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1969 Dodge Coronet R/T

The Dodge Coronet nameplate existed during the late forties and fifties, then quietly faded into oblivion by the close of the decade. As the mid-sixties gained momentum with the American muscle car era, the Coronet name was re-introduced on Dodge's intermediate platform, utilizing the same basic 'B-body' styling seen on previous Polara models. These fifth-generation Coronet vehicles were available with a range of body styles and trim packages during its six-year production lifespan. Coupes, Sedans, Station Wagons, and even a Convertible were offered with a selection of motors beginning with a 225ci slant six and extending to the 440 cubic-inch 'Magnum'.

The industry was maturing by 1969, a coming-of-age for horsepower, with performance packages abounding from all manufacturers, and graphics, spoilers, and scoops blossoming into vibrant colors that fulfilled every need, desire, and demand for horsepower. The Coronet R/T was the upscale traditionalist in the company's line-up, known as 'the gentleman's muscle car', more powerful than anything from the Chrysler brand and better equipped than all but perhaps the most highly optioned Plymouth GTXs. Introduced in 1967, the R/T coupes and convertibles were the most notorious of the Coronet family. These 'Road/Track' flagships focused primarily on performance, and the standard motor was the four-barrel carbureted version of the 440 cubic-inch Magnum. Its 375 horsepower was sent to the rear wheels by a standard-fit four-speed manual and 'Sure-Grip' limited-slip differential, with the three-speed Torqueflite automatic being a cost option.

Additionally, the options list included front disc brakes and the 426 cubic-inch Street Hemi,' effectively a detuned version of the race Hemi introduced in 1965, equipped with twin four-barrel carburetors (625-CFM Carter carbs bolted to an aluminum intake manifold), 10.25:1 compression, and underrated (for insurance purposes) at 425 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 490 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. It had forged aluminum pistons in 4.25-inch bores and forged steel connecting rods and crankshaft. The solid-lifter camshaft was new for 1968 and featured a 284-degree intake/exhaust duration with 0.484/0.475-inch intake/exhaust lift. The cast-iron heads used 2.25/1.90-inch intake and exhaust valves. Other performance additions included a low-restriction dual exhaust and a 3/8-inch fuel line.

Priced at $907.50, at a time when a 440 cubic-inch Coronet R/T coupe sold for $3,199, meant only dedicated performance enthusiasts ticked the Hemi option. 107 Coronet R/Ts received the Hemi in 1969 with 62 receiving the four-speed and 19 endowed with the Super Track Pack option package that added 4.10:1 gears, a heavy-duty radiator, and a seven-blade torque drive cooling fan.

1969 Dodge Coronet R/T photo
Hardtop Coupe
Chassis #: WS23-L9A-197786
To better contend with the attractive offerings fielded by the competition, the R/T was restyled for 1968, and the successful new 'Coke-bottle' look returned for 1969. The 1969 Coronet Deluxe vehicles wore new grilles that continued the delta shape theme, and the new taillights had oval-shaped lenses. Body styles included a four-door sedan priced at $2,600, a coupe at $2,555, and a station wagon at nearly $3,000. The base engine was the 225 cubic-inch Slant Six with overhead valves, a Holley one-barrel carburetor, solid valve lifters, four main bearings, and delivering 145 horsepower at 4,000 RPM. Standard equipment included a heater and defroster, two-speed electric wipers, dual parking system and warning light, sun visors, padded instrument panel, prismatic inside mirror, back-up lights, black rubber floor mats, rearview mirrors, and 7.35 x 14 tubeless black tires for six-cylinder cars and 7.75 x 15 when equipped with the V-8. The base eight-cylinder option was the 273 cubic-inch unit with a Carter two-barrel carburetor, five main bearings, 8.6:1 compression, and delivering 180 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The 'High-Performance' version of the 273 CID had a Carter four-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, and delivered 235 hp at 5,200 RPM.

Dodge built approximately 30,400 examples of the Coronet Deluxe models for 1969, with around 17,900 equipped with the V8s and 12,500 with six-cylinder power.

The Super Bee was introduced in February of 1968 as a high-performance model and originally based on the 440 'pillared' coupe. It joined the Coronet Deluxe line for 1969 with the two-door coupe body style priced at $3,075 and the hardtop coupe at $3,140. The Super Bee came standard with the 383 CID V8 with modified 440 heads and a stronger came, Rallye Suspension with sway bar, Firm Ride shock absorbers, heavy-duty 11-inch drum brakes, F70-14 Red Line wide-oval tires, dual exhaust, a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst 'Competition Plus' floor shifter, 'Power Bulge' hood, and Bumblebee stripes. The racing stripes wrapped around the tail section of the rear end. Approximately 27,800 examples of the Super Bee were built in 1969.

