[Ridener]

So I bought my car about 14 years ago, it's a '66 Charger (XP29F61239226), 361/auto with nothing special on the fender tag... it was originally a beige car w/ a tan interior, and Charger Group 354 (driver side remote mirror, day/night rear view mirror, power steering, and trunk/parking brake light), other than that, nothing special.... but it's always had a 500 flag emblem on the sail panel on both sides, it looks like it's supposed to be there, but my search-fu has always turned up nada..... any idea's??

 

[dana44]

I have to say, it is a first for me, too. I wonder if looking into the Daytona 500 specifics indicates anything with the Charger, being the first year of the non-A body Chargers, that is, has anything to do with the race, or whether it was a simple dealer add-on. It is interesting to say the least.

 

[valiant67]

I agree, it was likely either a dealer or previous owner add on.

 

[TWX]

Heh. There were Charger 500 packages in either '68 or '69, it's possible that someone liked the idea and just bought the badge as mentioned.

 

[dana44]

The Charger 500 was a limited volume model factory deal to run in NASCAR. It was not an emblem only option.

 

[Ridener]

Yeah I was thinking someone just slapped it on there too, but even then I'd like to know what the emblem came off of

 

[68RT]

The Charger 500 had the number 500 as it's emblem and the rear window was flushed like the Datona was for better aeridynamics. This has to be anaftermarket item.

 

[dana44]

I was thinking something about the Daytona 500 race, not the Charger 500. There may be some racing thing associated with the emblem, but most likely dealer add-on.

 

[Ridener]

I'm well aware of what a Charger 500 is and what it meant, even so, this flag emblem isn't on a real Charger 500 either

 

[covertopps]

Looks almost like a Corvette flag, but they were always crossed flags. The style is similar.

 

[Sean]

Maybe the car was some kind of track courtesy or dealer promotional vehicle for a race? Any idea where it was originally sold?

 

[Ridener]

I've got the original certicard, but it's almost unreadable, I'll see what I can make out on it

I haven't ever found a broadcast sheet in this car, but according to some sources a popular place for these cars is in the back shell of the front drivers seat, and I haven't looked there

 

[dana44]

Did you pull the bottom of the back seat and look between the springs and foam? That was a very common place for many years.

 

[Ridener]

yep, not there

 

[PAMoparMan]

Not to take away from the original topic but your statement that this is a 361 car piqued my interest. Is the 361 original? I was always under the impression that the 361 ended production for passenger cars in 1964.

Edit: I did some quick research and see that the 361 did live on as an option through 1966. IMO, that is a very cool feature since the 361 was being phased out in deference to the 383. I would think you have a pretty rare combination.

 

[dana44]

The 361 is an awesome engine, revs even better than a 383 and takes performance changes well, and the only problem for parts is the pistons themselves, but it shares the bore with the 400 Chevy, just a matter of getting the pin height correct to make them workbut still a very strong engine.

 

[covertopps]

The 350, 361, 383, 400 are all basically the same block. I think the earlier ones might have been the thick wall castings, but I might be wrong on that. I love the 383 and always have. They are all good strong motors, and a 400 stroker is a wild ride. Cool stuff. Didn't they turn a 361 into a Silver Commando?