No Reserve. They are two words that are guaranteed to draw the attention of enthusiasts seeking a classic to park in their garage. They signify that once the auction process ends, the highest bidder is guaranteed to become that car’s new owner. It is the opportunity offered by this 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. It has belonged to the same family since Day One and is being sold to settle the estate of the family patriarch following his passing. It was the subject of a nut-and-bolt restoration, retaining its numbers-matching drivetrain as a part of a faithful approach. The seller has listed the Charger here on eBay in Hilmar, California. Bidding has scorched to $70,100, and with No Reserve in play, it is set to find its way to another enthusiast who can appreciate one of the world’s great muscle cars.
The seller’s late father treated this Charger to a nut-and-bolt restoration, with work ending under two years ago. He elected to follow the faithful path, ensuring that the panels were as straight as an arrow before applying a dazzling coat of this car’s original Hemi Orange. It is an iconic shade that owes nothing to subtlety and has aged surprisingly well when other colors from this era can look tired and dated. The seller states that the vehicle is rust-free, which is unsurprising considering its recent history. The trim is spotless, including the grille with its concealed headlamp doors. The glass is clear, and the R/T rolls on aftermarket wheels. I’m not sold on these and would probably swap them if I became the new owner. That is a personal preference, and if you view them as appropriate, I respect that.
Lifting the hood confirms the seller’s claim that they possess limited knowledge about Chargers. They claim that this car houses a 426ci Hemi V8, but I beg to differ. Dodge offered the 440ci “Magnum” V8 as the entry-level R/T powerplant, which is what we find occupying this engine bay. The term “entry-level” might suggest that this motor is significantly inferior to the Hemi, but with Dodge quoting power and torque figures of 375hp and 480 ft/lbs, this is no automotive wimp. It was regarded as a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive Hemi. The first owner teamed the 440 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, providing excellent performance and an effortless driving experience. The first piece of positive news for potential buyers is that the seller identifies the car as numbers-matching. I tend to take the claim with a grain of salt since they failed to correctly identify the engine type. They mention an aluminum radiator as the only modification, although I can also spot an Edelbrock intake. Therefore, there may be other changes below the skin that haven’t been identified. However, that hasn’t deterred potential buyers who are willing to hand over their cash for a car that runs and drives perfectly.
The seller supplies limited interior shots, with this one of the back seat being the best of the bunch. It reveals spotless Tan vinyl trim, with the condition unsurprising following the recent restoration. The front seats look equally impressive, and a close-up of the pad suggests it is crack-free. The interior features a console, and I believe that it might also house an aftermarket wheel and stereo.
This 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is a stunning classic, making it easy to understand why it has attracted thirty-one bids. The view and Watch List tallies suggest that there will be plenty of action between now and when the hammer falls. This R/T is ideal for someone who is unable to tackle a project build and who wants to slip behind the wheel of an iconic muscle car for immediate motoring fun. If you fit into that category, is this Charger a vehicle that you would consider pursuing further? You might have to fight for it, but the result should justify the effort.
I used to carpool in the early ’80s. My coworker had one just like this as a daily driver. What a cool car. I had a Chevy S10 – LOL!
Painful to hear of someone spending big bucks just to pass away soon after. I hope he got to enjoy it a little. Gonna happen to us all, enjoy the days you have, make every one count as if it is your last. We owe that to those who have gone before us like this gentleman. Rest in peace my friend. I hope they have good roads in Heaven.
While that is a shame in itself, I see here a insult to the original owner, by his own Children/ GrandChildren, they didn’t even care about what was once their Father/Grandfathers, Pride and joy, just disrespectful to worry about $$ after his death, rather than understanding just what is on their DNA ( As well as this Classic Cars, with a Pedigree, most people would be dieing to own.)
Counter argument:
Not everyone is a car lover.
Not everyone has storage for something like this.
Sounds like there are several siblings involved who are sharing in the inheritance. Estate sell offs are quite common.
Every situation is different, it is pointless to even guess the motivations here.
I’m not liking this ad. It just feels off. They don’t know enough to write a decent description with what little information that’s there is largely incorrect, yet they know about shipping. I’d be wary.
Steve R
Good to know some with your experience feels that way as well, Steve R. As some of my friends in people business would say, JDLR-Just Doesn’t Look Right or as you aptly put it doesn’t feel right. Scammers are getting more sophisticated anymore but they always make a critical error at some point.
People’s instincts are generally more on point than they realize-the subconscious telling us something is wrong..
Nevadahalfrack, thank you. I assume you’ve had a long history of dealing with the public too. Over time you pick up on red flags that someone might not be honest or straight forward. It’s not hard since it typically follows a pattern. Often asking a few simple questions will often clarify what they are saying or verify they aren’t being truthful. One thing for sure is don’t dismiss your gut instinct out of hand, animals don’t, but humans have taught themselves to do so.
Steve R
Yep, the rims are WAY off!
From the underneath photo it does not have a 3 speed TorqueFlight automatic.
It is a standard.
The word ORIGINAL is thrown around today with reckless abandon. If you carefully read the description this car os not original. Nice car, but it’s be refurbished.
If this is a ligit add shame on the kids or grand kids. I know if l bit the dust my kids would be smiling ear to ear that they were getting my car to park in their garage
Sell the car the moment you’re diagnosed. Pre-pay your funeral and leave a will.
The best legacy for your kids is a hassle-free estate.
Yes, I have several friends that spent a year or more clearing up their parents estate. Dedicating a couple of weekends a month and substantial amount of their vacation, time they could have spent with their families or pursuing their own interests. Lots of people like to call sellers of cars passed down as selfish, what’s selfish is making that sort of claim without any knowledge or background about their particular circumstances.
Steve R
Sharing your love of cars and perhaps a particular car in general will hinder the sale after your demise. If your family sees how much you love a car and spend time with them around it, then parting with the car would be painful and it becomes a family heirloom. If that is what you want, fine, but I personally don’t really care all that much. If someone outside the family could enjoy it more, I see that as good. All I ask is that the cash from the sale(s) is put to good use for my family. Maybe college funds, or a great family vacation that will deep seat memories. Hopefully my family is not so destitute that the money is sorely needed, but if that is the case, that is okay as well. Of course, if that is the case, why did I squander large amounts on a car when my own family was suffering? There are many different possibilities in a story like this, so why are we getting so judgmental without knowing the facts? All I can say for sure, is plainly explain your wishes before the reaper comes knocking on your door, and have a clear legally binding will.
The seller forgot to put the term NON in front of the word ORIGINAL.
Nice car but the add states it has a automatic trans mission and the undercarriage pictures show what looks like a manual.
Looks like they cranked the torsion bars to lower the ride height and neglected to realign the car. Hope I’m wrong.
The listing also states it has a Hemi……. that engine photo ain’t no Hemi.
I should have read your write up more thoroughly. You mentioned that.
Me bad.