When Numbers Matter: 1969 Dodge Charger

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Sometimes, the only thing that is important is if the numbers match. Playing the matching game is all that this 1969 Dodge Charger has going for it currently. Although, it has a clean title as well. With a listed 75,552 miles, a current bid price of $5,100, reserve not met, or a buy it now for $8,995, you can purchase this car from Columbia Station, Ohio. Thanks, Adam Clarke, for the tip. The listing is on eBay.

Under the hood houses a 383 cubic inch engine and 727 automatic transmission, that are not original to the car. Surprisingly, it is stated that the engine runs and the car drives, but it is not advised due to the unknown capability of the drive line parts. It also has no brakes. Getting it up on a trailer under its own power might be a risk. It does not have the correct grille for 1969, but what you see is what you get.

What is not surprising is that there is no interior. This car is pretty much a numbers matching shell. There are pictures of some seats out of the car. The dashboard is still present and there are hand cranks for the windows.  There is nothing really left of the trunk, and there is no trunk lid. There is no word on if there is one included. Under the car is not too bad. There is rust, but it isn’t Swiss cheese, which is good.

Since the numbers on all the body panels match the VIN, this is a strong candidate for a ground up build. The front fender has some paint samplings. I think the blue would look amazing because I have a Hot Wheels Charger in that color, and it stands out in my collection for that reason. There is a lot of work that needs to go into this car. In the end, will the time and money be the numbers that count to you?

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Comments

  1. MH

    Junk! Needs to be crushed! Not worth the effort.

    Like 28
    • Billy 007

      It should have been crushed decades ago, it is an eyesore. People who kept these in the open, were/are no friends of the neighborhood…do you think he will share the profits with those who had to look at it all these years? 9 grand? Heres an idea kiddies, how about you buy an 83 inch flat panel TV, some good surround sound, and a super comfy chair. Then buy some refreshments and munchies, finally sit down at your computer and dial up Amazon and buy all sorts of old car movies. Start with Vanishing Point and work your way from there. Now, you have all the thrill of this car and thousands of dollars left from your 9K. Just my thoughts on this absurdity.

      Like 31
      • ChebbyMember

        I like the way you think.

        Like 16
      • Billy 007

        @Chebby, thank you. I have always thought you to be a wise and admirable man as well. My comment resonates with many of my friends, all of whom lament at the sorry state of our hobby. When it was just some elbow grease and a small part of ones disposable income, it was rewarding, but once the money men looking to catch big rich fish got into the game, it was distorted into the perversion it has become. The AV refrence is one from my own life, I have a home theater with a ten foot screen that cost less then a modern new car (did all the work myself) and my buddies and I enjoy car flicks in there. Obviously none of us are ever going to be able to experience most of the cars or locations we see on film, but we can cheaply and easily live out those fantasies this way. Ever watch Super Speedway in HD? Mario Andretti and his son Michael using highdef IMAX cameras show you what it is like to be behind the wheel of a 200MPH Indy car. Thrilling and by far safer to do that from my LazyBoy with a cold one in my hand watching on my ten foot HD screen then actually being behind the wheel. Lord knows I will never have the cash nor the talent to do that. Modern electronics can go a long towards letting us Average Joes experience certain things, and when virtual reality becomes better and cheaper, watch out, the world be be our oyster. By then, I say, let the rich boys buy what they want, and live dangerously, the rest of us can just put on a headset, dial up any car we want from a computer screen, where we want to drive it, and away we go. heck, might even be able to choose the lady we want sitting next to us in that car!

        Like 11
      • Chris

        Billy, although your posts tend to be wildly odd, I have to agree with the gist of what you’re saying here. At least I think so…. the hobby has morphed into something it was never intended to be in the first place. And it was never about big money

        Like 11
      • mark

        I agree !!

        Like 1
      • Mike

        You should run for President Billy, I’d vote for ya!

        Yeah, this Charger is a great candidate to hit the bulldozers like the derelict Camaro did in our favorite film.

        Like 2
      • Ike Onick

        “Vanishing Point” car was a Challenger, not a Camaro.

        Like 1
  2. Dean

    Puzzled…in one sentence it’s numbers matching..in another, the engine and tranny are not original to the car, but the body panels match the VIN? Which would be more important when restoring?

