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1-of-1: 1969 Dodge Charger R/T

I always tend to approach an owner’s claim about any vehicle being 1-of-1 with some trepidation. However, it seems that the owner of this 1969 dodge Charger R/T might hold the evidence to support this. He says that the Charger Register and Galen Govier Register indicate that this vehicle is the only known example that features this paint and trim combination and a 4-speed manual transmission. Regardless of the accuracy of the claim, the Charger has undoubtedly piqued the interest of potential buyers since it was listed for sale here on eBay. Located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, the owner set the auction to open at $1,500. However, it took less than 24-hours for it to rocket to $60,000. This remains short of the reserve, so with more than three days left, you could still throw your hat into the ring on this one.

The Charger is finished in a dazzling shade of Code W1 White, and its overall presentation is pretty impressive. The paint shines nicely, and the Red bumblebee stripe adds a striking contrast. The owner describes the paint as being a 7½/10, which I believe is a fair assessment. Close inspection reveals a few chips and flaws, but if the R/T is considered a driver-grade car, these would be acceptable. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of any external rust. However, that doesn’t mean that the vehicle is rust-free. A previous owner has replaced the trunk pan, and there is evidence of an earlier repair in the driver’s floor. Of more significant concern is the rust that is present below the battery. This has penetrated the steel, and while it isn’t severe, the buyer will want to address this before it deteriorates further. Otherwise, this Dodge appears to be structurally sound. The external trim, including the grille with the concealed headlights, is in excellent order. The same is true with the glass, while the Charger rolls on a new set of Magnum 500 wheels outfitted with Diamondback Redline tires.

While many enthusiasts tend to focus on the Hemi-equipped Chargers, there was nothing wrong with the performance offered by those with a 440ci V8 under the hood. That is what we find occupying this engine bay, and adding to its appeal is the claim that this motor is numbers-matching. The original 4-speed manual transmission has been replaced by a previous owner, while power steering should make light work of the driving experience. If someone were to point this Charger at a ¼-mile, the journey should be over in 14 seconds. The owner has recently installed a Mopar disc brake conversion to improve the Charger’s stopping power. He has also fitted a new TTI exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers and a new engine bay wiring harness. Apart from the rust hiding below the battery tray, the presentation of the engine bay is first-rate. It seems that looks aren’t deceptive because the owner uses the word “amazing” when describing the driving experience. It appears that this R/T is ready to hit the road for a spot of high-performance fun.

When you look around inside this Charger, it’s hard to find anything of which to be critical. The owner has replaced the front seat covers, along with the carpet and headliner. The remaining trim is claimed to be original, and its condition is extremely impressive. There is no evidence of any wear or problems on any of the upholstered surfaces, with the dash, pad, and console all looking particularly clean. It is also unmolested, with the original AM radio occupying its rightful place in the dash.

When you look at its overall condition, it’s easy to see why the bidding on this 1969 Dodge Charger R/T has skyrocketed. Its presentation is pretty impressive, but it remains a car that could be driven and enjoyed as a survivor. It does have that single rust issue, but addressing this shouldn’t present much of a challenge. Whether its rarity claim has any impact on its potential value is pretty hard to gauge, but it certainly won’t harm its cause in the market. If you are a Mopar enthusiast, this is an auction that you might want to watch closely. You never know, but you might find yourself tempted to join the bidding war.

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve Bush Member

    Looks to be a very nice Charger but since it seems likely to go for $70k plus, the rusty battery tray should replaced and all the dash lights and gauges should be working.

    Like 13
  2. Avatar Gary

    Pretty car. Is the car a transplant to Wisconsin? If not, was it ever winter driven? If it was, then most of the panels have probably been replaced and it is not original. I myself could care less, in fact i would prefer new metal, but “originality” seems to equate some form of artificial value.

    Like 9
  3. Avatar TCOPPS Member

    This is local to me if you need an inspection, feel free to reach out.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Steve Brown

    Are those the correct seats? All the chargers from this era I have seen have the high back seats with the integrated headrest and fiberglass backs? Or am I off track here?

    Like 2
    • Avatar Lancing Adams

      No….Those are the correct seats for a ’69. I owned a 1969 Charger R/T SE when I was in college and my seats were just like that….except mine were black leather.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Joe Machado

      First year hi back seats is 1970. 69 had headrests as an option.
      January 1, 1969, federal law mandatory headrests

      Like 9
  5. Avatar alphasud Member

    Not a strong Mopar guy but I have to admit this is one cool car and combo. My favorite look though is a 67-68 which runs counter to most everybody else. It’s okay to be odd.

    Like 4
    • Avatar moosie

      I think you meant ’66 – ’67 because a ’68 is this white ’69s cars body style with a different tail light and front grille treatment . I like the early Chargers too and fell in love with them when the ’66s hit the showrooms.

      Like 5
    • Avatar Kevin

      It’s perfectly cool to prefer the less popular 1st gen charger, they are gaining value lately,that would be 1966-67,1968 went to this style,but with round projector taillights, and no front grille divider.

      Like 1
  6. Avatar Jcs

    Nice.

    Like 4
  7. Avatar LarryS

    Best comment I ever read about the styling of the ’68 Charger was “Dodge has finally taken the Charger out of its packing crate.”

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Dave

    The owner upgraded the car in several areas but installed a reproduction battery that reproduces problems from 52 years ago. Fix the battery tray and install a sealed battery. Only a moron views a battery as irreplaceable.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Valentine

      Reproduction batteries use modern construction methods and materials with a vintage look applied, not that lead-acid battery technology has advanced much in a century much less 52 years. This one won’t go dead if left on concrete, though.
      They’re still just lead plates immersed in acid, same as the starting battery in every single new car with a gas cap sold today.

      Like 2
  9. Avatar 454RAT Member

    Wow!!!! The only 69 Charger RT made-hence the one of one. Something must be wrong with the car since the price is only 60 thousand so far. I would think a car that was the only one made would be at one or two million by now. My Toyota Camry is the only one I have ever seen with the vin number mine has. Since it is a one of one with this vin, is it rare and valuable too? Geez.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Did not meet Reserve at $61,600.

    Like 0

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