Description
The introduction of the 1966 Dodge Charger marked the beginning of one of Chrysler's most iconic performance nameplates, and few examples embody the spirit of the muscle car era quite like this exceptional factory HEMI-powered Charger. As the first year the legendary 426 Street HEMI was offered in the Dodge Charger, this remarkable automobile represents a milestone in Mopar performance history and remains one of the most coveted first-generation Chargers ever produced.
Dodge built exactly 468 Chargers with the 426 cubic-inch "Street Hemi" engine in 1966
Factory-equipped with its 426 cubic-inch / 425 horsepower Street HEMI V8 and paired with an automatic transmission, this Charger delivers the unmistakable performance and presence that established the HEMI as one of the most legendary engines of all time. Revered for its hemispherical combustion chamber design, immense horsepower, and dominance on both the street and the racetrack, the Street HEMI quickly earned its reputation as the engine every performance enthusiast wanted—and few could obtain.
This is a genuine factory HEMI Charger, verified by the fifth digit of the VIN, "H," confirming its authenticity as an original HEMI-equipped vehicle. In an era where authenticity is paramount, factory-documented HEMI cars continue to rank among the most sought-after and valuable American muscle cars ever produced.
Rarity is another defining characteristic of this remarkable Charger. For the 1966 model year—the inaugural year of Charger production and the first year the model could be ordered with the legendary Street HEMI—just 217 examples were produced with the desirable automatic transmission. With such limited production, surviving factory HEMI Chargers remain exceptionally scarce and are prized by collectors worldwide for their historical importance, performance pedigree, and investment potential.
The bold fastback styling of the first-generation Charger, highlighted by its distinctive full-width hidden headlamps, sleek roofline, and unique four-bucket-seat interior, made it one of the most advanced and visually striking muscle cars of its era. Combined with the legendary 426 HEMI under the hood, the result is one of the defining high-performance Mopars of the 1960s.
Highlights include:
Dodge built exactly 468 Chargers with the 426 cubic-inch "Street Hemi" engine in 1966
Genuine factory 1966 Dodge Charger HEMI
Factory 426 cubic-inch / 425 horsepower Street HEMI V8
Automatic transmission
Fifth VIN digit "H" verifying an original factory HEMI car
First year of Charger production
First year the Charger was available with the legendary Street HEMI
One of only 217 factory-built HEMI Chargers equipped with an automatic transmission
Factory HEMI Chargers have long occupied a place among the elite of American muscle cars, combining unmistakable styling with one of the most legendary powerplants ever installed in a production automobile. As a genuine factory HEMI example from the Charger's inaugural model year, this exceptional automobile represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic and historically significant Mopars of the muscle car era. Whether destined for a premier private collection or the show field, this 1966 Dodge Charger HEMI stands as a true testament to Chrysler's golden age of performance.,Year 1966
Make Dodge
Model Charger H Code Hemi
Location Coast 2 Coast Collector Car Auction
In Yard No