While it isn’t unusual to find Second Generation Dodge Charger project cars with rust problems, this 1969 model doesn’t have them in the usual places. It is a surprisingly solid and complete car that needs some TLC. It may not be as desirable as an R/T, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of a restoration. With some attention to detail, the next owner could be slipping behind the wheel of a classic that will draw favorable comments wherever it goes. Located in Simi Valley, California, the owner has listed the Charger for sale here on eBay. He has set the BIN at $45,000, although there is the option to make an offer.

This Charger must have been an attractive car in its prime. The combination of Dark Green Metallic paint and a Black vinyl top is classy and guaranteed favorable comments from both fellow enthusiasts and the general public. The car’s history is unclear, but it is a project car that comes with an equal share of good and bad news. Before tackling the exterior, let’s consider one aspect of this classic that, under most circumstances, could have consumed vast sums of money. Rust can be the mortal enemy of floors and frame rails, and it isn’t unusual to see Chargers from this era sagging as the rear frame rails biodegrade. However, a previous owner of this vehicle had the good sense to undercoat it. The underside shots reveal a consistent coating of surface corrosion, but the only genuine penetrating rust is in the trunk pan. Moisture has found its way inside this Dodge, but it has done little more than promote the growth of some light surface corrosion on the floors. The rust in the lower rear quarter panels doesn’t look severe, and addressing this should not be any more complicated or expensive than any other classic from this era. The moisture that found its way inside the car did so through two points. The first is the rusted area around the back window, which is typical. The second is a more significant issue and will demand time and an eye for detail to address. Vinyl tops are prone to deterioration, allowing moisture to hide beneath and do its worst. That has been the case with this Charge. The roof skin has more holes than a block of Swiss cheese, and the buyer will be investing $900 in a replacement skin if the issue is to be appropriately addressed. Otherwise, the panels have accumulated the usual bumps and scars that appear repairable.

The owner acknowledges that the headliner is missing, but otherwise, this interior is complete. Once again, the buyer will need to sink plenty of time and money into this aspect of the car to return it to its former glory. Hardware like the seat frames look good, but the upholstered surfaces and carpet are toast. The dash pad is badly cracked, and the dash itself needs some love. Someone has swapped the factory radio for a radio/cassette player, and a corroded Sun tach hangs under the dash. The interior isn’t fully loaded, but bucket seats and factory air conditioning are welcome additions.

For performance enthusiasts, the news that this Charger houses a V8 will be welcome. It is the 318ci unit that would have produced 230hp in its prime. The original owner backed the V8 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, while power steering and power brakes round out the package. If it had been pointed at a ¼ mile when new, it would have completed the journey in 16.6 seconds. Mechanically, this Charger is an unknown quantity. The seller doesn’t specifically describe it as numbers-matching, but he emphasizes its originality. We also don’t know whether the car runs (unlikely) or if the V8 turns freely. I lean towards the optimistic approach, but the level of accumulated surface corrosion around the engine bay makes me nervous. The buyer would probably be wise to factor a total mechanical refurbishment into this project build.

The lack of structural rust makes this 1969 Charger a prime candidate for restoration, and the presence of its original drivetrain leaves the door open for someone to return the car to showroom condition. Replacing the roof is likely the most complicated piece of the puzzle. However, I can’t help but feel that the seller is being optimistic about his BIN price. Since it isn’t an R/T, its ultimate value is unlikely to squeeze far beyond $55,000 once complete, although it could claw its way to $60,000. That means that the buyer would need to complete the work themselves to minimize labor costs, or they would need to negotiate on the purchase price. Which approach would you take?