The Symphony of This Authentic ’64 Dodge Hemi 426 Lightweight A864 Engine

The year was 1964, and the American automotive industry was entering a new era of performance. Muscle cars were becoming all the rage, and manufacturers were scrambling to outdo each other with faster and more powerful machines. One car that truly stood out during this time was the 1964 Dodge Hemi 426 Lightweight A864, a true masterpiece of engineering that is now regarded as a significant piece of American automotive history.

The Dodge 330 was the platform for the 1964 Hemi 426 Lightweight, but it was the magnificent 426 Race HEMI powerplant that truly set this car apart. The A864 package was a rare and highly sought-after option, with only 55 cars being equipped with it in 1964. This particular example is a real deal car, purchased from Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge and boasting an originality that makes it truly special.

One of the most significant features of the A864 package was the weight reduction measures taken to make the car faster and more agile. The car was stripped of all unnecessary weight, with aluminum fenders, hood, and bumpers being used to save weight. Other weight-saving measures included removing the radio, heater, and sound-deadening materials. This resulted in a car that was significantly lighter than its counterparts and offered incredible performance.

Under the hood, the Hemi 426 engine was a true masterpiece of engineering. With a displacement of 426 cubic inches, the engine was capable of producing a whopping 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This was an incredible amount of power for the time and allowed the car to achieve quarter-mile times of around 12 seconds. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which allowed drivers to really feel the power and agility of the car.

One of the most significant features of the A864 package was the 8 3/4-inch Sure Grip rear end with 4.56 gears. This provided incredible traction and allowed the car to launch off the line with incredible speed and acceleration. The car also featured heavy-duty suspension and brakes, which helped to ensure that the car could handle all of the power and speed that the Hemi engine could deliver.

Despite its incredible performance, the 1964 Dodge Hemi 426 Lightweight A864 is a rare and unique car that is often overlooked in the world of classic muscle cars. Watch the video to hear the stunning 1964 Dodge 426 Race HEMI V8 sound: