No Reserve. They are two words that are guaranteed to draw the attention of enthusiasts seeking a classic to park in their garage. They signify that once the auction process ends, the highest bidder is guaranteed to become that car’s new owner. It is the opportunity offered by this 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. It has belonged to the same family since Day One and is being sold to settle the estate of the family patriarch following his passing. It was the subject of a nut-and-bolt restoration, retaining its numbers-matching drivetrain as a part of a faithful approach. The seller has listed the Charger here on eBay in Hilmar, California. Bidding has scorched to $70,100, and with No Reserve in play, it is set to find its way to another enthusiast who can appreciate one of the world’s great muscle cars.
The seller’s late father treated this Charger to a nut-and-bolt restoration, with work ending under two years ago. He elected to follow the faithful path, ensuring that the panels were as straight as an arrow before applying a dazzling coat of this car’s original Hemi Orange. It is an iconic shade that owes nothing to subtlety and has aged surprisingly well when other colors from this era can look tired and dated. The seller states that the vehicle is rust-free, which is unsurprising considering its recent history. The trim is spotless, including the grille with its concealed headlamp doors. The glass is clear, and the R/T rolls on aftermarket wheels. I’m not sold on these and would probably swap them if I became the new owner. That is a personal preference, and if you view them as appropriate, I respect that.
Lifting the hood confirms the seller’s claim that they possess limited knowledge about Chargers. They claim that this car houses a 426ci Hemi V8, but I beg to differ. Dodge offered the 440ci “Magnum” V8 as the entry-level R/T powerplant, which is what we find occupying this engine bay. The term “entry-level” might suggest that this motor is significantly inferior to the Hemi, but with Dodge quoting power and torque figures of 375hp and 480 ft/lbs, this is no automotive wimp. It was regarded as a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive Hemi. The first owner teamed the 440 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, providing excellent performance and an effortless driving experience. The first piece of positive news for potential buyers is that the seller identifies the car as numbers-matching. I tend to take the claim with a grain of salt since they failed to correctly identify the engine type. They mention an aluminum radiator as the only modification, although I can also spot an Edelbrock intake. Therefore, there may be other changes below the skin that haven’t been identified. However, that hasn’t deterred potential buyers who are willing to hand over their cash for a car that runs and drives perfectly.
The seller supplies limited interior shots, with this one of the back seat being the best of the bunch. It reveals spotless Tan vinyl trim, with the condition unsurprising following the recent restoration. The front seats look equally impressive, and a close-up of the pad suggests it is crack-free. The interior features a console, and I believe that it might also house an aftermarket wheel and stereo.
This 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is a stunning classic, making it easy to understand why it has attracted thirty-one bids. The view and Watch List tallies suggest that there will be plenty of action between now and when the hammer falls. This R/T is ideal for someone who is unable to tackle a project build and who wants to slip behind the wheel of an iconic muscle car for immediate motoring fun. If you fit into that category, is this Charger a vehicle that you would consider pursuing further? You might have to fight for it, but the result should justify the effort.
