this is the only Hemi/TorqueFlite ’66 Coronet 500 in this color scheme, Bronze Metallic with Gold vinyl bucket seats. The original broadcast sheet is also on file, as is Mr. Govier’s decoding of it, indicating that the car was indeed fitted, from new, with a Hemi and TorqueFlite, as well as with numerous other factory options, including power steering, radio delete, center console, and driver’s side chrome mirror.

Mr. Govier’s visual inspection of the car during restoration indicated that the door VIN and fender tag are both original, and that the car retains its correct engine, transmission, and rear axle assembly, with “all numbers matching.” Further information notes the correctness and finishes of all features, down to the dual Carter AFB carburetors, which have consecutive serial numbers! Furthermore, while not documented, the 7,821 miles showing at the time of cataloguing are believed original.

Interestingly, the car was sold new by Mr. Norm’s Grand-Spaulding Auto Sales of Chicago, famous during the muscle car era for offering free jackets and air fare to buyers of their new Dodge muscle cars—thus encouraging a bustling out-of-state trade. The car was subsequently owned by Donald Benton of Colton, California, and then fully restored while in the ownership of well-known muscle car collector Steve Ramsey of Maryland. Photographs on file show how the rotisserie restoration looked in-progress, including the solid and intact body. Amusingly, during the restoration, the decision was made to install a correct AM radio with speakers and flush-mounted antenna, although that was not ordered by the first owner in 1966!

Freshly out of restoration, the Coronet was acquired by Mr. Mohrschladt and has remained a centerpiece of the family collection ever since, maintained as a spectacular and fully show-ready automobile.

An exceptional Hemi Coronet for any collection, in “one-of-one” colors and with all of the best equipment, this is a stand-out muscle car by absolutely any standard.