Whenever possible, I’m typically a stickler for originality, and one who usually appreciates keeping a classic numbers-matching during a restoration. However, this 1969 Dodge Charger here on eBay has me thinking differently, as it seems ripe not necessarily for a Restomod, but at least to drop in something more exciting under the hood. This one’s a project that’s been off the road for decades, so whatever the future owner has in mind, it’s going to take some work to get there. This cool Mopar is resting in Swanton, Ohio, with a current bid of $8,450. Some good news is that this is a no-reserve auction, so the most optimistic participant has bought themselves a second-generation Charger.
This one’s still got the fender tag present, which backs up the seller’s claim that this Charger was born with a 318. It’s said to still be the original engine residing in the bay, but unfortunately, the motor is now locked up and not turning. This might be a situation where the temptation to dispose of the small block and install something larger may be a better option than keeping this car as close to original as possible, even though things all over the engine compartment appear orderly. The transmission is an automatic, but no word on whether or not it’s the factory component.
Forty-six years have elapsed since this Charger was operational, but it’s been sitting inside a garage that entire time, which has been kinder to the body than many late-sixties B-Body projects that show up in the marketplace. Granted, there’s some rust and a few panel repairs will be needed, but the area around the back window looks pretty good, which is unusual considering the vinyl top. A few exterior dents will also need to be straightened out, but overall, this doesn’t seem to be at all that bad of a starting point from the outside.
A thorough interior refresh will be in store for the future owner, and the seller points out that the front seats are from a ’70 Charger. The floor will also need to be replaced, and the aftermarket steering wheel and shackle extensions on the leaf springs should all disappear during the restoration process. I’m old enough to remember when Cragar S/S wheels were a welcome addition to most cars, and while I like how they look on this body style, I could also understand wanting to go back to Dodge rims. All things considered, is this 1969 Dodge Charger decent project material?
Gawd almighty, this one’s pretty crispy!
Yes it is. There is no car this rusty, regardless of make or model I’d ever consider. There are far too many options available at reasonable prices for those willing to look beyond a specific year, make or model.
At least this is a no reserve auction with a low opening bid, that should shut down most of the comments about greedy sellers.
Steve R
Holy Toledo (pun intended) that’s got “some” rust. I’ve got a friend on the other side of OH with a few 440 long blocks but no chassis. I think he’s ahead already.
With the crazy prices these seem to get, its surprising to me that they someone doesn’t make a reproduction body like they do for old trucks, mustangs, camaros, tri fives, etc. Maybe the market is too small, but the premium prices make me think there is some pent up demand for the car with the star.
You can get a complete body for them, you just have to buy it in pieces. Pretty everything that is prone to rust is available and looks like they all would be used on this one.
Let the Rust Rodents finish their meal in peace.
It has the Fred Flintstone floor. …..😂
When I saw the interior 🤦♂️. And the seller noted .. but in a motor and drive it the way it is! I fell off my chair! Really.. how far would you get before falling down on the road and have the Charger run over you! Sorry this is a pure rust bucket. Only if the body was not beat up. You might have a chance fixing it up. New /used complete chassis it would work. This is a hard pass. 🐻🇺🇸
euh GM air cleaner on a 318
Given how insanely priced these things usually are, this seems like a bargain, but it isn’t. It’s just that someone priced this at only about twice what it’s worth and not 10 times what it’s worth.
One of my friend’s mothers bought a brand new 1968 Dodge charger silver with a black vinyl top and a red interior in 1968 and had it options with the 318 engine in it. She kept that all the way through until she passed a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, the Wisconsin Winters got the better of the car And eventually one of the leaf springs and the trunk became one. In the summer months she would usually park it out in the driveway and she would always have people stopping and asking If she wanted to sell it she always said no even after the 318 crapped out in it. One year for Christmas I bought her a 1/18 scale of a ’69 charger which was for all intents and purposes pretty close and designed to the 68. Other than the grill change and the tail light change. She absolutely loved it and kept it up in a prominent place on her shelf. At least that one didn’t rust out and fall apart.
Any chance the seller knows the dealer that sold it new? Friends dad had a mopar dealer in Stanton?
Bought a beautiful R4 red, blk vinyl roof, 69′ Charger R/T back in 1990 for $13k. Sold it 5 years later for less than I paid for it. I see what these cars are getting now and it makes me sick to my stomach thinking what I sold mine for.
Charger? Overpriced. Seriously Rusted. Needs an Engine too?
The 318 could easily be replaced by a 5.9L Magnum with ported Engine Quest CH 318-B heads with any LA Series intake, an Electronic Ignition and 4-barrel Carb and Headers and built small Torqueflite and run with the Big Blocks.
The late 1960s to 1973 B bodies are beautiful and their designs tug at our heart. But the cost? $10k+ for the drivetrain, $5K for the suspension and rear axle, the cost of the car, Rust Repairs and interior and this one “must be a labor of love,” because the budget numbers on this one say NO! All of the “affordable” ones have been picked.
This thing needs a total structure rebuild.
It might fold on you.
Just another rusty mopar. Move on nothing to see here!!
Sold on 5/22/2025 with a high bid if $20,250.
Steve R
Just to follow up on my previous comment. After seeing what this thing just sold for I’m now officially on suicide watch.