What is the most expensive Dodge Coronet?
The most expensive Dodge Coronet is the high-performance R/T variant equipped with the 426 CID Hemi engine, particularly late-1960s examples. In today’s collector market these rare cars routinely command six-figure sums, with provenance and factory options driving the price.
A look at the pinnacle: the 426 Hemi‑powered Coronet R/T
These cars sit at the apex of the Coronet lineup, melding muscular performance with scarce production and exacting documentation. Here are the factors that push the price beyond other Coronet variants:
- The 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 as the top engine option for the Coronet R/T, delivering era‑defining power
- Performance equipment such as the R/T package, potential 4‑speed manual transmission and heavy‑duty options like the Super Track Pak and Dana rear axle
- Conspicuous styling cues like the raised air‑grabber hood and R/T badges that signal its high‑end status
- Extreme rarity within the Coronet line, with only a small number built for road use and many losing their original configurations over time
- Documentation and provenance, including build sheets, fender tags and verified restoration history, which can dramatically affect value
Taken together, these attributes place the 426 Hemi‑powered Dodge Coronet R/T at the top tier of both performance and price within the Coronet family—and a magnet for collectors.
Market context and current value considerations
Value in the classic car market is driven by condition, originality, documentation and historical significance. For the Coronet R/T with a 426 Hemi, those factors commonly push asking prices into the six-figure range and, for well‑documented, numbers‑matching cars in top condition, into or beyond six figures at auction.
- Condition and originality: numbers‑matching engines and correct drivetrains increase desirability
- Documentation: build sheets, fender tags and restoration records reassure buyers about authenticity
- Color and trim combinations: rare, period‑correct palettes can raise demand
- Provenance: a documented ownership history or famous prior owners adds intrigue and value
- Market timing: collector interest and auction dynamics can push values up or down over short periods
In practice, the most valuable Coronet tends to be a late‑1960s R/T with a 426 Hemi, backed by solid documentation and a faithful restoration, rather than any of the many non‑R/T Coronet models.
Notable examples and auction highlights
Several well‑documented cars have become touchstones for the model, helping define its ceiling in recent years. Below are general notes on notable examples and their public market visibility.
Key configurations that collectors seek
- 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T with 426 Hemi, one of the most coveted combinations in the Coronet lineup
- 1968–1970 Coronet R/T models equipped with the air grabber hood and Super Track Pak
- Numbers‑matching examples with complete documentation and original drivetrain
These examples have figured prominently in auctions and private sales, contributing to the perception that the Coronet’s most expensive variant is the Hemi‑powered R/T.
Summary
Among Dodge Coronet variants, the 426 Hemi‑powered R/T stands as the most expensive and sought‑after. Its combination of extreme performance, scarce production, distinctive styling, and solid provenance drives six‑figure values in today’s collector market. For enthusiasts, it represents the apex of the Coronet story and a benchmark for Dodge’s muscle‑car era.
