1969 Dodge Coronet R/T

Buzz

In 1969, the spotlight was on the Super Bee Six Pack and the enduring appeal of the Charger, leaving the Dodge Coronet R/T overshadowed. Introduced in 1967, the Coronet R/T was Dodge's pioneering effort to combine classic muscle car features under a single model. While it sold over 10,000 units in its initial years, sales declined to 7,200 in 1969 and further plummeted to 2,600 in 1970, marking its final year.

However, lower sales didn't reflect a lack of quality. Dodge refined the Coronet R/T for 1969, updating the grille and taillamps and offering optional 15-inch cast-aluminum wheels instead of the standard 14-inch ones.

The standard engine remained the 375-horsepower 440 Magnum four-barrel. Only 97 hardtops and 10 convertibles were equipped with the optional 425-horsepower 426 Hemi. A new Ramcharger fresh-air induction system, featuring dual hood scoops, was available with the 440 and standard with the Hemi, though it didn't boost power output.

Dodge established the Scat Park to streamline the marketing of its performance vehicles, and even the R/T's axle ratios were standardized into cohesive packages. For instance, the Track-Pak, designed for drag racing, included a 4:1 Dana axle, Sure-Grip differential, dual-point distributor, heavy-duty four-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter, and an enhanced cooling system. Other packages focused on handling or long-distance cruising.

Regarding axle ratios, Car Life noted that the 440 Magnum V-8 paired with the three-speed TorqueFlite automatic in their Coronet R/T test vehicle was so powerful that the standard 3.23:1 ratio could be swapped for a more fuel-efficient 2.76:1 axle without significantly affecting acceleration.

"The 440's immense torque eliminates the need for high revs," the magazine stated. "While shift points up to 5500 rpm were tested, 5000 rpm delivered optimal performance."

Dodge streamlined its high-performance intermediate models to create the affordable Super Bee and utilized the same platform for the stylish Charger. Positioned between them was the Coronet R/T, an original muscle car that maintained—and sometimes dominated—the middle ground.

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The 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T

Specifications

Wheelbase, inches: 117.0

Weight, lbs: 3,601

Number built: 7,238

Base price: $3,442

Standard Engine

Type: ohv V-8

Displacement, cid: 440

Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.

Compression ratio: 10.0:1

Horsepower @ rpm: 375 @ 4600