Original Stock Car: 1966 Coronet - /BIG MUSCLE 

Glad this guy keeps it stock. Didn't do a Chip Foose disaster makeover.

I owned a 66 Dodge Cornet 440. It was fast and handled like a dream. If you know what your doing, tighten the gear box with the little adjusting bolt. Then put new bushings all the way across the front end. Replace the shocks with the ride you desire. Heavy duty if you like to 'feel' the road and oem if you like your butt not to hurt. Mine handled like it had rack and pinion steering. I burned a valve and a friend of mine set me up to rebuild the engine in a day. The ride is soft but not like a water balloon. It was a very comfortable ride but very responsive. Had the trans rebuilt to heavy duty. All in all, it was one of the best cars I ever owned. The tires were just fine. 14 did fine. I had a light in the back window, whip antenna and spot light. Lights behind the grill. I could put it up on 2 wheels to squeeze through tight spots at my leisure. Always put in a 440. It gets 22 mpg if you adjust it right, with proper jets. I miss that car.......

Loved this! I had a '67 Coronet 440 with a '71 440 in it. I loved that car and everything he said is true about them/it. The sound of the 440 going down the road cruising about 50-60 was awesome. Sure miss that car!

A friend in college had a '66 Coronet, it was awesome and a time machine.

oh god, im only 20... i wish i lived in the 60's... :(

I'm a computer guy.... but there's nothing I enjoy more than looking down memory lane and taking in what started it all. Engineering and craftsmanship is what inspires allot of cars today.

My first car was a 1966 Coronet 440. 318,torqueflite 727, power steering, power brakes and FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING! The Chrysler Airtemp. It had something I'd never seen in any other car, variable speed windshield wipers. I think mine may have been a late model 1966, because the trans lever in your coronet is more 1965 style. Mine had the straight lever. Mine also had the fender turn signal lights, and the lenses for the front turn signals were the clear plastic type. I loved my Coronet. I wish I could own it again. Even though it had the 318 2 barrel V8, it MOVED! It was a very dark shade of green, and a white interior. One thing I always loved about that era Chryslers was the rumble of the exhaust. From the smallest V8 to the largest. It was the BEST car I ever owned. I miss it.

Awesome ride. This car is exactly my style. No stripes, graphics, spoilers, fancy wheels, or trim. Just a basic 2 door sedan with plain steelies. The 440 was Mopar's best high performance street engine

I learned to drive on a 1966 Dodge Coronet 444, but was a station wagon ! Brings back memories for sure !

After watch this video I promise myself I will buy one of this on day.... This was my dad's first car in Peru... I was a baby and this bull was my first stroller !

That car looks fabulous with stock wheels and stock tires on it. It's the one thing i don't like about modernized cars, how modern wheels look on old cars, and that includes the 80s trend of american racing type wheels (even though people think those are "retro" look now). Not that I'd want to dodge an armadillo at 110 miles an hour on those tires, but they look great with the car.

people don't understand the old way of driving. back in these days on public roads people liked to cruise weather it was an expensive gt car, a muscle car, or an economy car they were cruisers and thats what people did in these cars. they were not so diluted by technology that cruising wasn't enjoyable but cars like the coronet for example were cars that you cruise in during the week and took to the drag strip on the weekend thats what these cars were made for and thats how you've gotta look at these cars. and in the case of the gt car its meant to be comfortable and epic/special to drive regardless of what speed and so on windy mountain back roads you found owners going roughly 50-60 mph keeping the car between 2nd and 3rd gear which enthusiasts really don't do these days, its either the full beans or the car just feels no more special than a civic and this is why the classic cars are better because they're so mechanical you have to get your hands greasy and you have to focus on the driving experience where as modern cars computers handle everything and driving is no fun because you're always thinking of whats coming ahead and not in the moment

I love those wheels, putting chrome foose style wheels on muscle cars is a sin in my eyes

Truly gorgeous vehicle. I love how the interiors' lush palette matches the exteriors' glistening paint and the charming near matte finish on the rims. I hope that in a decade or three my project car can attain 1/20th the class of this gem! Thanks again for another wonderful episode gentlemen!

i have a 74 chrysler newport, its my daily driver, people think im an idiot for driving it, they all brag about there stareos and a/c and stuff like that, so i simply say that i love the simplicity of my car, its rusted with faded paint, no a/c, am radio, no frills, but its all in all, the best bday gift my parents have ever given me, long live classic cars

'The perfect Paenut Butter & Jelly Sandwich!' That hits it right on the nose, man.

My father had a 1968 Dodge Monaco 440 big block that was set up pretty much the same way. That thing was was way fast, even with the air on. Could pass everything but a gas station. Had that old time cruise control that would set and accelerate from a dead stop. Dangerous, but fun.

There's something very appealing in original cars. It's like stepping in a time machine.

I wish Mike had mentioned how it was to launch that car. I once rode in a 1966 new yorker with a 440 and that thing was a beast and it was stock.

