The Dodge Coronet was heavily facelifted in 1970, presenting a polarizing look that has both fans and detractors in equal numbers. The accentuated Coke-bottle rear fenders were sexier than the 1968-69 Coronet series had, but that double-loop grille is where people’s opinions split. One of the most interesting 1970 Coronets on the planet, this Dodge Coronet 440 two-door coupe, is our Pick of the Day. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Homer City, Pennsylvania.
Some people are mislead by the 440 name, thinking the car has a 440 engine — 440 is just a trim level dating from earlier in the decade. The Coronet series began with Coronet Deluxe, then went up to Coronet 440 and Coronet 500; of course, there was the Super Bee, which was based on the 440, and the Coronet R/T, which was based on the 500. Engines for the Coronet 440 ranged from the 225ci six to a 383 four-barrel. The latter was rated at 330 horsepower — five less than the Super Bee’s — but a little secret is that if you opted for a regular Coronet with a manual transmission, you got the 335-horse engine.
That’s what makes this 1970 Coronet 440 coupe so interesting, but it gets even better — it has a three-speed manual, and 1970 was the first year it was placed on the floor instead of the column. Could it get better than that? Only one U.S.-spec 383 three-speed Coronet 440 coupe was built. It’s unknown how many more were built for the Canadian market or exports, but it can’t be many, if any.
Looking at the equipment list, this numbers-matching Coronet was originally built with the standard single-traction 3.23 gears. Other options include black vinyl top, Rallye wheels and AM radio. Clearly a Super Bee incognito, which likely surprised a few folks on the street if the original owner was so inclined. Seller says the Coronet’s 46,408 miles are original, and underneath the exhaust system has been updated with MagnaFlow with Flowmaster mufflers. I notice Coronet 500 rear-quarter scoop ornamentation and non-factory pinstripes but, overall, this car is stock: “Stock Coil. Stock Distributor. Stock Ignition. Stock Intake. Stock Radiator. Holley 4 Barrel Carburetor,” says the selling dealer.
Can you do without Super Bee graphics and scoops? Then the $44,900 asking price for this 1970 Dodge Coronet 440 coupe should be easy to swallow considering some of the dumb asking prices for Bees. Plus, you’d have a car that is much more unique. We should be thankful that this unusual Coronet has remained intact all these years.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I’ve seen the 383 matched with a 3 spd in 70 E bodiies, both Dodge, and Plymouth, but not in a B body. I personally owned a 70 Coronet RT, and a 70 Coronet 440, the 440 being a 318 automatic most commonplace. This Coronet is really a nice car, and definately unusual!
Love it Ron.