When was the Dodge Monaco made?
The Dodge Monaco was first produced for the 1965 model year, and the original full-size Monaco remained in Dodge's lineup through the 1973 model year.
The question spans a key chapter in Dodge’s history. The classic Monaco refers to the mid-1960s to early-1970s flagship full-size model built on the B-body platform, offered in several body styles. After 1973 the original era ended, and the Monaco name appeared in later years in various markets or configurations, but the well-known period is 1965–1973.
Original production timeline
The following milestones highlight the core production window of the United States’ original Monaco.
- 1965: Dodge introduces the Monaco as the flagship full-size model, positioned above the Polara lineup.
- 1965–1973: The Monaco is offered on the B-body platform in multiple body styles, including two-door and four-door variants (both hardtops and sedans) and, in some years, convertible forms.
- 1973: The original Monaco era ends as Dodge reorganizes its lineup and transitions to other models.
These dates emphasize the classic Monaco’s core production span from 1965 to 1973.
Later uses of the Monaco name
After the decline of the original full-size Monaco, the nameplate reappeared in various markets and later Dodge configurations. These later uses are not considered the same, in size or scope, as the classic 1965–1973 Monaco.
Why the Monaco matters
The Monaco is notable for representing Dodge’s flagship full-size line during a period of design and engineering emphasis on room, comfort, and performance in mid-20th-century American sedans. It also figures prominently in classic car history and enthusiast circles as a symbol of Dodge’s mid-century styling and packaging.
Summary
The Dodge Monaco’s most widely recognized production run began in 1965 and continued through 1973, marking its era as Dodge’s top-tier full-size model on the B-body platform. While the name appeared again in various markets and later configurations, the 1965–1973 Monaco remains the definitive chapter in its history.