He calls work filming and riding in glorious old cars...I'm jealous

Like a box of chocolates, we never know what we'll get but with Big Muscle it's always a great story and cool cars.

Great stuff as always bud!

Really means a lot coming from you, Homer.

I had a 66 coronet 500 bucket seats and console originally a 318 auto but swapped in a 440 auto. That was in the early 90s, I would love to have it now

Proud owner of an extremely original 67 Coronet 440 with a 318 and 904. No power brakes, no power steering, no power anything. I love it more than the GM A bodies and modern Mustangs and others I've owned. It works. I share his sentiments that even Dodge fans didn't know what it was when I drove it to a local cars and coffee. It's getting a RV 440 and 727, but I'm not modernizing anything.

Great episode. I love driving my '68 Mustang for the reason you said. It's simple. You get in it, drive it and enjoy it. You don't have technology screaming at you. Yes hitting the manual drum brakes is always an adventure. It does stop straight however just not sure how long it will take sometimes.

Hey Musto, Thanks for the great videos you do. It is great to see that you record the "true" picture and "real" sound and exhaust. It is all about the car. Keep going! I love your videos! Regards

My parents had a 67 dodge coronet that I still have. It had loose wandering steering just like yours does. When I was going to take it on a road trip in high school in 1989 I thought I'd try to make it drive straight. Its actually quite easy. Look up the worm bearing pre-load adjustment procedure in the service manual, section 19-3, then ignore it. Make sure the cross shaft adjustment is set correctly first, then punch the worm shaft bearing adjuster lock nut loose. Then wiggle the input shaft to the steering gear box with your hand while watching the output shaft. Punch the wormshaft bearing adjuster tighter until all play is gone. Then punch the lock nut tight again. If you have no other problems like worn ball joints, the steering will be tight. The wandering will be gone. After that a bolt on sway bar on the front is a nice addition. The car will drive similarly to a modern car with both fixes.

Amen brother! With a cold glass of milk. Its like visiting with your Mom, something you love, that loves you back.

I paid no attention to American muscle until watching a few episodes of this show. I'm still not sure I'll ever own one, but I'm starting to appreciate what these cars can represent. Lovin' /Drive.

big muscle is easily one of the best and most original automotive programs on youtube, period

The owner is my hero. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks that way. When I buy a car, I don't buy it for an investment, or to make money later, and never have any plans to sell. I get attached to my car, and have it for fun, even if it doesn't treat me with respect all the time (my mk3 supra perfect example). To some it's a 24 year old heap with no connections for their maxipads or ipads or w/e it is, to me, it was actually my first car, still have it today, just finished building it.

I think it's way beyond a simple PBJ, it's got the special sauce, pie and coffee too in my opinion. It's a sweet car.

Great video. I own a rare 1967 Dodge Coronet 440 that was built in Mexico. This Coronet version has the 1967 Charger grill and the Coronet 500 tail lamps that came from stock.

Love your vids!! Terrific variety of cars!!

Another superb show Mike thank you

Muscle car owners are always the nicest.

thanks now i cant stop looking at it.

this video remind me of a sign in a coffee shop " we do not have wi-fi, please talk to each other"

Awesome video! Of all the cars of the 1960s, my favourite was the 1966 and 67 Dodge Coronet. Whether it's the 500, the 440, hardtop, 4 door, or station wagon. :)

Now if that came from the factory with a 440 meaning the "R/T" model, it would have had beefed up suspension, brakes and tires. Therefore,you can't say they were bad braking and handling cars. To this day, I've never seen since what my older brother did with his '66 Hemi Charger back in the day. He cranked the wheel from a standing start and floored it. At least 6 to 8 perfect donuts (lost count) then straighten out the wheel and shot off in a cloud of smoke. Awesome, RIP Jim.

it is a step or two back in time, lucky you got to drive a piece of history! do it myself and enjoy it. Still get young drivers in their cars want to race my 49 year old mustang, guess they dont get the nostalgia of driving an old car! thumbs up keep driving those cars like your site!

Never saw one looking better, that color really suits it perfectly.

Top 3 of Drive video! Good lock to owner and thank u that u save this for us

As a guy that drives a '66 Mustang convertible with a straight six and drum brakes, driving is a lot more than just how fast you can go or how well you can stop, for me it's about the purity of the passion and experience, and I feel like slower, more stock cars can help you feel that better sometimes.

Hey! I'm 40 yrs old and I still love PB&J's with a large glass of milk! : P

this is the best show ever ! and mike makes it better!

I drive my Mopars on those same roads all the time , just east of Livermore, CA near Altamont pass. The railroad trestle side road is my favorite. 69 Roadrunner, 71 340 Duster, and 54 Ford stepside are my hot rods. Very nice Coronet by the way........

Ahhh what a way to start the week!

That was an awesome episode!! Your crew is funny and you guys should dedicate an episode every once in a while on silly fun like this!! Thanx guys!!

