After 20 years of dedication, a 1966 Dodge Coronet Deluxe now boasts a genuine 426 Hemi V8, blending vintage charm with muscle car power.
The 1966 Dodge Coronet, a staple of Mopar history, played a key role in the muscle car era and the horsepower wars of the 1960s. While many Coronets ended up as forgotten relics, one black 1966 Coronet Deluxe has been transformed into a show-stopping Hemi-powered marvel, thanks to owner Dave Thurley’s two decades of meticulous restoration.
Originally a modest two-door sedan with a lesser V8 engine, this Coronet wasn’t destined for greatness. However, Thurley saw its potential when he purchased it in 2002. Initially intended as a car for his wife, he decided to keep the vehicle after discovering it was a four-speed B-body—the perfect candidate for a Hemi upgrade.
The restoration was a labor of love. Thurley retained much of the car’s original character, including its Deluxe badges, bench seat, and black-over-red color scheme, while adding a true 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8, sourced from a 1971 Dodge Challenger or Plymouth Cuda. Unlike many tribute cars, this Coronet’s powerplant isn’t a modern crate engine but an authentic piece of Mopar history.
The result is a stunning tribute to Dodge’s legendary muscle cars. The massive hood scoop hints at the beastly performance lurking underneath, while reproduction redline tires and meticulous detailing complete the period-correct appearance. Despite its transformation, the Coronet could easily pass as one of the original 83 Hemi-powered two-door sedans Dodge built in 1966, of which only 31 were fitted with a four-speed manual transmission.
Though Thurley hasn’t yet showcased the car at events, this masterpiece is a testament to his dedication to preserving and enhancing a slice of automotive history. Its roaring Hemi and meticulous craftsmanship ensure it will turn heads and spark conversations wherever it goes. For now, enthusiasts can catch a detailed walkaround and the unmistakable growl of its engine in Lou Costabile’s YouTube video.
