In 1970, Dodge made just four Coronet R/T hardtops with a Hemi engine and 4-speed manual transmission. This Coronet R/T is not only one of those four, but documentation indicates it is the first of the four to be built. Discussing rarity when it comes to Hemi Mopars isn’t unusual. The 426 CI Street Hemi was an expensive option in its day, and the engine required a certain level of tuning attention to get the most out of those big-valve, hemispherical-chambered cylinder heads. That’s why in 1970, out of the tens of thousands of muscle cars produced by Dodge and Plymouth, just over 1,500 were equipped with a Hemi engine. Yet, single-digit build numbers, as in the case with this Coronet, takes rarity to a whole new level.

Originally a California car, the Coronet went through an extensive rotisserie restoration—using all factory or NOS parts—that was completed in 2014. The matching-numbers Hemi was rebuilt by renowned drag racer “Dandy” Dick Landy in 2000. Restoration receipts that come with the Coronet indicate Landy’s rebuild included boring and honing the block, the installation of new valve guides, balancing the connecting rods, a high-performance valve job and Magnafluxing and micro-polishing the crankshaft. The Coronet R/T was originally ordered in an understated Dark Green Metallic with steel wheels and hubcaps. The typical Coronet tail stripe was deleted, adding to the car’s stealthy nature.

The only external clues to the car’s power potential are small “Hemi” badges on the Ramcharger hood scoops. The black vinyl bucket-seat interior balances an all-business attitude with a few choice amenities. A distinctive Hurst Pistol-Grip shifter rises straight out of the floor—no console here. Full instrumentation includes the Tic-Toc-Tach visible behind the wood-rimmed steering wheel. An AM/8-track sound system nestles in the dash, while the Light Group ordered for the car provides interior lighting in the glovebox, ashtray and in the trunk. The extensive documentation that comes with the Hemi Coronet R/T includes its broadcast sheet, a thick sheaf of receipts and photographs from the restoration and a Chrysler Registry report.

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