The 1960s was an exciting era in automotive history, with models emerging that would become iconic. It was a decade that brought us the Mustang, Camaro, Firebird, Barracuda, Marlin, and, in 1996, the Dodge Charger. Our feature car is from the first year of Charger production, with the seller locating it at an estate sale. They have decided to allow a genuine enthusiast to grab a solid classic featuring its original V8 under the hood and return it to its rightful place on our roads. If general desirability isn’t enough to entice bidders, listing it with No Reserve could seal the deal. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Stilwell, Kansas. Bidding has raced to $5,200, and time remains for those who consider this Dodge an automotive must-have.

The Charger caused a sensation upon its unveiling, and its flowing fastback styling is now compared favorably with the Rambler Marlin. Opinion is always subjective when the topic turns to appearance, but I have always felt the First Generation Charger is the most attractive to carry that iconic badge. The history of this car is slightly unclear, although it may not have seen active service since 1982. There are few traces of gloss on its original Code 7 Maroon paint, with most surfaces featuring a “flat” look. That may not seem to bode well initially, but the news is far better than many would expect. The seller admits there is rust, but it seems this is confined to the rear quarter panels and a spot in the driver’s side front floor. The rest of the vehicle is believed to be solid, and a shot of the trunk pan reveals no visible issues. A pair of replacement quarter panels retails for around $850, and steel to address the front floor issue would cost between $150 and $400, depending on whether the buyer chooses a partial or total front floor approach. They will probably decide to strip the remaining steel to achieve a high-end result. The chrome and trim look good, although the sellers suggest the bumpers require a trip to the platers. There are no problems with the tinted glass, which is original to this car.

The Charger’s interior is complete, retaining desirable items like the full-length console and rear seats. A retrim will be on the agenda to regain its former glory, but the shopping list will comprise more than upholstery, seat foam, carpet, and a headliner. The faux woodgrain is well past its best, the wheel is cracked, and the pad is crumbling. Some plated items require replacement, but the beautiful gauge cluster remains intact. Many consider this the highlight of the Charger’s interior. They look great in the daylight, but Dodge’s decision to forgo regular bulbs in favor of electroluminescence at night provides a futuristic and almost sci-fi look that helps the inside of these cars stand apart from the competition.

Ordering a 1966 Charger brought buyers a range of V8 engine options, with this car’s original owner selecting the 383ci version. They teamed this with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power steering, providing the driver with an effortless way to control 325hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. The Hemi Charger is considered the “daddy” of the bunch, but this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds was considered very respectable in 1966. The listing suggests the Charger may be numbers-matching, although the seller doesn’t make that claim boldly. They believe getting it running and roadworthy might not be difficult. That could be a viable short-term consideration for a buyer seeking to return this classic to active service in its “survivor” guise.

Okay, let’s pose a “what if” scenario. Suppose you were the winning bidder in this auction. What would be your plans for this 1996 Dodge Charger? Would you treat it to the total restoration it would seem to deserve, or would returning it to active service in its current guise prove irresistible? It would undoubtedly turn heads in either form, and one path would be considerably more affordable than the other. However, cost is often not the determining factor in a project build, with fulfilling a dream the desire of many owners. That’s why I believe the winning bidder will probably return this Charger to its former glory. The big question is, could that person be you?