1969 Dodge Coronet R/T photo
Hardtop Coupe
Chassis #: WS23-L9A-197786
the Coronet 440 Series served as the intermediate trim level Coronet for 1969, adding to the list of standard amenities and fitted with a higher level of exterior trim. The well-equipped Coronet 440 had a steering wheel with a horn ring and padded hub, dual horns, carpeting, an all-vinyl bench seat in the station wagons and hardtops, and polished aluminum wheel lip moldings. The sedans and hardtops had window sill moldings. The Coronet 440 name was placed on behind the front wheel cutouts, and on the trunk lid, positioned between the taillights.

The Coronet 440 coupe was priced at $2,630 with the six-cylinder engine and around $100 more with the base V8. The sedan listed for $2,670, the hardtop coupe at $2,700, and station wagon at just over $3,000, and the nine-passenger wagon at $3,250. The six-cylinder engine was standard on all body styles except for the nine-passenger wagon which was offered solely with the V8. The Coronet 440 proved to be a perfect balance of affordability, style, and standard features, as production nearly reached 106,000 units for 1969. Most were equipped with eight-cylinder engines, while just 4,700 (approximately) were fitted with sixes.

The top Coronet trim level for 1969 was the Coronet 500 with a standard 318 CID V8, wheel lip moldings, power top on the convertible, bucket seats, pedal dress-up kit, glove box light, ashtray light, map light, simulated woodgrain applique on the instrument panel, and plusher seat cushions. Its list of body styles mirrored the Coronet 440, with the addition of a convertible instead of the coupe. Base prices were approximately $300 higher than their Coronet 440 six-cylinder siblings.

1969 Dodge Coronet R/T photo
Hardtop Coupe
Chassis #: WS23-L9A-197786
The Coronet R/T continued to serve as the high-performance version of the Coronet line, coming standard with the Magnum 440 CID V8 with five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a Carter carburetor, and delivering 375 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The stripes across the trunk lid and down the fender sides, 'R/T' nameplates, two simulated scoops on the rear fenders, and sill moldings left no doubt of its performance persona. The fifth digit of the VIN number indicates which engine was originally installed, with an 'L' representing the 440, and a 'J' for the legendary Hemi. The body tag (a.k.a. fender tag) will have the E86 code on the first life for the 440 and E74 for the Hemi.

The Coronet R/T came standard with a three-speed Torqueflite 727 automatic with the shift lever positioned on the column or through the optional center console. Four clutches were installed with the 440 and five for the Hemi. Gear ratios were 2.45, 1.45 and 1.00:1 (2.20:1 for reverse). A four-speed manual (A-833) was a no-cost option for either engine and came with the mandated heavy-duty axles and Sure Grip differential. 1968 models with the console-mounted shifter were sourced from Inland and used a reverse lockout feature. A Hurst shifter was installed for late 1968 and 1969 models. The four-speed gear ratios were 2.65:1, 1.93, 1.39 and 1.00:1 (2.57:1 for reverse).


by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021

Related Reading : Dodge Coronet History

In 1949 Dodge introduced the Coronet which was the top trim level offered by Dodge. It was similar to the Meadowbrook models in many respects, deviating in their interior appointments and minor differences with trim. The base-level four-door sedan body style was offered for under %241930. The top of the line version was the two-door station wagon which had seating for six and cost %242865. An L-head six-cylinder....
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1969 Dodge Coronet R/T Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1969 Coronet R/T
$3,660-$25,580
1969 Dodge Coronet R/T Price Range: $3,440 - $3,660

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1969 Dodge Models
$2,399 - $3,415

Coronet

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
87,500
117.00 in.
6 cyl., 225.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 273.50 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 318.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 361.00 CID., 265.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 413.00 CID., 340.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 365.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 415.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,345 - $2,825
250,900
117.00 in.
6 cyl., 170.00 CID., 101.00hp
6 cyl., 225.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 273.00 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 318.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 273.00 CID., 235.00hp
8 cyl., 361.00 CID., 265.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 270.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 440.00 CID., 365.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,265 - $2,925
184,609
117.00 in.
6 cyl., 170.00 CID., 101.00hp
6 cyl., 225.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 273.00 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 318.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 273.00 CID., 235.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 270.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 440.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,360 - $3,200
196,242
117.00 in.
6 cyl., 170.00 CID., 101.00hp
6 cyl., 225.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 273.00 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 318.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 273.00 CID., 235.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 270.00hp
8 cyl., 340.00 CID., 275.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 290.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 440.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,460 - $3,610
27,800
117.00 in.
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 440.00 CID., 375.00hp
$3,075 - $3,135
7,200
117.00 in.
8 cyl., 440.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 425.00hp
$3,440 - $3,660
114,955
117.00 in.
6 cyl., 225.00 CID., 145.00hp
8 cyl., 318.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 290.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 383.00 CID., 335.00hp
8 cyl., 440.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 440.00 CID., 390.00hp
8 cyl., 426.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,665 - $3,782

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