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Original 383: 1969 Dodge Charger SE

It appears that this 1969 Dodge Charger SE has led quite a life. It doesn’t feature its original paint, but its original V8 rests under the hood. It has been sitting for many years and needs a new owner willing to return it to its former glory. It is a complete classic and holds the promise of being a satisfying restoration project. Located in Brighton, Colorado, you will find this Charger listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $37,000, but he leaves the option available to make an offer.

The first thing to note with this Charger is that the current shade of green that graces its panels is not original. There is evidence in areas like the door frames that the car rolled off the production line resplendent in Code F8 Dark Green Metallic. It isn’t clear when a previous owner performed the color change, but I suspect that it was at this time that somebody stripped away the original vinyl top. You can see the weld joins under the black paint, but there’s no evidence that rust got its claws in under the vinyl. The panels are generally straight, although a few notable dents will require attention. The worst of these is in the driver’s side rear quarter panel, and while it may be repairable, the buyer could choose to replace the panel entirely. What strikes me with this Charger is its lack of visible rust. There is a small section in the lower front fender on the passenger side, but the rest of the car looks pretty clean. The owner doesn’t mention any issues below the surface, which means that it may be possible that this classic is virtually rust-free. The grille is in good condition, but some bright trim pieces may require replacement. The tinted glass shows no evidence of major flaws, and the car rolls on a set of aftermarket alloy wheels.

The original owner ordered this Charger with dark green interior upholstery to complement the exterior. It included leather facings on the front seats, along with air conditioning, a sports wheel, and a rally gauge pack. Time has not been kind to this interior, and it requires nothing less than a complete re-trim. However, apart from the missing radio, it does appear to be complete. The buyer will undoubtedly source a trim kit to return it to its former glory, and this will lighten their wallet to the tune of around $2,000. That’s a lot of money, but it represents a one-off expense in a restoration like this. Treated with respect, the new trim should last many decades without problems.

Frustratingly, the seller supplies no engine photos. We know that lifting the hood would reveal a 383ci V8 backed by an A-727 automatic transmission. It is unclear whether the original owner equipped the car with power steering or power brakes. We do not know which version of the 383 we are dealing with, but a worst-case scenario would reveal one that produces 290hp. That drivetrain combination would allow the Charger to cover the ¼ mile in around 15.8 seconds. If it happens to be the more powerful version of the V8, that figure drops to 14.9 seconds. The owner states that this car hasn’t run for many years, so its mechanical condition is unclear. If the motor turns freely, the buyer may not face a huge challenge coaxing it back to life. This is one of those situations where an in-person inspection would seem essential.

After years in storage, this 1969 Charger SE has emerged into the light of day, begging for somebody to return it to its former glory. Its panel issues appear to be minimal, and there is little evidence of rust. That suggests whipping the body into shape may not be a complex undertaking. Its drivetrain combination promises satisfying performance, and I won’t be surprised if the seller finds a buyer pretty quickly. It will be interesting to see if that person is one of our knowledgeable Barn Finds readers.

Comments

  1. Avatar gaspumpchas

    Better approach with caution and a magnet, and the way he sprayed black over the roof is cause for concern. Cheap paintjob, didnt even blow in the door jambs. Need more pics, 37 large is excessive but somebody with too much coin may bite. Good luck and know what you are buying.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 14
  2. Avatar Llouis200

    Must be related to the seller yesterday that wanted 40’000 for the rat trap 68 Charger for sell . Too much money for this car .Maybe a 440 4 speed .

    Like 8
  3. Avatar Ron

    About a $6,500 car as is…

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Sam Shive

    Another I’m going to retire after selling this MOPAR.

    Like 1
    • Avatar bone

      seems like you always complain about the asking price of tired Mopars, but when there’s an overpriced tired GM or Ford posted , you have nothing to say…………

      Like 1
  5. Avatar George Mattar

    What Ron said. And he is being generous.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Jim Z Member

    $37k? Yeah, right!
    Maybe in Monopoly money…..:-)

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Keith

    “Complete Classic”?? Wonder how the Classic Car Club of America feels about this. I like muscle cars and Mopars in particular but a Classic it ain’t and never will it be recognized as such.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar battlecat

    Seen many of these in much worse condition sell for stupid money so I think this one wont last too long. If it was 8k cheaper it would have already been scooped up.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Gary

    Sadly someone will pay that for the car. I cry everytime time I think of all the 68,69 and 70 Chargers we stripped and junked years ago

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Cordobatim

    The asking price is a bit eye watering but I have seen rust buckets go for crazy $$. This is my favorite year for a Charger but my 75 Cordoba with “rich Corinthian Leather” is my ride at the moment.

    Like 0

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