First-Gen ’67 Charger Delivers 383, Rad Options, and Cool Copper Color
Classics
American
First-generation Dodge Chargers are finally getting some collector love. The 1967 Charger recently sold on eBay was a highly optioned example painted in rare Turbine Copper Metallic.
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Often Overshadowed
The 1966-1967 Dodge Charger is often overshadowed by its second-generation counterpart. That’s largely due to the latter's starring role in the Dukes of Hazzard TV series and the legendary Steve McQueen film - opens in new window or tab.Bullitt - opens in new window or tab.. But the earlier cars are far rarer. Dodge built fewer than 16,000 Chargers for the 1967 model year.
In 1966, muscle cars and personal luxury coupes were all the rage. The first Charger straddled both worlds. Its fastback body had space-age styling cues. Its upscale interior had seating for four and a full-length center console - opens in new window or tab.. The '67 Charger's chiseled flanks and steeply raked roofline project an elegant look while offering a hint of the performance within. Distinctive, full-width tail lights - opens in new window or tab. and a matching grille with hidden headlights complete the look.
Engine choices ranged from the legendary Hemi to this car's potent yet civilized 383-cubic-inch V-8. It was equipped from the factory with a four-barrel carburetor - opens in new window or tab. and produced 325 horsepower. This 1967 Charger had the original three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a relatively rare column shifter.
Turbine Look-Alike
The Charger was finished in its factory Turbine Copper Metallic paint, evoking the look of Chrysler Turbine - opens in new window or tab. experimental models of the day. The period-appropriate shade is rarely seen today. All chrome and badging were in place and in good condition, including the subtle 383 badges - opens in new window or tab. on the front fenders.
This 1967 Charger’s copper interior makes it stand out. The cockpit has an airy feel, with lots of glass to let in light. Its four matching bucket seats are in immaculate condition. So are the door panels, headliner, and carpet. Rear seat passengers get their own center console and armrest. The rear seats fold flat, leaving a carpeted surface that stretches from the rear to the front seats.
White Hat Special
Four round dashboard instrument pods face the driver. They contain a tachometer, speedometer, and gauges to monitor oil pressure and temperature. Options on this well-equipped example included power steering and brakes, factory air conditioning, tinted glass, a push-button AM radio, and rare power windows.
This 1967 Charger was also equipped with the White Hat Special - opens in new window or tab., a dealer-installed option that added turn signal indicators on the front fender tops, unique wheel covers, and a sport steering wheel. White hats were a theme in 1960s Dodge advertising. The “Dodge Boys - opens in new window or tab.” were the “good guys in white hats.”
Despite its unique design, the 1967 Charger was not a huge sales success. That only adds to its rarity and appeal today.
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