Coronet Value Gaining on Charger from Hagerty

[dfrazz]

Interesting article on Coronet value - https://www.hagerty.com/media/marke...rs-underdog-muscle-is-gaining-on-the-charger/

For posterity
“
It’s no secret that 1968–70 Chargershave long been a favorite among muscle car collectors, but they’ve seen a recent drop in values. Meanwhile, the median #2 (excellent) value of 1968–70 Coronets of all varieties is up 20% over the last five years and 26% over the last 10 years. There’s still quite a gulf in value between the Charger and Coronet despite their mechanical similarities. Comparing R/T models of the Charger and Coronet equipped with identical 440-cubic-inch, four-barrel V-8s, the Charger is worth about 50% more, with #2 (Excellent) examples of the Charger going for $90,700, while a similar Coronet will bring $62,200. The gulf widens when talking about 426 Hemi variants, where even the Super Bee lags. A 1970 Super Bee in #2 (Excellent) condition is worth $94,000, while a Charger with the same Elephant engine is worth $180,000. One of the few examples of a Coronet getting close to Charger values is when comparing a 1969 Charger R/T to a Coronet R/T convertible. In that case, the 440-powered hardtop still carries a 7% premium over its Coronet convertible counterpart.

The Coke-bottle styling of the 1968–70 Charger made it one of the most beloved designs of the muscle car era. A 1968 Charger served as the hubcap-shedding foil for Steve McQueen’s Bullitt in one of the most storied car chases in cinema history and also as one of the most recognizable recurring car stars in the Fast and the Furious franchise. For many buyers, the only thing wrong with a Coronet is that it’s not the iconic Charger. However, with its own stunning looks, a variety of Mopar V-8 powerplants, and the availability of a convertible model, collectors are seeing the value in the Coronet, particularly the R/T and Super Bee, with prices rising to match demand.

For now, it seems that mostly older collectors are the ones who appreciate Coronets the most, with baby boomer and Gen X buyers making up more than 80% of the market, leaving millennial and Gen Z buyers with 17%. Charger demographics seem similar at first glance, although millennials and Gen Z make up 22% of that market, which represents a significant shift. Whether or not younger buyers embrace the Coronet will determine if this trend of rising Coronet values continues.”

 

[Davefinan]

I wonder why there is such a wide price difference. They are both fantastic looking and performing cars from the muscle car era. I wonder if it is mostly due to the movie publicity thing?

 

[autoxcuda]

A couple of the pictures, including the title one, are from Spring and Fall Fling show in Woodley Park, Van Nuys.

I think the 383 Super Bees might be worth as much as a Coronet R/T. You would think the 383 vs 440 would make them worth more, but the Super Bee nameplate and cartoon emblem and decals seem to make up for that. Very similar to Roadrunners vs GTX's of the same year.

70 Coronet R/T vs Super Bee value I question. That once love it or hate it front end seems to have grown on people over time. Maybe '70 R/T are relatively rarer so they bring the same or more money??

 

[themechanic]

Good news to me.

 

[TN6T8]

The second choice to my 68 Charger is the 68 - 70 Coronet. The price range is manageable for a second B-body in the garage.

 

[autoxcuda]

I wondering is the gap narrowing because 68-70 Charger prices took off and now they have reached a tipping point.

Like the Charger's couldn't sustain that growth forever.

 

[WileE]

I wonder why there is such a wide price difference. They are both fantastic looking and performing cars from the muscle car era. I wonder if it is mostly due to the movie publicity thing?

Because the Chargers have been an iconic styling since the 68 re-style. The 68-70 Coronet/Road Runner is a great style car. The same era Charger is in a class of its own.

 

[autoxcuda]

Because the Chargers have been an iconic styling since the 68 re-style. The 68-70 Coronet/Road Runner is a great style car. The same era Charger is in a class of its own.

Supply demand. 68-70 brings in lots of people that would/will be the only Mopar they own.

Bullit, Dukes of Hazzard, the massive Fast and Furious movie chain.... The FF movies have brought the younger crowd to them.

 

[dfrazz]

I wondering is the gap narrowing because 68-70 Charger prices took off and now they have reached a tipping point.

Like the Charger's couldn't sustain that growth forever.

The trajectory of the Charger value yes, but also fewer people can afford that increased value. So the lesser value Coronets are affordable and draw more buyers, thus increasing their value with the higher demand.

