Choosing an appropriate classic to park in your garage can be challenging, and many factors must be considered. Those who admit a project build isn’t viable will seek a turnkey classic. The next consideration is budget, and the winning bidder will need a healthy wallet to take home this 1969 Dodge Charger SE. It presents superbly following a recent restoration, needing nothing but a new owner. However, it comes with a healthy price. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Goodyear, Arizona. A single bid of $55,000 is below the reserve, although there is time for interested parties to get their financial ducks in a row if they wish to make a play for this classic.
Dodge’s Second Generation Charger enjoyed a relatively short production run, gracing showroom floors from 1968 until 1970. The ’69 model stands out in the minds of many, as it was the basis for “The General Lee” in the hit television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Many clones have emerged since, but this SE has avoided that fate. The seller states it has undergone restoration, and finding anything worth criticizing is almost impossible. The dazzling Yellow paint shines beautifully, complemented by the contrasting Black vinyl top and matching Bumblebee stripes. There are no signs of chips or marks and no evidence of rust. I suspect the vinyl was replaced during the build because it is in as-new condition. The trim and chrome are as impressive as the rest of the exterior, with this Charger featuring the distinctive and desirable concealed headlights. The glass is spotless, and while the Magnum 500 wheels are a later addition, they perfectly suit the car’s character.
The seller uses the term “beautiful shape” when describing the Charger’s interior, and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The indications are it received a retrim during the build, presenting superbly in Black with leather on the front seats. There are no signs of wear, with the dash and pad looking perfect. The switches and bright trim sparkle, and the faux woodgrain adds a classy touch. The Charger features air conditioning, but this doesn’t currently operate. It is unclear why, leaving the new owner to delve into the issue. The power windows function, although the fronts are said to be slow. This is common, and they may require lubrication to improve the situation. There are no aftermarket additions, with the dash retaining the factory radio.
I will stick my neck out by saying that I don’t believe there was a bad V8 in the Charger range in 1969. This car features a 383ci powerplant, producing 290hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. This feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes providing an effortless driving experience. There were more potent engines in the Charger range, but this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds and hit 127mph earned it respect from many. The news is positive for prospective buyers, with the SE in excellent mechanical health. They describe the car as fun to drive, a claim I find easily believable.
I won’t describe this 1969 Charger SE as cheap because it isn’t. However, it is a spotless classic that should cost the new owner nothing beyond the purchase price. The solitary bid is unsurprising since the seller opened their listing at a relatively high figure. I believe it will need to top $60,000 before hitting the reserve, and the auction might close considerably higher. It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion on the possible sale price. So, over to you.
I’d give up my leg for this car 😂
In all seriousness this car was well done and utterly perfect i’d take this over any modern car. Because these cars had character and were meant to last as you can see.
I do agree that’s it’s a nicely restored car Jayden. But while the idea of these cars being being “built to last” sounds appealing. In reality, they were not at all built to last as we often see these cars on here in unbelievably rusted condition.
It sure is nice when they do stick around!
This one checks all the correct boxes for me. A very nice car.
Could not agree more Chris! Seems to be a well taken care of weekend road trip mini-muscle cruiser.
I’ve always loved the longer profile large side quarter panel cars.
Keeping my eye on this one.
Power windows are a rare option on these but usually appear on the upscale SE. Bumblebee stripe is an R/T thing. The eBay ad needs more pics and details as this could easily bring $75,000 even though the 383 is a 2bbl and not a Magnum.
And being a 383 2bbl it should be turquoise (like the one that came in my dad’s ’69 Polara) and not orange. And the “styled steel road wheels” (Magnums) in ’69 had their painted rims covered by a brushed trim ring, not chromed.
I’m a MoPar or NoCar guy – this is how I would have done one in say, ’80. Anyone can do what they want to their own car, but this is a s–t load of money for an incorrect car.
Nope, different engine colors, from different build facilities.
You’re incorrect Mike. In ’69 the standard 383 -2 were ALL painted turguoise regardless of production facility. All high-performance big blocks in ’69 were painted Hemi Orange.
RNR is correct. It’s a very clean car but there’s a lot of personal touches that are incorrect for this particular car.
I’m not a Mopar guy, but this one really floats my boat.
So 55k is the starting bid??? and that didn’t trip the reserve? Someones been watching too many Mecum/Barrett Jackson auctions… weak window motors, ac not working… only 6 pics total in the ad for something you want a small fortune for… I predict it will not sell.
I am waiting for our resident expert to pop in and tell us that serious buyers (read as “better than us”) will not care about any of those issues.
It’s funny how many nay-sayers refuse to understand the market values of the 2nd-gen Chargers. I bet most of them never owned one or have one now. I see these currently listed for $70-100,000 by a variety of vendors. These are considered one of the most beautiful muscle cars on the planet. Sour grapes?
For the asking price the seller should’ve had the AC and PW dialed in. The only demerit is the 2bbl version of the 383; the 383 4bbl or the 440 would be more appropriate for a Charger. It’s a sweet ride but the seller set the reserve high for a 2bbl 383 car.
It’s TURN KEY READY! listen I watch these auctions all the time $72k and up thats the price! but you better look it over close from here it looks great!
It only has to make sense to one person. THE BUYER
and sometimes it doesn’t make sense to them after the fact-https://youtu.be/Dv6d6p-6dwc?si=FbyTLfLichuqGobw
383 4 barrel would be more appealing also run much better with the oval air cleaner I’m not buying any more mopars my 70’Roadrunner was my last one. Whoever buys it good luck these are not for the north east at all I’ve had 20 plus A B C E body cars they all need something all the time it will keep you busy under it as much as inside of it.