How many 1966 Dodge Chargers were made?
Approximately 37,000 units were produced for the 1966 Charger line across all variants, though exact totals vary depending on counting methods and which cars are included. This article explains why the number isn’t a single fixed figure and how collectors think about it.
Production basics and the counting question
The 1966 Dodge Charger marked the start of a distinct first-generation design, with several trim levels and packages in play—base Charger, Charger SE, and the performance-focused Charger R/T. Because Chrysler did not publish a single, comprehensive breakdown for every market, historians rely on factory-era records, dealer catalogs, and period coverage to estimate totals. As a result, there isn’t one universally accepted number for all markets and configurations.
Before we dive into the totals, it’s important to clarify what counts as “a 1966 Charger” and what can push a total higher or lower. Variants, export sales, and calendar-year definitions all influence the final figure.
- Variants included in most tallies typically are the base Charger, Charger SE, and Charger R/T; some sources also include export or fleet-ordered Cars that bore the Charger badge.
- Markets counted vary: U.S. production is the anchor, but totals in some references include cars built for Canada and other export destinations.
- Calendar-year vs model-year timing can shift totals. Some counts tally cars produced during the 1966 model year (which can span late 1965 to early 1967), while others count strictly within the calendar year 1966.
Given these factors, the commonly cited figure among collectors and registries places the total production for the 1966 Charger in the low-to-mid 30,000s, with many references converging on roughly 37,000 when all variants are included.
Variants and how the totals are split
Breaking down the production by trim and package helps explain why the total isn’t a single tidy number. The base Charger made up the bulk of sales, while the SE and R/T packages added smaller, but notable, shares. Export cars and special-order builds further complicate the tally.
- The base Charger: the largest segment of production, delivering the classic two-door fastback design that defined the model.
- Charger SE: a more upmarket variant with additional trim and options, contributing a meaningful portion of the total.
- Charger R/T: the performance-focused version, often with higher-performance engines and specialized equipment.
In sum, most enthusiasts refer to the combined total of all Charger variants when discussing how many were made in 1966, while acknowledging that source-by-source splits among base, SE, and R/T vary.
Why the number matters to collectors
Production totals help inform rarity, desirability, and restoration priorities. Cars with lower production counts—especially specific color combinations or rare option packages—tursn up in value at auction and in private sales.
Notes on sources and verification
For readers seeking the most precise breakdown, consult factory records, Dodge heritage publications, and contemporary dealer literature. If you’d like, I can compare specific figures from multiple sources and explain where estimates diverge.
Summary: The exact total of 1966 Dodge Chargers produced isn’t pinned to a single official figure. The best-supported range places the combined total around 37,000 across all trims, with variations stemming from how collectors define “Charger” (base, SE, R/T), export status, and calendar-year boundaries. For a precise variant-by-variant tally, a source-by-source review of production records is required.
What year is the rarest charger?
Only 392 examples of the '69 Dodge Charger 500 were built this way in compliance with NASCAR qualification rules. Even more rare are the 120 units powered by a 426-cubic-inch HEMI engine. The old-school Charger 500 proved successful on the high oval banks of NASCAR in 1969 as it claimed a recorded 18 wins.
What colors did the 1966 Dodge Charger come in?
Dodge offered 21 colors for the 1966 Charger, including Sandstone, Mauve, Maroon, Deep Plum, Silver, Black, Light Blue, Medium Blue, Dark Blue, Light Green, Dark Green, Medium Turquoise, Dark Turquoise, Bright Red, Red, Yellow, Cream, White, Beige, Saddle Bronze, and Gold.
What engine came in a 1966 Dodge Charger?
In 1966, four engines were offered: the base-model 318 cu in (5.2 L) 2-barrel, the 361 cu in (5.9 L) 2-barrel, the 383 cu in (6.3 L) 4-barrel, and the new 426 Street Hemi. Only 468 Chargers were built with the 426.
What is a 1966 Charger worth?
The price for a 1966 Dodge Charger can range from approximately $11,550 to over $110,000, depending on its condition, mileage, and features. A 1966 Dodge Charger in good, average condition typically sells for around $41,650, while exceptionally well-maintained or rare models, such as a 426 Hemi, can fetch much higher prices at auction.
- Average Condition: ~$41,650
- Low End (poor condition, high mileage): ~$11,550
- High End (excellent condition, rare features): Over $110,000
- Recent Auction High: A 1966 Dodge Charger sold for $110,000 at auction.
- Recent Auction Low: A 1966 Dodge Charger sold for $11,550 at auction.