 

[Davefinan]

Because the Chargers have been an iconic styling since the 68 re-style. The 68-70 Coronet/Road Runner is a great style car. The same era Charger is in a class of its own.

You’re certainly entitled to that opinion. My opinion is they are both beautiful. In fact I lean towards the coronet styling. I must not be the only one as they sold many of them back in the day. I think autoxcuda is onto something,per his post above. Entertainment media, exposure, publicity , name recognition goes a long way in creating popularity.

 

[WileE]

You’re certainly entitled to that opinion. My opinion is they are both beautiful. In fact I lean towards the coronet styling. I must not be the only one as they sold many of them back in the day. I think autoxcuda is onto something,per his post above. Entertainment media, exposure, publicity , name recognition goes a long way in creating popularity.

Of course. However, I do remember when the restyled Chargers were introduced for the 1968 model year, they were a jaw-dropping hit from the start. In fact, among the best automotive designs of all-time.

 

[Budnicks]

Of course. However, I do remember when the restyled Chargers were introduced for the 1968 model year, they were a jaw-dropping hit from the start. In fact, among the best automotive designs of all-time.

Amen Brother, especially the 1968,
best grill & taillights, makers lights hands down, best looking
& I've owned 12) 68-70 Chargers, all R/Ts most were 68s a couple 69's & Even R/T SE
& only 1) 70, a crapload of Power Wagons, Ramchargers & 2) Demons
& I've owned & on my 13th 68-70 RRs (8 have been 68's)
a few TrailDusters, a 68 Formula S 383 4bbl 4speed, I inherited from an uncle
a 68 Sport Satellite 383 4bb 4 speed my parents bought/ordered new,
traded for from my stepdad & a couple Dusters
among many others
I still own a 1968 RR RM23 LL1 since Dec. 2005 (I prefer 1968 year across the board)
as much as I love my Plymouths

my 1st love was a Dodge, a 1968 Charger R/T GG1 & black, stripe delete
440/tf727, 3.55:1 gear, bucket seat console car...
I loved that car, regret selling it to this day...
1st bought for $350, on July 11th 1974, the day before I turned 15 y/o
& next day got my learners permit, summer of my freshman going into sophomore year HS...
It was a huge part of my youth...

It had in the high 60k miles on it, got it from a divorced neighbor lady, in Antioch...
I knew the car well, the trans was slipping a bit, it was over heating & easy fix,
band adjustment & flush...
(& a 2nd degree burn on my arm from the radiator, taking the cap off, doh !!!)
I had it for 19 years, like 5 different renditions, & engines, from, the stock 440,
to a temp 318 (put a beating on many a BBs) - 513 cid 2x4bbl stroker
from single 4bbl to Blown 2x4bbl from 3.55:1 to 5.13:1 gears, always on Crager's,
from Day 2, 'it was the 70s-80s' mostly...

I sold it to my cousin Joe, he was bugging me, it was sitting so I relented
& he totaled it in 2 weeks never to be seen again...

 

[Davefinan]

Of course. However, I do remember when the restyled Chargers were introduced for the 1968 model year, they were a jaw-dropping hit from the start. In fact, among the best automotive designs of all-time.

My friend across the street from me, his mother bought a 68 charger when it came out. My friend called his mother lead foot.

 

[XS22J8R]

I've never been able to figure out why some models are more valuable than similar other models. For example, as a '71 Challenger owner, I've questioned why they only have a small or even no increased value over a '70, despite much lower production, when at the same time, a '71 'cuda has a big difference in value over a '70 cuda.
And cudas typically are worth more than Challengers.
Perhaps 71 cudas are more on enthusiasts radar screens due to one starring in Nash Bridges? Chargers played memorable roles in several popular movies and TV shows like Bullitt, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, and Dukes of Hazzard which no doubt playing a part in why many people decided they really wanted to have one.
Seems like you don't have to go back too many years to find a time when 68-70 Chargers were pretty affordable, its only been in the last 10-15 years their values really took off.
When Dodge came out with the new Challenger I thought that would increase the value of vintage ones by putting them more in car enthusiast minds. The new Challenger was a huge hit, but I don't think they ended up affecting the value of vintage Challengers much if at all.
Trying to make sense of car values and why all the time some models or types just seem to take off over a short period would require a crystal ball. What set off the trend for vintage 60s and 70s SUVs to go through the roof recently?
I do know there are way too many flippers out there who have money to invest in cars they see being popular and that factor drives up prices in a short timeframe when it happens.

