A misunderstanding led Chrysler to an all new platform in the early 1960s. The "B" body platform, though not initially well received, quickly gained in popularity because of its small stature.
Plymouth and Dodge “B" body cars made their debut in 1962. With a misunderstanding that Chevrolet would be downsizing their cars for that model year, Chrysler's designers reworked their planned design on a shortened chassis. Though marketed as "full-sized" cars, the "B" body cars were in fact much smaller than Ford’s and Chevy’s offerings for the vehicle class, giving Dodge and Plymouth “B” bodies a clear advantage when fitted with a V8 engine.
Almost simultaneously, as Mopar bodies were shedding weight, Mopar engine options were getting bigger. The HEMI, now displaced 426-cid and when combined with the lighter Chrysler offerings made for a car that would break Ford's grip on NASCAR and absolutely dominate the NHRA track. Just under the mid-trim for the 1964 model year, the Dodge 330 A864 was a historical step forward for Mopar’s legendary motorsport record.
This particular 1964 Dodge 330 HEMI Lightweight is one of just 55 examples made like it. It features an aluminum hood, scoop, front bumper, fenders and doors as well as an aluminum intake with dual offset Holley carburetors. Trading side glass for thin plastic and rear glass for lightweight Plexiglas encasing the car’s interior, it also features factory lightweight bucket seats, radio and heater-delete plates, and the rear seats were also deleted from the factory. Under the hood is a 426-cid HEMI with a 12.5:1 compression backed by a race-prepped 727 TorqueFlite heavy-duty automatic transmission. The factory exhaust system implemented cutouts, a single muffler, and just one exhaust exit.
According to a trustworthy history file, various invoices, and a Galen Govier report, this car is believed to be optioned as built with its original engine, although there are no identifiable markings on said engine. Either way, as a rightful predecessor to the legendary Charger and Roadrunner HEMI models, this 1964 Dodge 330 HEMI Lightweight would make for an awesome addition to any collection.