I really enjoyed this one as I've always had a love for the Coronet.

Not that I'm complaining about the other cars, but I'm so glad to see MOPAR back on /BIG MUSCLE.

Just enjoying the drive are good words to live by..

Great Job Mike!

i love it!!! love the show!!!

Nice car. Loved the extra bits at the end as well.

Lol I liked the PB&J conclusion. Thank you for sharing this car with us.

Wonderful episode with a beautiful vehicle, Mike is such a great presenter

very gorgeous paint job

Nice to see something so stock. Lovely car.

Another solid solid piece of work. And I appreciate you coming over to the darkside, giving a nod to the stock-vintage side of things. 19in wheels and willwood discs are beautiful things.... but lets face facts, Steve McQueen didn't need either to be cool. And if we want to be cool today, we shouldn't demand anything more ;) If its easier... if its safer, its just not as cool.

Glad I back out selling my 66 Coronet. Glad to be young and have one.

"this is not the kinda car we are used to see in big muscle" is getting quite popular quote in the series, and I like it!

Very cool, The Altamont Pass definitely is a nice drive for cars like these

always a great week with big muscle

i love your show ! ! !

Best big muscle yet. Made me reflect on my own wrenchings/musings and want something OEM, but from my own era.

Just have to say.. Damn that car is in perfect condition. And that paintjob is just 10/10. Watch him drive by and watch the reflections on the panels, they are just so straight and in perfect condition.

440 Was the body style.440 came out in 67. Dad had one when I was a kid until it was stolen a few days before Woodstock weekend.

I'm glad to hear that he is running a Chrysler 8 3/4 rear end and not a For 9 inch. Also running 14s is pretty cool. Even most "enthusiasts" I know go for 15s and even 16s. This Cornet is a perfect example of the period, and better in one way. It is a 440 trim with an actual 440 in it, unlike the factory specs.

Pretty hard to appreciate a care like that unless you go for a ride. One ride fixes all haters. Great vid

Finally, an owner who thinks like I do. A purist who enjoys owning and driving stock cars and doesn't want to flip them because he actually gets attached to them. Bravo!

Very nice ride!

Perfect imperfection. If I ever got my hands on something like this, I probably would modify it a bit, but trying to stick to period correct mods, not to disturb the experience.

I love penutbutter and jelly sandwiches with milk yum. I have a 68 valiant, a Aussie car,, it's stock except for the 318 that's in it. it shows some resemblance to the 66 coronet, very cool indeed.

that misaligned panel in the rear is driving me nuts lol

Hilariously enough, Watching this video while I eat a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.

Awesome video.

My pops just told me my great uncle had one of these when he was a kid. He said it was blue with a white top.

I love the stock original appearance, looks sharp.

never thought i would want a 66 coronet

Diggin this show more and more...

THANK YOU!! Now you and the owner in the video are my heros lol. Let's be an inspiration to others to keep it going. Cars have become appliances post-2000. So many gizmos and useless bullcrap, that I flat out refuse to buy any car over 2000. My supra has 318,xxx km on the clock, to anyone else it's 'crap' but since i've babied it and serviced the car whenever it needed it, it runs very strong and side by side on the road next to the appliances, damn does it look good, even with crappy paint.

Again a great episode! Just to show that big Muscle, IMHO, is the best automotive show EVER. Mike, you took one of my least favorite B bodies that I have NO INTEREST IN. And make me very interested in the subject. Beautiful car. Now it is time for a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich.

It's all about variety and history!

I miss Big Muscle so much ...

Such a beautiful machine mopar or no car!

I enjoyed his review. He was fair about everything he said. My 67 Coronet 440, 4 speed doesn't stop or turn the greatest. Put the top down on a nice day, row the gears, hear the blast of the exhaust from the big-block and you will be a believer. For me, the best part is that it is different. You can go to a car show and see a bazillion Camaros and Mustangs. I do not dislike them, I just like being apart from the crowd.

Big Muscle is the best. Thanks.

I like the music in this episode. Jazzy

Amazing video.

Sorry....I forgot to say, nice car Joe! Just the way it is.

I love my 66 383 727 Charger and he's right these were pretty much made to go straight and fast and don't plan on stopping quickly

More like this Mike. Thanks.

Now I really want a PB&J sandwich... Thanks /BigMuscle

seems like only yesterday to me lol but then again I was an 80's child great episode BTW keep them coming here in Europe most non performance vehicles usually come with 16's whereas the performance cars come with any from 17's to 20's and up

now i have a sudden craving for peanut butter and jelly

Had a 727 in my 1st car , a 67 Monaco , and threw it into reverse 3x by accident on the highway.No damage.Had a 67 coronrt rt which I learned to drive standard in . Cool car.

Damn this reminds me of my old '66 coronet 500 with the 383 that I used to own. It was a 4 door model but still cool as fuck. Good review Mike, keep them coming.

You gota love the "Big Muscle" episodes. Even if you not a fan of muscle