1966
The new external designer for Dodge new flagship vehicle would be Carl "CAM'" Cameron, and on January 1, 1966, viewers of the Rose Bowl were first encountered the new "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion", the 1966 Charger. The Charger's introduction coincided with the introduction of the new street version of the 426 Hemi (7.0 L). At last, Dodge would have the performance image to go along with this great performance engine.
As the 1966 Charger's features would go, the "electric shaver" grille used completely rotating headlights that when opened or closed made the grille look like a one-piece object. Inside, the Charger used 4 individual bucket seats with a full span console from front to rear. The rear seats and console pad also folded forward, and you could drop the trunk divider back, which allowed for lots of freight room inside. Many other things were exclusive to the Charger such as the door panels, courtesy lights and the tool panel.
The tool panel was particularly interesting as normal bulbs weren't used to light the gauges. As an alternative, 4 electroluminescent dash pods housed the tachometer, speedometer, alternator, fuel and temperature gauges. In the back the full length taillight read CHARGER.
The engine collection was all V8s. A six cylinder engine didn't make the option list until 1968. In 1966 four engines were accessible; the base-model 318 in³ (5.2 L) 2-barrel V8, the truck-sourced 361 in³ (5.9 L) 2-barrel, the 383 in³ (6.3 L) 4-barrel, and the new 426 Street Hemi. The bulk of 1966 Chargers were ordered with the 325 hp (242 kW) 383.
Total manufacture in 1966 came to 37,344 units, which was doing well for the mid-year introduction.
In 1966 Dodge took the Charger into –NASCAR- in hopes that the fastback would make their car a winner on the high-banks. But the car proved to have back end lift around corners which made it very dicey on the faster tracks. The lift was because the air actually traveled faster over the top of the car than under it, causing the car to act like a huge airplane wing. Drivers would later claim that "it was like driving on ice." In order to get to the bottom of this problem Dodge installed in a small lip spoiler on the trunk lid which enhanced traction at speeds above 150 mph (240 km/h). They also had to make it a dealer-installed option in late 1966 and through 1967 because of NASCAR rules (with small quarter panel extensions in 1967). The 1966 Charger was the first US production vehicle to have a spoiler. David Pearson, driving a #6 Cotten Owens-prepared Charger, went on to win the NASCAR Grand National championship in 1966 with 14 first-place finishes.
1967
Since the Charger was such a sales winner in spite of its midyear introduction, changes were limited for 1967. Outside, new fender-mounted turn signals were introduced and would serve as the main outside identifier between a 1966 and 1967 Charger. A vinyl roof becomes available as well. Inside, the full length console was gone, due in part to customer complaints about entry and exit from the back seats. It was replaced with a normal sized console, which was also elective as well. Bucket seats were again customary but as an option you could order a folding armrest/seat instead of the console, which allowed three people to sit up front. A column shifter was standard when you ordered this new option.
As for engine options, an old engine was replaced and a new engine was added. The new engine was the 440 "Magnum". The 440 was conventionally rated at 375 hp (280 kW) with a single four barrel. The 361 2-barrel engine was replaced by a 383 2-barrel engine. The 318 2-barrel engine remained, though it was now an LA motor, unlike the 1966 polysphere "poly" design. The 383 4-barrel and the 426 Street Hemi remained as options.
In spite of the success of the 1966, sales slipped by half. In 1967 only 15,788 Chargers were sold. The fastback craze was over and it was time to totally reinvent Dodge's muscle car for 1968.