1969 Dodge Hemi Coronet R/T Convertible
Production rarity defined the 1969 Hemi-powered Coronet R/T Convertible. Dodge built only 10 convertibles equipped with the 426 cubic-inch Hemi V-8, and just four received the four-speed manual transmission option.
This scarcity emerged from the Hemi’s substantial option price (about $718 on the R/T in 1969, when compared to a 440-powered Coronet R/T coupe priced around $3,199 in period advertising), which limited appeal even among dedicated performance buyers.
The convertible body style paired drop-top motoring with legitimate drag strip capability. Dodge’s R/T package came standard with the 440 Magnum, making the Hemi an expensive upgrade reserved for customers demanding maximum power.
The 426 Hemi was the only optional engine above the 440 in the Coronet R/T lineup, reinforcing its role as the top-tier performance choice.
The 426 Hemi generated a factory-rated 425 horsepower through dual four-barrel carburetors and hemispherical combustion chambers that positioned spark plugs near the center of each cylinder for strong combustion efficiency.
The engine’s iron block construction and advertised 10.25:1 compression ratio represented a detuned version of Chrysler’s NASCAR and NHRA powerplant, modified for street use with hydraulic cam profiles in earlier “street” Hemis and later solid-lifter cams, plus cast-iron heads on production cars.
In Coronet R/T trim this package was engineered to survive extended high-rpm use while remaining street-drivable on premium pump fuel.
Coronet R/T production totaled approximately 7,200 units for 1969, across hardtops and convertibles. Of these, only 107 received Hemi power across all body styles, making the Hemi Coronet R/T (and especially the convertibles) among the rarest regular-production Mopars of the era.
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