One thing I sometimes do when writing Barn Finds articles is to venture out on a limb. I don’t do so to be controversial, but to spark debate about one aspect of the classic in question. The results often vary, and there are moments when I find life at the end of that limb pretty lonely. That brings us to this 1969 Dodge Charger White Hat Special. The seller makes claims about its rarity, which is supported by documentation. However, since the car has undergone many changes throughout its life, I wonder whether those claims are valid in the Charger’s current form. Whatever your thoughts, you will find the Charger listed here on eBay in Knoxville, Tennessee. The seller set their auction to open at $75,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
If you were contemplating a muscle car buy in 1969, you were spoiled for choice. You could walk into almost any dealership and drive away in a vehicle with enough power and torque to make adults weep with joy. Dodge was no exception, with the Second Generation Charger available with motors that confirmed its muscle car credentials. The biggest challenge facing manufacturers was the traditional mid-year sales slump, which is where special package deals offered excellent value for money. Dodge followed that practice with the 1969 White Hat Special, which was available on the Coronet, Dart, Monaco, Polara, and, of course, the Charger. The Broadcast Sheet and reproduction Window Sticker confirm that our featured car is the real deal, but much has changed since it rolled off the lot. It retains its correct Code B5 Bright Blue paint, and presents superbly. The paint holds a mirror shine, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the seller states that the underside is as impressive as the exterior. However, the Window Sticker and Fender Tag confirm that the White vinyl is incorrect; the first owner ordered the car with a Black top. The hood tach doesn’t rate a mention on the documentation, and the wider wheels are a later addition. One saving grace is that the seller includes the correct wheels, caps, and tires. Therefore, that is one change that is easily reversed.
Powering this Charger is the 383ci “Magnum” V8, which the first owner teamed with a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.90 rear end. The Magnum was an impressive motor, delivering 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. Unsurprisingly, the performance definitely slotted this Charger into muscle car territory. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this car is numbers-matching, but we’ve reached the point where we must assess their rarity claims. The seller supplies images of documentation from the Chrysler Registry, confirming that this car is #61 of 69 known Chargers built to these specifications. If the car is mechanically original and returned to its factory form, I would consider the claim of rarity valid. Otherwise, I question how much they will impact the car’s potential value. Whatever the truth, the seller states that the Charger runs and drives exceptionally well, and is a turnkey proposition.
Trimmed in Black vinyl, with bucket seats, a pistol-grip shifter, and an AM/FM radio, this Charger’s interior is as nice as the exterior. There are no genuine problems or shortcomings, although the seller acknowledges that it needs a clean. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, there is no carpet wear, and the dash and pad are spotless. The seller includes the original shifter in the deal, while the Charger retains the remote driver’s mirror and timber wheel from the White Hat Special package.
The opening figure makes it unsurprising that the seller has received no bids on this 1969 Dodge Charger White Hat Special. The reality is that $75,000 is a high starting point for any motor vehicle auction, meaning that the pool of potential buyers could be quite restricted. However, the listing statistics suggest the Charger has generated plenty of interest. That brings me back to the rarity claims, and whether the obvious changes may have compromised them. Do you think that they remain valid, or would returning the car to its factory form be required for that to be the case? It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject.
“The Dodge Rebellion wants YOU!” My old man hated those commercials, or any “rebellion”, for that matter. Her name was Pamela Austin in ’66 and ’67, that was replaced by Joan Parker in ’68 because top brass felt Austin attracted more attention than the cars. Parker led the White Hat schpiel through ’69, lost it’s zing after that. While Austin didn’t do much for sales( old man gloating), during Parkers years, sales were better, but not all because of her. Amazing, must be one of the few ’69 Chargers that “Dukes” producers must have missed.