Legendary Muscle: One of the Rarest 1967 Dodge HEMI® Coronet W023s Heads to Mecum Indy
Among muscle car aficionados, few machines stir the soul like a true factory-built HEMI® drag car. And on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction, an exceptionally rare piece of Mopar history is poised to command serious attention: a fully restored 1967 Dodge Coronet W023 Super Stock. Estimated to fetch between $115,000 and $135,000, this car is one of the rarest examples of factory-built drag-strip dominance from the golden age of American muscle.
Born to Race: The Purpose-Built W023 Super Stock
In 1967, Chrysler answered the NHRA’s newly split Super Stock class with a limited run of drag-strip-focused Dodge Coronets. Only 55 of these W023-coded machines were ever built, designed with one goal in mind: domination at the drag strip. Of those 55, a mere 16 were equipped with the coveted A833 4-speed manual transmission, making this particular example even more exclusive.
Unlike standard street models, these W023 Coronets were never intended for cruising boulevards. They were designed and assembled strictly for quarter-mile warfare. Each was finished in white—the only color offered for this package—and came stripped down to the essentials to shave every possible ounce in pursuit of maximum acceleration.
Performance Over Comfort: Every Inch Engineered for Speed
Under the hood lies a correct-period 426 cubic inch (7.0L) HEMI® V8, fitted with dual inline Carter 4-barrel carburetors, a chrome dome air cleaner, and backed by a heavy-duty 26-inch radiator. There are no creature comforts—no power steering, no power brakes, no air conditioning, and no insulation. This no-compromise setup kept weight down and maximized performance.
Even the battery was relocated to the trunk and positioned above the passenger-side rear wheel to improve rear traction during launches. Other unique performance features include the use of a heavy-duty Dana 60 rear axle, a manual drum brake system, and a factory radio and heater delete.
Weight-Saving Body Mods and Spartan Interior
Factory engineers incorporated lightweight elements wherever possible. The W023 cars featured a functional fiberglass hood scoop, thinner front bumper supports, and an aluminum grille and tail panel to shed unnecessary pounds. Inside, luxury took a back seat to functionality. The interior is minimalistic, with thin rubber flooring, a no-frills low-back bench seat, and basic trim. A Hurst T-handle shifter and an AutoMeter column-mounted tachometer provide the only driver-focused instrumentation.
A Faithful Restoration with Rare Documentation
This 1967 Coronet W023 has undergone a comprehensive, factory-correct restoration, carefully bringing it back to its original Super Stock configuration. It retains its factory sheet metal, hidden body VIN stampings, and original white finish. The car also comes with rare documentation including the original broadcast sheet, Certi-Card, and a comprehensive Dave Wise inspection report, all adding to its historical authenticity and collector appeal.
Despite its race-oriented build, the car shows just over 66,000 miles on the odometer—a modest figure considering its heritage and intended use.
A True Artifact of Mopar Muscle
For collectors and enthusiasts of factory-built muscle, few vehicles represent the raw, untamed performance of the late 1960s better than the W023 Dodge Coronet. These were not dealer-ordered street cars—they were factory-engineered race cars disguised as sedans. With its rarity, documentation, and meticulous restoration, this 4-speed HEMI® Coronet is not only a high-value collectible but also a rolling testament to Chrysler’s aggressive push into Super Stock drag racing.
As it prepares to cross the block at Mecum Indy 2025, this exceptional W023 is expected to draw significant interest—and for good reason. It is one of the most authentic and historically significant examples of Dodge’s factory drag racing legacy ever offered at auction.
