Some cars promise a lot and fail to deliver, while others produce the goods when the rubber meets the road. This 1969 Dodge Charger R/T falls into the second category because it looks stunning, and the original 440ci V8 under the hood provides enough power to satisfy most enthusiasts. The seller indicates it recently underwent restoration, and the supplied photos suggest they haven’t clocked many miles since hanging up the tools. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Maiden, North Carolina. They set their BIN at $145,000 with the option to make an offer.
The Second Generation Charger enjoyed a relatively brief production run. The first cars hit showrooms for the 1968 model year, with the last vehicles rolling off the line in 1970. This R/T sits right in the middle, and the photos confirm it is a spotless classic. The seller indicates it underwent a restoration, although the question mark hanging over whether the car rolled off the line wearing Black might lead some to classify it as a refurbishment. The lack of a Build Sheet or Fender Tag means the seller has been unable to confirm the paint and trim combination beyond doubt, which might motivate the buyer to don their Sherlock Holmes hat and play automotive sleuth. The Black paint gracing its laser-straight panels looks flawless, reflecting its surroundings like a mirror. The panel gaps are tight and consistent, and the underside shots show no signs of rust or other problems. The dazzling chrome perfectly contrasts the Black finish, and the grille features concealed headlights. The glass is spotless, while the wide steelies and dog dish hubcaps further enhance the muscular appearance.
The seller’s uncertainty with this Charger extends to its interior. They don’t believe the first owner ordered it trimmed in dazzling Red vinyl, but it provides a striking contrast to the dark exterior. It is another aspect of the R/T that defies criticism. The upholstered surfaces show no signs of wear, and the carpet is spotless. The dash and pad appear perfect, further reinforcing that this Charger hasn’t been worn out since the restoration ended. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although the Rally gauge cluster features a factory tachometer, and it appears the dash houses the correct radio.
This Charger almost singlehandedly defines Mopar muscle, with its engine bay housing the numbers-matching 440ci V8. This was the entry-level powerplant for the ’69 R/T, but with 375hp and 482 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, it represented a respectable starting point. The remaining drivetrain components include a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.54 Sure Grip rear end, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. It is easy to see why the Charger R/T enjoys a muscle car reputation when this beauty should storm the ¼-mile in 14-seconds on its way to 123mph. The Hemi was undoubtedly more potent, but most buyers struggled to justify the additional cost of that motor. The seller states that the build involved using new genuine or rebuilt parts throughout, meaning there are no cheap and nasty reproduction components that could compromise its reliability. They supply no information about how the Charger runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.
This 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is a stunning classic that appears to need nothing. That is appropriate because its price would make spending a dime on any outstanding work seem unpalatable. It is guaranteed to draw crowds wherever it goes, and the numbers should swell when the new owner lifts the hood to expose the spotless engine bay. The seller’s price means they probably won’t have seething hordes beating down their door with a fistful of cash, but I believe they will find a buyer. The question will be what someone is willing to pay. Do you see the BIN figure as fair, or do you have another price in mind?
Personally, I think it’s a shame that the “Charger” script was not returned to the sail panels after the restoration body work/paint. It’s also missing the plastic tail light cover in the trunk; nits, perhaps, but for $145K….GLWTA!! :-)
This is one beautiful car! Forget the “original paint and upholstery” stuff and enjoy seeing top notch work and design.
“The lack of a Build Sheet or Fender Tag…”
So you mean no VIN?
No, the VIN is on the dash and on the rad support as well as the trunk lip. Mopar had a metal tag on the inner fender apron that has all the codes that related to that specific car. And much like any other make a paper build sheet was usually found under the back seat, or various other locations that further detailed the options with corresponding codes. For me, IF I were blessed with the funds to consider dropping over a 100k on a vintage Mopar at least one of those would have to be present. This is a beautiful car don’t get me wrong, but there are other Charger R/Ts on the market for similar money that have the tag and build sheet. Just my 2¢.
My dream car. I always wanted a ’69 Charger. Liked the black around the taillights and the split grille on the ’69s. Back around 1981 the local VW dealership had a triple-black one on their lot with a 383. Cannot remember the asking price, but I believe it was under $2000. And a family in my hometown had a ’69 with a 383, turquoise in color with a black interior and vinyl top. They traded it for an AMC Pacer in the late 70s.
You have a beautiful Charger, and then you put Cooper tires on it?!?
What about the autozone battery?
In the late ’70s & throughout ’80s & ’90s it would most likely being wearing cheap no name RWL or ORWL shop tires. & aftmkt mag wheels – & huge wide tires – in the back, perhaps jacked up in the back with air shocks or shackles. & probably have a Sears DieHard or Plus Start battery under the hood.
What tires would be appropriate ??
The wheels are ‘correct’ 15″
Cooper is a US company, owned by GoodYear.
Yes, they suck on wet roads but this car shouldnt be seeing much rain.
I was thinking the wheel set up really served the stance MUCH better than the lil 14x6s that came on it.
Cooper tires are actually very good tires these days. Yes BFG Radial TA are the old gold standard but they do have competition. No I don’t currently have anything with Coopers and yes I’ve had BFGs. I’m just not stuck in the past.
What about the autozone battery? Still a nice car engine trans combo. No spare tire.
This car is indeed very nice, but it is not original in a lot of ways: brakes are not Mopar, upgraded to electronic ignition and electronic voltage regulator. Is it actually an R/T?
The VIN verifies it is.
Steve R
Calling Galen Govier! I love the poverty hubcaps on this all-black car, it gives a sinister vibe. But I have to pass because of the lack of documentation and the way-too-optimistic asking price.
Gorgeous. I sat in a Dodge dealer for 3 hours in 1970 just before graduation trying to put the pin to buy a used R/T with the 440. Just couldn’t make it work, but my roommate also loved the car, and a week later with Dad’s help, he purchased the Charger. At least I got to drive occasionally until my roommate missed a shift and adorned Blackstone Avenue with engine parts.
Blast from the past. Good luck, seems a bit high to me but that doesn’t matter.
Ahh … the resonating sound of a 440 magnum as heard from the drivers seat
Possible buyers, walk away from this one…..way too many unanswered questions….power brake assist was added….who knows about the 4 speed….may be original, may not be ……the price is ridiculous for these unanswered things to certainly consider…..keep in mind too, Govier charges an arm & two legs for his exam……he also likes to keep videos of the car when you plainly ask for their return…..Wiese is the person you want for your exam……
Badazz Mopar classic no doubt. But should be for $145g’s.
I seem to remember seeing these mostly with vinyl roofs & rear bumblebee stripes back in the day, excluding Gen Lees of course.
Cooper tires are better than most junk tires today. I have them on my wife’s Toyota. Just keep the air pressure correct and rotate. As to this beautiful Charger, it’s far better than most of the 69s on this site that need $100,000 worth of work. Yeah, no documentation. So what. Life is too short to worry about a stupid piece of colored paper. I work at a Dodge dealer today. Today, the broadcast sheets, usually three come in a new Challenger or Charger, our 23 leftovers. I find them stuffed in cup holders. No more pulling out the rear seat to get them. I fold them and put them in the glove box. Other detail kids toss them in the trash. When I’m long gone some restorer in 2060 will thank me.
As an owner of a 69 Charger R/T SE for 23 years I have learned a lot about these cars.
I see so many thing incorrect on this one that could have been done correctly.
Priced way too hi due to that and the lack of fender tag and documentation. Good luck.
If I could sell it in the morning for $145,000,I might think about it.