For 1967, the Dodge intermediate models were mostly a carry-over from a 1966 restyle. Now riding with a new Charger inspired grill and revised rear taillamp treatment, they were similar yet easily distinguishable from the previous model. Topping that model list is the Coronet 500 convertible. Riding on a 117-inch wheelbase and weighing 3,500-pounds it gave the impression of a much larger car. Stylish, comfortable and with a long list of available options, it was a combination of flash and substance. For Randy Zaborniak of Winnipeg, his 1967 Dodge Coronet 500 convertible is like an old friend. Originally looking for a Challenger convertible, Zaborniak spotted the Coronet in 1978 while driving home from the beach. Zaborniak says, "As I passed through Lockport there it was just before the bridge, it had a few dents and some rust but it was a good running car." One of 2,252 Coronet 500 convertibles built in 1967 Zaborniak would find he was only the car's third owner. Over the next 20 years the car would be used as a summer driver and follow them to across the country to new homes in Whitehorse, Ottawa and finally back to Winnipeg. With the body showing a good deal of corrosion, Zaborniak purchased a Mig welder and taught himself how to weld. Next he purchased a parts car and rear quarter panel repair panels from a fellow Manitoba Mopar Club member. "I just kept working on the body cutting out the rusted areas and welding in new metal," says Zaborniak. After the body was finished he rebuilt the front suspension and added a heavy-duty sway bar and front disc brakes. To stiffen the car up, Zaborniak tied the front and rear sub-frames together with some 2-inch square tubing. Al Dolynchuk took over for the final paint preparation and application of the original Bright blue paint finish. Turning to the powertrain, the TorqueFlite automatic transmission was rebuilt by club member Bob Forsythe and the engine received a full once over. With a rebuilt short block from Century Motors and a fresh set of cylinder heads from Competition Engine, the 180 horsepower 273 cubic inch V8 was ready for the road again. Zaborniak even purchased a pipe bender and built his own dual exhaust system from 2.25-inch diameter pipe and a pair of Flowmaster Super 44 performance mufflers. For added reliability the ignition system was upgraded from the original breaker points to a Pertronix electronic module and a high-voltage coil was added to deliver a hotter spark to the plugs. Zaborniak installed a new carpet and bright blue vinyl seat upholstery from Legendary Auto Interiors and Year One Inc. supplied a new white convertible top. For the exterior brightwork, Zaborniak estimates the trim has come from as many as a dozen different cars and that he has spent over 100 hours straightening and polishing the unique Coronet 500 trim. Bumpers are rechromed by North Star / Fairmont Plating Ltd and the convertible rolls on 14-inch road wheels wrapped in raised-white-letter B.F. Goodrich T/A radial tires.

A nicely equipped cruiser with bucket seats, center console, TorqueFlite automatic transmission, power steering, Music-Master AM radio, power top and light package, it's a great representation of how many mid-'60s intermediates were equipped. Last fall, after the restoration was completed, Zaborniak looked up the original owner whose name was on an old invoice for a transmission repair. "He was tickled pink to see the car again and go for a ride in it," says Zaborniak. Glad to see the car restored and on the road, the original owner had saved numerous pieces of paper associated with the car that he turned over to Zaborniak. They included the original brochure, options sheet and original invoice showing the car sold for $3,450 back in 1967. Built as a driver, Zaborniak still wants to upgrade the car in a few areas, but is sure looking forward to another top-down season of cruising. Zaborniak says, "It's really a nice car. I came close to selling it many years ago and I'm glad I didn't, it's really become a part of the family."
Larry D'Argis - Winnipeg Free Press