Dodge
Coronet A990 426 Race Hemi Lightweight (1965)

Why it matters

The A990 Coronet was Dodge's factory-built drag racer for the 1965 Super Stock classes. After NASCAR rejected the Hemi in 1964, Chrysler built these stock-looking cars with the 426 Race Hemi to win NHRA racing. Only 101 Coronets were made, alongside 102 Plymouth Belvederes.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

NASCAR decided in 1964 that Chrysler's Hemi was not acceptable on its tracks, so Chrysler turned to a factory car for NHRA Super Stock drag racing. The result was the A990 programme of 1965, based on the plainest two-door post coupe because the heavier hardtop bodies could not take the twist of the Hemi's torque.

Weight was removed with acid-dipped hood, doors, front bumper and fenders, thin Corning side glass, and deletion of heater, radio, carpets, trim and rear seat. Most cars used the TorqueFlite automatic, others the Hurst-shifted A833 four-speed. Many were never titled for road use.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Cited features of a genuine car include a VIN plate with the W051 model code, a serial number beginning 'WO' used only on the Super Stock cars, a numbers-matching lightweight core support and package shelf, the fender tag and record card, Corning lightweight side glass, and a scooped hood with thin acid-dipped panels. On one unaltered car, unused battery mounting holes under the hood and absent splash guards and sill plates are noted.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   1965 Dodge Coronet A990 Lightweight Level B Sports Car Market · 2023-09-01

   • Number Produced: 101
   • hand-built at Chrysler Marine in Marysville, MI
   • 426 Race Hemi hand-built at Chrysler Marine in Marysville
   • 426 Race Hemi
   • Standard was an axle with 4.56:1 gears
   • most basic 2-door post coupe sedan made

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Sports Car Market – 1965 Dodge Coronet A990 Lightweight profile (2023) Level B

   • 101 1965 Dodge Coronet A990 Hemi lightweights

   Accessed 2026-11-12
3. 3
   1965 Dodge HEMI Coronet A990 Level B Editorial Team · Supercars.net

   • magnesium cross-ram intake manifold
   • A833 Hurst-shifted four speed or race-ready TorqueFlite
   • hood, doors, front bumper and fenders thinned by over 60%
   • special thin glass supplied by Corning in side windows

   Accessed 2026-11-12