There are certain makes and models you get accustomed to seeing in rough condition but still worth plenty of money. The Porsche 911 for sure, and the Buick Grand National for another. The Dodge Charger is certainly up there, as some of the most abused examples – like the former stunt cars used for the Dukes of Hazard – are worth near six-figures or more. So finding a project-grade Charger that isn’t a total rust bucket like this one here on eBay comes as a bit of a shock – but you’ll still pay near $20,000 for the privilege of owning it.
This Charger looks like it was slated for use in the local demolition derby before fate stepped in and kept it from getting any worse. There has to be a fascinating backstory here, as the seller mentions that the fender tag is long gone and the engine has clearly left the building. What was this Charger being used for, if it sat for many years without becoming a restoration project or simply cut up for scrap? It seems likely that even as it was pillaged of all its usable parts, someone still knew the Charger was a car to keep out of the scrapyard.
This is the photo that got me to look again. Check out those floors – they are in outstanding condition for a car that has clearly been left to the elements for years. I have a project right now that’s been receiving constant love and attention for years and the floors don’t look that good. The bucket seats are in fair shape and you get a backseat, but that’s about it for the interior. The seller does note the trunk floor is shot but that’s an easy fix, and the doors will need new skins but are not structurally compromised.
The same can be said for the empty engine compartment, which shows off rock-solid inner fenders and a hole-free firewall. There’s even some good news with various pieces of original wiring and mounts still in place, along with what looks like an ancient starter. Wouldn’t you love to know what engine originally occupied this vast engine compartment? As I said earlier, some classics will always command a high price, even in the most stripped-down form, and I’m sure this Charger will someday emerge fully restored at the hands of a future owner.
Original engine. Could have been a slant six. Of course, a 318 is the most likely suspect and would be the best choice for a great all around pleasant cruiser, though somehow I am not sure that is how it will go.
20k? C’mon man!
20k for a shell, a great starting point if you want a driver since nothing is there. Insert another 150k,new crate hemi with transmission etc to finish it and the car is worth 80k to the right buyer only.
I can’t disagree with your estimate of $170,000 to buy and restore it and a sale price of $80,000, leaving the seller with a loss of $90,000. This is a shell, and a not very good one, in spite of the rust being on the lighter end of the rust spectrum. Even being aware of that reality, the part of my brain which hasn’t matured past 16 years old is begging me to buy it.
Another “General Mayhem”!
I don’t know where they come up with this. I guess he wants to keep it
25 years ago, this was a $1,000 car. A fool and his money.
The fender tag may be MIA but it’s still got a VIN number, right? That would at least solve the mystery of what engine it was born with.