The late 1960s was the era of “Dodge Fever”. It was an advertising campaign designed to make Dodge’s cars appear more exciting than what Chevrolet or Ford had to offer. Within that space, there was the “White Hat Special”, an options package that also included a vinyl roof (often white). The selling dealer’s 1969 Charger came with that feature for $238 extra and is a one-family car since its original purchase in Colorado. Located in Englewood, this Charger is somewhat original, though the engine has been rebuilt and the paint color changed. It’s available here on Cars Remember When for $69,900. Thanks for the Mopar tip, Mitchell G.!
Perhaps fueled by Dodge Fever, the 1968-70 Chargers were in big demand. After sales of 92,000 copies in 1968, Dodge still found 85,000 more buyers in 1969 when the seller’s car was built. Besides an optional 383 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, this vehicle had the White Hap Special feature, a combination of extras at a bargain price. Besides the main goody, a vinyl roof, the option also included a light package, fancy steering wheel, “deep dish” wheel covers, and whitewall tires. Having spent all of its 57 years with the same family, the odometer reading of 84,000 miles could be legit.
The family spent money on two main projects over the years. One, the 383 V8 has been rebuilt (when?). And, two, the exterior paint color has been changed to a lighter shade of blue than the original. No big attempts were made to hide that fact, as you can see the factory darker blue under the hood, in the doors, and in the trunk. The color shift is nice enough, but wouldn’t that detract from the value of the Charger today?
Loads of extras added up to a $4,357 sticker price, including an automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and factory air conditioning. The owners added headers and a dual exhaust and switched the fuel pump to an electric one. Perhaps the car has never lived outside of Colorado as it was first sold in Denver, just a hop, skip, and a jump from where the car is today. Does a one-owner, Robin’s Egg Blue Charger suit your needs?
If I may add, not correct, but “The Dodge Rebellion” was actually earlier,, ’66, ’67 and featured Pamela Austin, no white hat, but my old man HATED those commercials, or any “rebellion” for that matter. It’s, in part, why we didn’t get along. In ’68 or ’69, a young pixie model named Joan Parker took over with the “Dodge Fever” campaign, and featured the white hat, mini skirt, and go-go boots. It was pretty clear the market they were going for. Aside from the white top, and discounted price, it was nothing special then, but now, well, someone feels they should get a premium for their white hat Charger. I was flabbergasted at the $75K price tag for an unfinished one, so I suppose they feel justified here. I can’t find an exact number of “White Hat” cars were sold, numbers vary, some say 104,000 ’69 Chargers were sold, but no breakdown on White Hat. I don’t think it was very many. The ’69 Charger appealed to a certain blood and guts muscle car group, these were for those that didn’t follow that, mostly Joan Parker wannabes.
Unfortunately, the muffler shop that did/redid the dual exhaust didn’t do it correctly, as it’s hanging down too low in the back; the tips should be up against the valance. Otherwise, this appears to be a very nice car, I have the same color interior; sadly colorful interiors are a thing of the past. The original dealer badge on the decklid is great, but I wouldn’t have wanted one riveted onto my car!! Good luck to the next owner! :-)