Frame Up Built Coronet R/T 426 HEMI V8 Dana 60 w/AC

We're all familiar with the term 'resto-mod' and how it gets thrown around to describe cars which 1) haven't been restored all that well and 2) haven't been modded all that much. But, simply put, the true theme of the resto-mod movement is: THE BEST OF EVERYTHING. And if there was ever a textbook example of a true-to-form resto-mod, this Dodge Coronet has to be it. Showcasing the hard work of a very skilled builder who understands how to enhance the best attributes of a slick, frame-off restoration, this exemplary coupe features a slew of top-shelf modifications that are completely reversible. If you're in the market for an incredible classic that can be shown AND driven with the best muscle cars on the road, I've got two words for you: “Hemi” and “Mopar”!

After spending most of its life as a clean daily driver, this awesome B-Body was the perfect starting point for a professional rotisserie restoration that mixed a killer big block engine with classic Mopar attitude. The car's straight body, which includes solid-closing doors on top of better-than-factory alignment, was massaged into spectacular surfaces by Tom Argue Design in Clearwater, Florida. Once those planes were completely clean and fully prepped, Dark Green basecoat was detailed with a white R/T stripe and sealed under glossy clear. And today, this positively evil Mopar sits as one super slick road warrior that features a perfect combination of no-nonsense looks and vicious street manners.

Dodge's Coronet was a little plainer than its Charger sibling, but a lot of people like that contrast and dig the model's super clean looks. At the front of this coupe, a body-width, stainless-trimmed grille hangs a bright “R/T” emblem and four clear headlights above a mirrored bumper and clear, round parking lamps. Above that grille, a pinned Ramcharger hood, which wears small “HEMI” emblems, flows to like-new glass that's sandwiched between fresh stainless trim, silver stainless wipers and clean white vinyl. At the sides of that hood, subtly sculpted panels hang a chrome driver's mirror and familiar Chrysler door handles between dent-free rocker trim and old school fratzogs. And at the back of those panels, a Satin Black valence frames factory-fresh tail lights between a bright “DODGE” script, a second “R/T” emblem, a second bumper and small, stainless exhaust tips.

What do you do when you have a sweet Mopar muscle car that needs a heart transplant? You call the fine folks at Chrysler and order something akin to this Coronet's killer Hemi crate engine! Thanks to a 2008 rebuild that guaranteed correct machining tolerances, this Dodge now moves to the tune of 465 horsepower and 485 lb./ft. of torque. At the top of the neo Elephant block, a painted and decaled air cleaner forces wind into big Edelbrock carburetors that are cinched to a reproduction intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang organisol-coated valve covers over stainless valves and aluminum pistons. Between those pistons, a forged steel crank combines with a modern hydraulic cam to rotate a traditional-looking distributor. That distributor sequences spark through black Wire Technologies plug wires, which hang over fully restored exhaust manifolds. At the front of those manifolds, a big Chrysler radiator rides between a Chrysler washer tank, low-mounted air conditioning and an onslaught of Chrysler-branded hoses. And aesthetically, the Hemi Orange mill provides an excellent contrast to the car's sleek green fenders, with details like correct stamps, fresh decals and a bright chrome breather supplementing power with polish.

Like its slick exterior and clean engine bay, the bottom of this Dodge is a great combination of past and present. The powerful Hemi engine sends thrust to a proven A727 Torqueflite that twists torque through both a Hemi converter and shift kit. That 3-speed hooks to a familiar Dana 60, which is fitted with a rugged Sure Grip differential. That awesome drivetrain rides between a Mr. Norm's K-frame, AFCO coil-overs, rear lowering blocks and rear air shocks. Turns come courtesy of Mr. Norm's power rack-and-pinion steering. Stops are provided by power-assisted Wilwood 6-piston calipers, which squeeze 13-inch drilled and slotted rotors. Large-diameter exhaust pipes employ an H-shaped crossover in front of beefy Xlerator Turbo Mufflers and traditional resonators. Power flows to the pavement through color-keyed Mr. Norm's wheels, which spin 245/40ZR18 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As in front of 295/35ZR19 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As. Naturally, this coupe's frame and floors are solid and display no signs of major rust or serious weathering. And yes, in typical Mopar fashion, those floors are over-restored to match the car's body.

Nothing says 60s Detroit muscle like this B-Body's simple Black interior. There's a pliable bench and bucket combo that's ready for the nearest drive in. All the cockpit's soft parts, including door panels, carpets, dash pad and headliner, are fresh and correct in every way. Restored gauges and modern Vintage Air conditioning have been incorporated in true factory fashion. There's a wood-trimmed console that houses a small shifter for the 3-speed transmission. A correct Chrysler Solid State radio, which remains seated in the aforementioned dash, is dueled with a hidden Secret Audio system. Fresh “Mopar” branded floor mats have been recently installed to protect the carpets because, let's face it, this is a car you're not going to be able to resist driving. Speaking of driving, a stylish, wood-rimmed steering wheel spins around a chrome Mopar horn button. And last but certainly not least, the car's trunk features a new mat, a full-sized spare tire and a correct jack assembly.

Are you looking for big block power, great handling and a tailored appearance that's fit to impress? Congratulations, you've found your next classic! Fully-sorted, road-ready muscle cars don't get much nicer than this awesome Coronet. And, whether you choose to drive it or show it, this is one no-excuses Mopar that's sure to turn heads!