Original Dodge Charger (1966)
As we mentioned above, the Charger name first appeared at a 1964 show car as just a re-bodied Dodge Polara. However, Dodge knew that it needed a completely new car for performance-minded buyers. So, in 1966, the brand-new Charger was released as a mid-year introduction. It became the latest model in the muscle car class. The original Charger was based on the Chrysler B-Body platform and shared much of its mechanics and chassis components with other less attractive Dodge models like the Coronet (via Auto Evolution).
However, it came with fresh new sheet metal and a cool-looking fastback roofline. The design of the 1966 Charger also had hideaway headlights and an enormous chrome grille, The interior was modern, with a slick dashboard and four bucket seats. Under the hood, Dodge offered various engines. They began with a modest 318 V8 unit. The step-up from that intro V8 was the 383 which boasted up to 325 hp. However, the best and most potent option was the mighty 426 Hemi. This was the first year for Street 426 Hemi, and one of the selected models to receive this legendary powerplant was the Charger. It had 425 hp and just under 500 cars left the factory with it in 1966.