If you find the prospect of a total restoration project overwhelming, but are partial to a spot of workshop tinkering, this 1969 Dodge Charger could be the classic for you. With freshly completed panels and paint, retrimmed seats, and a rebuilt 440ci V8 under the hood, it appears that the hard work is complete. The buyer faces a list of small tasks, many of which can separate a good build from a great one. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Charger listed here on Craigslist in Granite Falls, Washington. The seller set their price at $47,950 for a project in which the most expensive work is complete.
The First Generation Charger made quite a splash when it hit the market. It offered an impressive array of standard features, delivering a luxurious motoring experience. The issue was that features such as the full-length console, folding rear seats, and the electroluminescent gauge cluster drove the sticker price up, limiting the Charger’s sales potential in the muscle car market. Dodge adopted a more mainstream approach when it released the Second Generation in 1968, aiming to make the Charger more affordable. This strategy paid dividends, with first-year sales exceeding those of its predecessor by more than 500%. Our featured Dodge rolled off the line in 1969, and its history is unclear. The interior shots reveal no evidence of rust in the floors or the trunk pan, and with the lower extremities clean, it is a fair bet that this beauty is rock-solid. The seller confirms that the Copper Metallic paint on its laser-straight panels is fresh, having recently been wet-sanded and polished. It holds a mirror shine, and is complemented by the new Black vinyl top. The trim is in good condition, and the Magnum 500 wheels accentuate the car’s muscular appearance. The biggest question surrounding this Charger’s exterior is the glass, as none appears in the listing images. Therefore, the exterior big-spend could be to source and install replacements for any missing pieces.
Decoding the VIN confirms that this Charger featured a 383ci V8 under the hood when it rolled off the St. Louis production line. The factory quoted power and torque figures of 290hp and 390 ft/lbs, which would have satisfied most buyers. Unfortunately, the seller provides no engine bay images, so we can’t see the rebuilt 440ci V8 now occupying that space. The seller is unsure of its specifications, but given that the 440 produces 375hp and 480 ft/lb of torque when ordered in a Charger R/T, it is reasonable to expect similar figures from this car. The remaining drivetrain components are equally impressive, including the three-speed A-727 TorqueFlite transmission, the 8¾” rear end, and the braking system that has been upgraded to four-wheel discs. Disappointingly, the seller doesn’t indicate whether the Charger runs or drives, so it would be worthwhile to reach out to them with relevant questions before committing funds to this purchase.
The “unfinished” theme continues inside this Charger. The dash is spotless, as is the console. The seats feature stunning Black covers with piping matching the exterior paint shade. However, it appears there is a long list of parts required to complete this aspect of the build. There is no headliner, carpet, door trims, rear passenger compartment trims, or radio. These may be included but don’t rate a mention, or may represent additional costs beyond the car’s purchase price. What is undeniable is that this interior will look stunning once it is complete.
Once complete, this 1969 Dodge Charger should deliver power that complements its good looks. It can’t help but turn heads and draw crowds, whether on the street, at a show, or rocking up to a Cars & Coffee. Some people will question the price, stating that it is too high for an unfinished build. However, with the expensive work now complete, some will consider the figure as justified. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on that question, and to discover whether any Barn Finds readers would consider pursuing this classic further.
If it’s supposed to have a rebuilt engine I would hope it runs and drives at that price!