Underdog Mopar brutes from the muscle era

Mopar’s big-block V8s powered some legendary muscle cars, but in the 1960s and 1970s, certain models with these engines were too wild, pricey, or poorly timed to sell well. Built for drag strips or street brawls, they often sat on lots while flashier rivals flew out. Here are ten rare Mopar big-block cars, with specs and details, that buyers overlooked but deserve a nod for their raw power.

1962 Dodge Dart 413 Max Wedge

Image credit: JOHN LLOYD from Hanover, Pennsylvania, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1962 Dart 413 Max Wedge packed a 413 V8 with 410 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~6 seconds and 130 mph. Its 116-inch wheelbase and 3,400-pound body were midsize. The interior was bare, with vinyl seats and no radio. Only 210 were built, per Dodge Garage. Its rough idle and race-ready setup scared off buyers. Restored examples fetch $100,000+, a nod to its drag-strip legacy.

1963 Plymouth Fury 426 Max Wedge

Image credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1963 Fury 426 Max Wedge had a 426 V8 with 425 hp, running 11-second quarter-miles and 0–60 in ~5.8 seconds. Its 119-inch wheelbase and 3,300-pound body used lightweight parts. The interior had a single seat and no heater. Its high compression (12.5:1) demanded premium fuel, deterring buyers.

1964 Dodge 330 426 Max Wedge

Image credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1964 330 426 Max Wedge used a 426 V8 with 425 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~5.5 seconds and 135 mph. Its 119-inch wheelbase and 3,200-pound body were stripped. The interior lacked carpet and soundproofing. Only 162 were built, per Mecum Auctions. Its drag-only vibe and $4,500 price tanked sales.

1968 Dodge Hemi Dart

Image credit: Joe deSousa, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1968 Hemi Dart rocked a 426 Hemi V8 with ~500 hp, running 10-second quarters and 0–60 in ~5 seconds. Its 111-inch wheelbase and 2,800-pound body used fiberglass. The interior had no rear seats. Its race-ready setup wasn’t street-friendly.

1968 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda

1968 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda
Image credit: Muercae, Copyrighted free use, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1968 Hemi Barracuda had a 426 Hemi V8 with ~500 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~5 seconds and 10-second quarters. Its 108-inch wheelbase and 2,900-pound body were lightweight. The interior was gutted, with one seat. Its track focus scared buyers.

1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 426 Hemi

1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 426 Hemi
Image credit: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1969 Super Bee 426 Hemi used a 426 V8 with 425 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~5.5 seconds and 135 mph. Its 117-inch wheelbase and 3,500-pound body were plain. The interior had vinyl benches and a tachometer. Its $4,600 price and gas-guzzling Hemi deterred buyers.

1970 Plymouth Fury GT 440

1970 Plymouth Fury GT 440
Image credit: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1970 Fury GT 440 packed a 440 V8 with 350 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7 seconds and 130 mph. Its 120-inch wheelbase and 4,200-pound body were massive. The interior had plush vinyl and wood trim. Its full-size luxury vibe confused muscle car fans.

1971 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi

1971 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi
Image credit: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1971 Charger R/T 426 Hemi had a 426 V8 with 425 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~5.7 seconds and 137 mph. Its 115-inch wheelbase and 3,800-pound body were sleek. The interior featured buckets and a console.

1971 Plymouth GTX 426 Hemi

1971 Plymouth GTX 426 Hemi
Image credit: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1971 GTX 426 Hemi used a 426 V8 with 425 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~5.8 seconds and 135 mph. Its 115-inch wheelbase and 3,900-pound body were hefty. The interior had high-back buckets and gauges. Its high cost and emissions rules tanked demand.

1972 Plymouth Road Runner 400

1972 Plymouth Road Runner 400
Image credit: dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1972 Road Runner 400 had a 400 V8 with 255 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7.5 seconds and 125 mph. Its 115-inch wheelbase and 3,700-pound body were midsize. The interior had vinyl seats and a pistol-grip shifter. Its detuned power disappointed buyers.

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