Something is up with Dodge Chargers – the prices are up, that is. We’ve seen a steady flow of Chargers coming onto the Barn Finds assignment list recently, and no matter how wrecked or rusty they are, project cars are selling in the $15,000 to $30,000 price range. Occasionally, if half the car is missing, they’ll go for under $10k, but holy cow these cars are finding homes. Here on eBay is another example, a mostly 1969 Dodge Charger R/T bid to $15,000. This car is located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The seller bought this car in 1982 and meant to restore it, but now forty years later has decided he will never get around to it.
The engine in this car is not original. It is a 383 cu. in. V8 with a reverse manual valve body, a four-barrel carburetor, headers, electronic ignition, an electric fuel pump, and a new oil pump. The engine has two bent pushrods and the seller believes most of the valves are stuck. The engine configuration and damage make me think someone constructed it to go fast – perhaps for racing. (There are more clues once we get to the interior.) While the engine report isn’t great, there’s better news in the VIN: this car came from the factory with a 440 cu. in. V8, good for 375 bhp.
The interior says “race” to me. That’s a big old Sun Tach next to the Grant steering wheel, with a redline marked just shy of 6000 RPMs. A set of auxiliary gauges is installed. The shift pattern does not match a reverse manual valve body pattern; that can definitely get you in trouble. The wiring is a mess but to be fair, the seats are in decent condition as is the center console. The car does have power steering but manual drum brakes.
Continuing with the mix ‘n match theme, the seller says that when he bought the car, it came with a 1968 front end. The wheel arch trim is with the car, and the seller has a Dart rear defogger he thinks will fit. Aside from the crooked hood, bumper, and other issues, this car has rust! Not much that’s been left to sit for decades manages to escape the tin worm. These cosmetic and mechanical worries are not dampening enthusiasm for this car. Any guesses regarding how high it goes before finding a home?
Whoever ends up with this car, if they do it justice it will be something else when done. Gonna take a whole lot of $$$$ though.
No good look at the underside but its probably toast. Rust belt car, even the roof is rotten. They didnt take the rest of the vinyl off. Better look it over good. 15 large? Many suspect scammer bids. assume the worst. its a couple hours from me but I could go look at it for expenses. Charlie, 845-635-3662. Good luck
Cheers
GPC
Well, despite the rust and engine damage, according to the seller, he is including a rear window defogger from a Dart. So, it’s got that going for it…
That defogger is probably one of the most valuable things in this listing. Except for the words R/T of course.
My otherwise basic Barracuda had one one that I pulled out to install rear deck 6x9s. I have seen only a couple of cars listed with that option since then.
Not for $15K for me,I’ll pass. Chargers may be nice cars but $15K is a bit to much for this one.