Few factory racing programmes have left a mark on American drag racing as deep as the 1965 Chrysler Altered Wheelbase campaign. The Coronet AWB was purpose-built at Chrysler's Hamtramck Assembly plant with a repositioned front axle — moved approximately 15 inches forward — and lightweight fiberglass body panels, producing a machine that was never intended for public roads. ACME Models documents this moment in 1:18 die-cast with the "Mr. Tomato" entry.
A Factory Weapon Built for the Strip
The 1965 Dodge Coronet AWB sits on Chrysler's B-Body platform, radically modified to shift mass rearward and maximise traction off the line. The rear axle was repositioned approximately 10 inches forward relative to the standard body, complementing the front axle change. Power came from a 426 cubic inch HEMI V8, producing an estimated 1,000 bhp or more in race trim. These were not homologation specials dressed for the road; they were single-purpose competition machinery, built in strictly limited numbers across Dodge and Plymouth lines.
Banned Before the Season Was Out
The NHRA banned the AWB Mopars mid-season in 1965, having deemed them too far outside standard production parameters. That decision effectively created the conditions for the Funny Car class — the AWB Coronets and their Plymouth counterparts are the direct ancestors of one of drag racing's most enduring disciplines. After the ban, the cars continued in AHRA events and match racing, the "Mr. Tomato" Coronet among them. Its white body with red lettering and accents made it one of the more visually identifiable entries of the 1965 AWB campaign.
ACME Models and the 1:18 Die-Cast
ACME Models produces this model as part of their dedicated drag racing heritage die-cast line. The 1:18 scale is die-cast metal construction, with the white and red "Mr. Tomato" livery rendered across the Coronet's reshaped body. ACME's approach to AWB Mopar subjects is notable for the attention given to the altered wheelbase geometry itself — a detail that separates a knowledgeable rendition from a generic muscle car casting. The 426 HEMI-powered drag racing lineage is a recurring focus across their American performance catalogue.
In the Display Cabinet
The "Mr. Tomato" Coronet AWB pairs naturally with other ACME Models AWB Mopar releases and with 1:18 die-cast from the 1965 NHRA and AHRA season. A display grouping centred on Chrysler's factory drag racing programme — spanning the Coronet and Plymouth B-Body and A-Body AWB cars — traces the full arc of one of the most disruptive seasons in the sport's history. The white and red livery also provides strong visual contrast within a collection that skews toward the darker, more corporate liveries of the same era.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Altered Wheelbase modification on the 1965 Dodge Coronet?
Chrysler repositioned the front axle approximately 15 inches forward and the rear axle approximately 10 inches forward relative to the standard Coronet body. The objective was to transfer more weight over the rear drive wheels under acceleration. Fiberglass body panels were also fitted to reduce overall weight.
Why did the NHRA ban the AWB Mopars in 1965?
The NHRA ruled the Altered Wheelbase cars too far removed from production-based specifications mid-season in 1965. The cars moved to AHRA competition and match racing. Their development trajectory is widely credited as the origin of the Funny Car class.
Who makes this 1:18 model and what material is it?
The model is produced by ACME Models in die-cast metal at 1:18 scale. ACME specialises in American muscle and drag racing subjects.
What does the "Mr. Tomato" name refer to?
"Mr. Tomato" was the nickname given to a specific 1965 Dodge Coronet AWB entry, identifiable by its white body with red lettering and accents. AWB campaign cars of this period were commonly given distinctive names and colour schemes by their drivers or sponsors.