 

[OneWheelPeel]

Well I guess I got mine at a good time. I wanted a Charger BAD but for the most part, unless I had a stroke of luck, it was gonna be just way too much for a project/toy. At least more than I would feel good about, then I discovered the Coronet and I think it scratched 99% of that itch for me.

 

[Hey-O]

They should be worth more. They cost more to start with, even when first bought as rolling junk. Supply and demand. Wait for the new movie the Duke of Dodge, they're using a 65 Coronet................

 

[chargervert]

My friend across the street from me, his mother bought a 68 charger when it came out. My friend called his mother lead foot.

My mom had a 70 Charger R/T SE brand new when I was a kid. The second generation Charger market has reached the point where most enthusiasts are priced out, so Coronet R/T and Super Bee cars are gaining value because of current Charger prices.

 

[Triplegreen500]

Mom bought her 70 charger new. I loved it from the start. Somewhere there's a pic of me - all of 3 years old - standing on the dutchmen panel, holding on to a roof buttress, making vroom-vroom noises. I'll have to ask her to see it at Thanksgiving when I visit this year....

My cousin totaled that car in '76 or '77. I think '76. Dick. We still don't talk to him. Somewhere I have a door medallion, and a roof script, that my aunt pulled off it for me, in the junkyard.

I started watching Dukes without even knowing about mom's car. One night she came in - "you know I had one of those, right?" With the photo of me on her trunk in my uncles driveway.

Fuckin WOW. I was all of 9 at that time, but MOM OWNED A FAMOUS CAR!!!

But judging by the photo...it wasn't the show that did it. Those curves....those hips...and talking with her even now (at 88), she remembers it was THE car - the FIRST car - that made her defy her father (a very powerful and influential surgeon in south Florida), and buy her OWN car for the first time in her life. At 33 years old.

We won't go into the fact that Dad was as much attracted to the car, as he was to mom...(They met just prior to the car and married not long after - he, with his Impala SS 409, decided "she's the one"..and she was a sucker for him in his USN dress whites)

TV shows didn't hurt...but the shows picked the 2G Charger because of what it was, and how it looked. It was, and still is, an absolute icon of design. E-type Jag...Ferrari 308...289 Cobra...63 split window...and the 68-70 Charger. Icons.

If I had to nitpick... I'd take a 68 nose and side markers, with the 70 headlight doors, taillights and interior, for a "perfect" Charger.

 

[chargervert]

The 68 Charger grille is absolute perfection, I thought that they disturbed perfection by changing it for the 69 Chargers. My first Charger was a 69,but I preferred my parents 70 over the 69. I thought that the 70 grille was a throwback to the clean original design of the 68 Charger grille. The 70 is my personal favorite Charger, not just because of the grille, but the seats, options and colors that were available. I grew up with the 70 Charger. The 69 grille has grown on me. I have two of them. I always say it like this, the 68 Charger was clean and mean,they tried to refine the 69 and the 70 is heavenly.

 

[WileE]

I've never been able to figure out why some models are more valuable than similar other models. For example, as a '71 Challenger owner, I've questioned why they only have a small or even no increased value over a '70, despite much lower production, when at the same time, a '71 'cuda has a big difference in value over a '70 cuda.
And cudas typically are worth more than Challengers.
Perhaps 71 cudas are more on enthusiasts radar screens due to one starring in Nash Bridges? Chargers played memorable roles in several popular movies and TV shows like Bullitt, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, and Dukes of Hazzard which no doubt playing a part in why many people decided they really wanted to have one.

Sometimes the uniqueness plays a critical part in perception and thus, value. And I think it's the other way around, why vehicles are utilized in TV/movies. The 71 Cuda had it's "prestige" long before Nash Bridges. Several reasons, including the last year for the 6-bbl/Hemi, the one-year only style, etc. And bluntly, if you had to pick a car in the early 70's, it was a Cuda before a Challenger. And on the other hand, uniqueness can work the opposite: the 70 Coronet/Super Bee which was lambasted on its introduction solely on its front style.