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Ran When Parked: 1969 Dodge Charger Project

This 1969 Dodge Charger is another B-Body that the seller says was in running condition when it was parked, but that was a long time ago and the car has now been sitting between 15 and 20 years, so this project is going to need quite a bit of attention before it’s ready to hit the road again.  However, potential buyers must be liking what they see here, as 33 bids have already taken the price up to $23,550 which is enough to buy the car once the hammer falls, but if you want it today there’s also a buy-it-now option at $35,000.  The car is located in Norwalk, Connecticut, and can be found here on eBay.

One detail to point out right away is this one’s not a factory R/T, as the seller mentions it’s just been cloned into looking like one, so anywhere a badge can be found it was added by a previous owner.  We get the Charger’s history back to 1999, when it was found inside a shed in Milford, Connecticut, then moved to a barn followed by a second shed in two other areas of CT, and finally to its present location where it’s been under a breathable cover for some 15 to 20 years.

Although originally a 383 car, under the hood now is a 440 which the seller says was running when it got parked, and at that time the only repair needed was said to be a fresh starter.  Prior to the hibernation, a new carburetor, distributor, and alternator had all been installed, but with all the time that’s passed now, I’m guessing after the new starter gets put on the big block’s going to need some more freshening up before it’s ready for any serious driving.

The owner does not mention a fender tag nor did I spot one in the bay, and there’s also no word on whether or not the white paint is still the factory finish.  The body is showing some rusted areas in the typical places along with some paint peeling, but overall it looks better than many of the second-generation Charger projects out there, so hopefully most of the panels will be salvageable.

Things inside have a coat of dust and soiling on top, and while there’s wear and tear throughout some of the components will probably be reusable, but the seats are definitely in need of new upholstery.  I wish the carpet was gone so we could see the floor, but we do get to view inside the trunk and unfortunately, there’s corrosion, so the condition of the floorboards might mimic this area.  But overall this one seems like a fairly decent project and it’s mostly complete, so perhaps the next owner will be at a pretty good starting point, what do you think?

Comments

  1. Bud Lee

    All of my cars were running when I parked them. Be honest. Just say,” you figure out what’s wrong with it” in the ad.

    Like 28
  2. Yblocker

    Mopar madness must be slowing, this one looks halfway decent for the price

    Like 10
  3. Mike H.

    Every time I see one of these rusted and beat up Chargers and the crazy money they are bringing it makes me sick. I had a 1966, a 1968, and a 1970 and that kind of money would be sure nice since I retired. There’s got to be thousands and thousands of old guys that have the same thoughts every day when the Barn Finds email shows up. Ya’ll have a great daay!

    Like 18
    • Chasbro

      You’re right Mike. A $35,000 starting point????? I must be one of those old guys.

      Like 6
    • Dave D

      Yes This would make a good project and as we look back we regret selling some of our old cars… I was into Fords more than anything else but they would sure be valuable now.
      1967 Mustang Fastback 289 4 speed
      1967 Mustang GT Fastback 390 4 speed
      1965 Mustang Fastback 289 4 speed
      1971 Mach 1 351 Auto with Air and Power Windows (rare option)
      1972 Mach 1 351 4 speed
      I wanted another Mustang last year (preferably a 67 fastback big block) but alas I cant reach into the stratosphere. But was able to find a 1970 Cougar with a 428 Auto with out any rust. It is a Base that had the 351 replaced with the 428CJ, original interior in great shape no cracks tears or rips and a great looking Black Cherry paint that is 10 years old with only some minor chips no cracks or bulges. I would still like any of may Mustangs back.

      Like 9
    • Mark Dolan

      Ditto. I’m 65 and been through many, many of these cars now selling for insane amounts. My lone regret? 1967 Mustang GT, 390, 4 speed. Not so much with my Mopars(‘68 Road Runner, ‘69 Challenger) or a couple of Cutlas. I’ve been through most Chevy engines – 265, 283, 307, 327(4), 350(4), 396, 400, 409(😢), 427, 454 and (2) GM 455’s.
      Once I got out of this phase of my life I settled into family cars. Big 4 door American cars. My brother had a shop in my 3 car garage and the things we did. Everything except holding onto the right ones…..

      Like 4
    • Gary

      Back in 81 I passed up a cherry 68 Hemi 4 speed Charger, minus motor and a very nice 4 speed T/A Challenger, also minus motor for $1600.00. I also paased up a noseless,slightly rusty (Ohio rusty) 440/6 Superbird for $1000.00. Yeah, I still kick my own ass over those three and many others but at 18 you only have so much room/money and I was out of both.

      Like 1
  4. Jeff

    It looks like junk. For anything over 2,000.00 it needs a lot of Money, time ,labor, and parts.Both rear Quarters, Both Front Fenders Both Rocker panels, All new interior,Complete new wiring harness, either a new or completely rebuilt drive train, New floors, New trunk floor, New gas tank,New gas lines,New Brake lines,New Brakes, New suspension and bushings, and New paint and body work and new frame rails . Do you still think it is worth any where near it’s current bid .for 2,000.00 it could be a good project for someone with all the skills and equipment to complete the project if you have to send it to someone like Dave Kindig or Marj Worman you Better have extremely deep pockets good luck to the winning bidder.

    Like 2
  5. Chill-driver

    All used car ads, “Runs great!” Nothing stays new sitting 20 years. Worth $35k but not worth the trouble for the owner? Nah.

    Like 2
  6. Yblocker

    I’m trying to understand all the sour comments, we’ve all seen so much worse, for so much more, yeah, the price is stupid, but most everything we see here has a stupid price, it’s the new world we live in, everything has a stupid price, and we’re all stupid, because we keep paying these stupid prices, it’s what we do, or we do without. I’m done now, just had to ventilate a little

    Like 2
  7. Rex B Schaefer

    More Mopar “junk”!

    Like 1

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