    Like 33
    • Dallas

      The seller obviously doesn’t understand that the term “numbers matching” indicates “as-born with ” power train to body/vin…

      Like 4
  3. CCFisher

    “Numbers-matching” is like “original” in that a car either is or isn’t. Without the original drivetrain, this car is not numbers-matching. Likewise, a car that’s “original except for paint” is not original.

    Like 3
  4. grant

    The world has gone mad…

    Like 19
  5. CCFisher

    “Numbers-matching” is like “original,” in that a car either is or it isn’t. Without the original drivetrain, this car is not “numbers-matching.” Likewise, a car that’s “original except for paint” is not original.

    Like 17
  6. Ike Onick

    The number associated with this is “ZERO”

    Like 16
  7. Karguy James

    I don’t see how the body stamps would match the VIN since These chargers had a “production number” stamped on the core support that doe snot match the VIN and is NOT a VIN and the only other number is stamped in the driver’s side trunk drip rail when CLEARLY the driver’s side complete quarter panel has been chopped off and this panel is literally just sitting back on the car. It’s not even attached.

    Like 7
    • Brent

      Karguy, if memory serves me correct core support and trunk drip rail numbers where the VIN sequence numbers. Me thinks the only numbers that match are his BIN numbers and the numbers of what he owes his drug dealer.

      Like 27
      • Steve A

        lmao!!! right on!!! 😂😂😂

        Like 7
  8. Dovi65

    Seriously??? What is going on in the world.Was this clunker dragged out of a swamp? As others have commented .. if the driveline ISN’T original to the car, then it’s NOT a “numbers matching” car. There doesn’t seem to be enough good left to bother with a restore. Is the VIN worth $8k?? You still wont have a numbers-matching car.

    Like 9
  9. J PaulMember

    On the bright side….if you are one of those guys who want to try and make a Charger convertible, some of the hard work has been done for you already!

    Like 11
  10. Classic Steel

    I guess this car has air conditioning built in thru rust .

    Numbers matching means match my ask of funds on this p o s 😏

    Like 1
  11. Jimmy

    Seriously I love classic musclecars and old trucks but I’m glad I got out a few months ago and moved up to modern muscle with more HP and less $$$. Nostalgia isn’t worth the money. Still love reading barn finds and who knows when the bubble burst and the dust clears I may get my first generation Bronco.

    Like 8
    • Billy 007

      You are a wise man Jimmy. You got out while the getting was good. Oh, the potential profits are best this close to the bust, but the risk is too great. I also like modern machinery, though I do have some older stuff that I truly enjoy, though nothing that would bring these crazy numbers. Modern engineering is worlds apart from this ancient heap. Even when new, they were not great, but it was all we had. Bought a turbo high performance Honda last month, cost realtively nothing compared to say a Ram pickup (a third?) but it is 100 times the car this ever was in so many ways. Plus, it is perfect, right now, and I have a five year warranty to keep it that way. I can drive safely fast in that car, not in one of these 69s. I can go around corners and keep my lane without ending up in the bushes (did that once with my 1970), and I can go around that corner while talking hands free on my phone in air conditioned comfort. A few people are making money off these old relics, fine for them, but the end buyers will have remorse (at least if they are regular guys and not some trust fund baby)

      Like 4
      • Jimmy

        @Billy007 I still love the old cars and trucks and when the bubble burst I plan on picking up either a first generation Bronco or a 56 Ford Panel truck if I can find either in decent condition.

        Like 0
  12. Miguel

    When I see a car like this it is a complete turn off, and I don’t care what make and model it is.

    Somebody has already had their hands in there, so who knows what it really needs from that.

    Like 6
  13. Steve A

    Watch it though! Some moron with more money than brains will buy it! Sad really.

    Like 2
  14. Don H

    A 383 and automatic is not that big of a deal, numbers our no numbers ,its a waste of money in this shape it’s a piece of 💩

    Like 7
  15. Lawyer George

    Nothing from nothing is nothing. There was a song that had those words. It was a catchy tune although I never really understood it the words came to mind when I saw this pile of rust. It would have to cost at least $50K to restore it and a restored one can be had at that price.

