The Diecast Zone · Model Car Club Since 1994
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With the advent of the C2 Corvette and the popularity of the coupe's roofline, it was time to get on the fastback gravy train. Mopar's first foray took a Plymouth Valiant, changed it to a fastback and called it the Barracuda in 1964. In 1966, the Dodge Coronet got the full treatment for 1966 as the Charger. For me, it just looked like a 'me too' conversion. It wasn't until the 2nd generation that the roofline seemed more integrated into the overall body lines and had its own cache from the Coronet. During those years, I was always looking at engine badging, exhaust configuration and stance to figure out what was under the hood of potential rivals (or unmarked cop cars). I don't remember ever seeing a 426 Hemi '66 Charger, but with only 486 nationwide on the road, it was no wonder.
Great pics Rich - but I hope (assuming you still own this model ) you've removed the shrink wrap from all the tires by now. 😏 😏 As a kid, I hated these Chargers..... but now, I like them very much. 😎 😎
@chris Got me, Chris. I put it back in the box in 2006. I never found a place to display it. My collection is a disaster.
@rich-sufficool Well, that's only 19 years ago - you still have plenty of time to make some room. 😏
What a beautiful Dodge Charger and Ertl Authentics 1/18 model of it. I have this scale model in yellow from Ertl and two Yat Ming editions of this era in silver and red. All are real favorites !
Love the interior with it's full length console and four bucket seats.
@bob-jackman I remember when this car debuted; I thought it was very cool and aggressive looking and the interior was awesome.....I still feel the same about it. A school friend's Dad bought a new one with the 383 and I got to have a few rides. He was a car guy and gunned it several times for us......it was immediate love for me.
@bob-jackman For sure Bob and the sound of that 383 I will never forget either. I recall it as the first time I ever TRULY got sucked back into the seat when the driver punched it. The mainly 50s cars I was used to riding in at that time just didn't have that kind of get up and go.
I always thought that the Yat Ming models were better replicated than the Ertls. There's just a lot about them that just don't look right to me but I'm going to keep my mouth shut. And even though I got most of my models for free that was one model I never wanted.
Steve
@john3976 Yep! I'd LOVE to have a quality 1/18 diecast of this one! 😎 😎
I always thought that the Yat Ming models were better replicated than the Ertls.
IMO, there's a couple of klunkers from both camps, but yeah...despite a few really nice Ertl's, I'd agree with you.
I like then both and I am very happy to have both red and silver Charger versions of the Yat Ming and a beautiful pale yellow edition of the Ertl Authentics 1/18 diecast. All of them photograph really well and make wonderful displays of the fastback style that was so popular in those years.















