Unknown to some car enthusiasts, Dodge started in the 1900s as a parts supplier for Ford. The Dodge Brothers Company built their first complete automobiles in 1914 under the Dodge Brothers brand before the Chrysler Corporation was founded.
Despite the death of the Dodge Brothers in 1920 and the subsequent sale to Chrysler in 1928, Dodge has forged an illustrious portfolio of automobiles that shocked and impressed the global automobile industry. Best known for iconic muscle cars, such as the Viper, Daytona, Challenger, and Charger, Dodge still boasts rare and beautiful vehicles that many people don’t know existed.
9 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible
Dodge built the Coronet R/T, one of the coolest and rarest convertible cars ever made. Dodge created this car to rival the famous Chevrolet Chevelle SS and Pontiac GTO that dominated the muscle car wars of the 1960s. This Coronet model came equipped with a standard Magnum 440 V8 with 375bhp output and the 425bhp 426 Hemi as an option.
Featuring a popular R/T package with additional hood scoops and prominent badges, Dodge managed to sell 628 convertible trim models out of the 10,000 total Coronet sales. Of those, a few notable models are precious today; three drop-tops were equipped with the optional Hemi, one with Torqueflite auto transmission, and two with 4-speed manual transmission.
8 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T Hemi
Despite a failed attempt to sell R/T Hemi engine versions in 1967, Dodge made another attempt with the 1970 Coronet R/T models. This is one of the best Dodge Coronets to buy and collect coronet right now. It features double headlights, a split grille, hood scoops, and heavy-duty suspension that distinguished the 1970 production year.
With only 2,319 Coronet R/T hardtops built, only thirteen were equipped with the 425bhp 426 Hemi V8. However, a further four hardtops came equipped with the standard Hemi engine and a 4-speed transmission system. These surprisingly low statistics make this Hemi-powered Coronet R/T a scarce and expensive muscle car to own today.
7 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible
Dodge built the first-generation Dodge Challenger based on the same major components as the Plymouth Barracuda to compete with the Pontiac Firebird and Mercury Cougar. Manufactured using the Chrysler E platform, the Challenger R/T was available in either a hardtop or convertible body style.
Despite selling over 200 Hemi-powered hardtops for the 1970 production year, only nine convertibles were produced. Four of these were equipped with the Torqueflite automatic transmission and the remaining five were delivered with 4-speed manual transmissions. Considering how rare they are, a Hemi-powered Challenger R/T in good condition is worth well over $1.2 million today.
6 1966 Dodge Coronet Hemi 4-door
For the 1966 production year, Dodge redesigned the Coronet model to include 2-door sedans, 4-door sedans, and station wagons. The four-door Coronet sedan was available in Coronet, Coronet 440, Coronet 500, Coronet 500SE, and the Coronet Deluxe trim levels. Dodge also offered three transmission variants for the Coronet model; a standard 3-speed manual, a 3-speed Torqueflite automatic, and a 4-speed floor-mounted manual.
With peak Hemi production in 1966, Dodge built more than 3,300 units in total. From this limited number, Dodge only produced five 426 Hemi-powered 4-door Coronets with automatic transmission. Two models were sold to foreign buyers, and the other three were sold within the US.
5 1969 Dodge Charger 500
Dodge built the mid-size Charger 500 based on their popular Chrysler B Platform. The NASCAR-inspired Charger 500 is unique with the rear window flush with the rest of the roof and a front Coronet grille set flush with the leading hood edge.
The 1969 Charger was limited to 500 production units available to the public to satisfy NASCAR's homologation requirements during the legendary aero wars. However, Dodge built only 392 units of the model with the 440 Magnum engine, and a further 67 units were equipped with the optional 426 Hemi.
4 The Black Ghost
The Black Ghost is a legendary 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE that terrorized the Detroit racing scene through spontaneous appearances. Given the bright color palette that Dodge offered at the time, the Black Ghost’s combo of black paint, black interior, and black Gator Grain vinyl top was unique.
This Challenger also features both SE and R/T packages, a monstrous 426 Hemi engine, Super Track Pak with floor-mounted Hurst pistol grip and 4-speed manual transmission, Bumble Bee white tail stripe, hood pins, and houndstooth interior. The Black Ghost is one of just 23 Hemi 4-speed R/T SE Challengers manufactured in 1970.
3 Ram SRT10 Night Runner
The Ram SRT-10 is a unique sports pickup truck developed by DaimlerChrysler’s PVO division using Plymouth Prowler and Dodge Viper engineers. Under the hood, this model boasts a Chrysler 8.3-liter V10 that generates 500bhp at 5,600rpm and 525lb-ft of torque at 4,200rpm.
This boisterous engine pushes the SRT-10 to reach a top speed of 154mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds. Dodge released the special edition Night Runner trim model towards the end of production to conclude a high note. Many dealers were unaware of the limited 400 units, making it a rare and unique Dodge model.
2 1955 Dodge La Femme
After Chrysler realized women were taking interest in automobiles, they redesigned the Dodge Custom Royal Lancer models to appeal to the women’s automobile market. The two-door Dodge La Femme hardtop coupe stands out with its two-tone feminine color schemes; Heather Rose and Sapphire White for 1955 models and Misty Orchid and Regal Orchid for 1956 models.
La Femme models came with a keystone-shaped pink calfskin purse, a raincoat, umbrella, and rain bonnet that matched the car’s interior. With fewer than 2,500 units ever built, only forty 1955 versions and twenty 1956 examples still exist.
1 California Shelby Rampage
Dodge built the subcompact unibody Rampage model based on Chrysler’s L Platform. During the final production year of the Rampage truck, a special California ‘Direct Connection’ Rampage was built and sold at selected Dodge dealerships within the California area.
The unique Rampage model features a 99bhp 2.2-liter engine, 5-speed Shelby Charger manual, an aggressive custom exhaust system, Shelby Charger front fascia, ground effects package, 15-inch alloy wheels, and side stripes and decals. Only 250 Direct Connection Rampages were produced; a third with a Black color scheme, a third with Garnet Red, and a third with Santa Fe Blue.