    Like 0
  16. Bongo

    No way this junk yard dog worth 9000 dollars. I don’t see 900 dollars here. Our hobby has gone mad. Its sad to see that the average person will never know the joy of restoring a classic. Even then this wouldn’t be the one.

    Like 6
  17. Poptheclutch

    Another donor car for sale. They already took what they wanted and now there trying to make a buck on what’s left of it.
    Whoever buys it will have to pay big bucks to put it back together.
    At least they left the engine and transmission in there.

    Like 2
  18. Matt steele

    Not worth 900 pesos

    Like 5
  19. Matt steele

    That’s $47.80

    Like 7
  20. YankeeTR5

    Billy 007 – your comments about the hobby are way off mark. True, there is a segment of the hobby (50’s 60’s sports cars & muscle cars) that have seen significant increases in prices, but most of that is supply and demand. Worldwide, in the last 20 years, enormous amounts of wealth has been generated and that era of cars, while romanticized, also represents the prime items to interested car guys (think overseas folks who grew up admiring America and this is their chance to buy a piece among many). There is speculation, sure, but there is also real demand from folks who have excess cash to throw at this hobby. Mostly, lately, they want completed cars not projects and so a large industry has sprung up to fix up and flip ’em, but that’s what markets do…meet demand with a supply.
    What I think you totally miss is that young folks are very active in the hobby and getting grease on their elbows. Its just they’re chasing cars you’re either not interested in or not paying attention to. Fox body Mustangs, Subaru’s, 80/early 90’s MR2’s….heck even late 80’s Corvettes (go ahead and sneer, but at $5k for a running driving car to a 17 year old?….its awesome!). My son loves working on his 74 jenky, multicolored (primer etc) TR6…and so do his friends. Kid down the street has a 98 Suby RS that is his pride and joy. I can go on as I’ve gotten to know more of them due to available garage space and friendly advice and occasional help. Now are they in it for the money? Nope, although they don’t want to lose any. They love cars and the freedom they represent (kinda like me when I was their age). The cycle continues but perhaps out of your sight.
    As to this car..here’s something to consider. Overseas in the old Eastern Block countries there is lots of cheap, skilled metalworkers. Think bodywork and paint completed for $10K. Does it make sense then? This car could be restored to a very high level for half of what it would cost here and then sold in Europe and still turn a profit. Project cars are preferred by European buyers because, as a % of finished costs, paying 15% import tax on a project is much lower than the same % on a finished car. Not all demand is US.
    And I agree….its a former parts car with an asking way to high, but I’d add, for someone here.

    Like 7
    • Billy 007

      You are right, a great deal of wealth has been created, yet it has pretty much gone to not the kind of people who originally purchased and owned these cars, the ones who rightfully should be allowed to relive the days of yore via them, yet can not due to wealth distribution. It is another sign of what ails this world, many of us long for a little homogenization to get things back to normal. Butttt, as said above, there are other ways to enjoy all things automotive, why cry over what you can not change?

      Like 1
      • Al_Bundy John m leyshonMember

        Billy 007 …never about car’s ! The miserable guy who is always upset !

        “The ones who rightfully should be allowed to relive the days ? , ails of this world ”

        Who is rightful sir ?

        Wealth distribution ? Take your politics out of here ! (please ???)

        You seem like an absolutely miserable person ! Go for a walk, visit your grandchildren. Join a political site to vent.

        Never seen you post anything positive, you always seem drunk with a nasty disposition. Go homogenize yourself , very few can stand your rant’s .

        “Why cry over what you can’t change” ? You could change some things …

        Lighten up ! Smile Billy !!!

        Like 4
      • Billy 007

        Hey John, believe it or not we do real well in our humble household, waaaay into six figures a year. I have nothing to be sad about personally, yet I do tend to worry about others, isn’t that what we are supposed to do? I AM a happy person, but if I and everyone else just ambles about ignoring the big picture, well, what will become of the whole? Other websites? You guys are too much fun, people at those other websites ARE sour pusses! I believe the “politics” was started by another poster when he mention great wealth creation, am I wrong here? But, I did say that even with great unfairness in the present day monetary system, pretty much anyone can enjoy the old car hobby in some way or shape, did you not read all my posts? I thought I ended that post on an upbeat narrative.

        Like 3
  21. Tim S.

    Too much for this but someone could resurrect it. I like older cars better but I’d never insult somebody’s choice, be it muscle or a 4-door Biscayne. If I liked new cars better I’d just hang out on new car sites.

    Like 2
  22. Gaspumpchas

    so absurd–says it runs and drives,,with no radiator?? its up to 5100 already!! Nasty!!!

    Good luck , get your tetanus shot….

    Like 2
    • Steve R

      I just got my tetanus shot and I still wouldn’t touch this car.

      Chargers, 1968 and 1969’s in particular are an outliers, their prices aren’t grounded in realty. I’d bet this is largely do to the movies and tv shows such as Bullet, Dukes of Hazard and Crazy Mary Dirty Larry. This isn’t that uncommon, 67-68 Mustang Fastbacks due to Bullet and 55 Chevy’s from American Graffiti and Two Lane Blacktop have also seen their prices driven higher because of their tie in with pop culture.

      Steve R

      Like 3
  23. Del

    Biggest piece of scrap that we have seen here.

    Waste of a picture and write up.

    Like 2
  24. Dave A

    “Oooooooh myyyy gooooood itsssss a chargerrrrr!” Someone will say trying to buy this rusty old can. Let it rust in peace.not even scrap worthy.

    Like 0
  25. Jim ZMember

    No. Just NO!!

    Like 1
  26. JBD

    Not numbers matching anything!

    Like 2
  27. John Jubie

    It’s painful to see a potentially great car in this condition, I could never reward someone for letting it get to this state!

    Like 0
  28. Ian F

    The market for 2nd gen Chargers has been insane for awhile. Since this car has a title I have no doubt it’ll sell for the BIN price if not more.

    Like 0
  29. bull

    Another overpriced PROJECT “Collector Car” coming to the market like so many MORE that you will continue to see over the next 5 years as the BOOMER’S decide it’s time to get rid of all these DREAMS that never materilized!

    As the price of pristine models of this and other Musclecars begins/continues to DROP along with the COST OF RESTORATION continuing to RISE there will be more and more project cars such as this Charger offered for sale where “Free To Good Home” will not be cheap enough to attempt a Restoration, Recreation, Restification or Restomod.

    This is especially true since the ultimate buyer for that Musclecar once rebuilt in whatever form will no longer want one, be too old to care Or even remember ever wanting one!

    Like 0
  30. Jim

    man i have junked cars in better shape than that.

    Like 1
  31. Doug Lemmo

    I have two comments: 1. A fool and his money are soon parted. 2. Numbers matching is very misleading. To the average person in the hobby, not the mega bucks collector , numbers matching is meaningless.

    Like 0
  32. RonMember

    I guess the VIN matches the VIN, so viole, matching number…

    Like 0
  33. stillrunners

    wow…so much tit for tat…..and to many arm chair restorers….

    Like 1
  34. Jim

    The 2nd gen Charger is considered by many to be the best looking car out of the musclecar era. Its worth saving. No, it wouldn’t be an easy restoration. But, after reading some of the comments above- I would tackle this just to have the pleasure of ticking everybody off. After its done, I’d come back here and post some pics of me doing a burnout in my driveway, hoisting a cold one (a foreign beer to really make ’em mad), wearing a “Built. Not bought” tshirt. I guess people just want to buy an old car already restored, tell their buddies about how they built the engine and did all the bodywork themselves, and appear to the world like they’re a real car guy.

    Like 0
  35. Rspcharger Rspcharger

    Hey @barnfinds, please add a “flag for inappropriate “ option to comments for the off topic ramblings of lunatics/trolls/those with too much free time. Let’s keep our comments focused on this particular posting.

    Like 0
  36. Scott Tait

    I shall name this swamp donkey as the last time I saw anything this bad it had lived in a swamp and this is a complete donkey

    Like 0
  37. AMXBrian

    This would make a good jump car for the next Dukes of Hazard Movie. Or an over-ambitious project car. Definitely not worth the asking, but don’t crush it either.

    Like 0
  38. Gaspumpchas

    Sorry, off topic, but Ike- when they showed the car in Vanishing point after it hit the bulldozers, I’m told the car they showed was really a camaro.

    Like 0

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