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The Iconic 440-powered 1969 Dodge Charger R/T remains a solid investment

The 1969 Charger R/T has been an enthusiast favorite for five decades and counting due to an awe-inspiring 1968 redesign, plus grille and taillamp refinements the next model year, and its tire-torturing performance that was a consummate fit for the peaking muscle car era. Hollywood played its part in the late 1970s and beyond when The Dukes of Hazzard elevated the profile of the Charger via the dirt-slinging car chases and high-flying antics of The General Lee while unfortunately accelerating the Dodge’s attrition rate at the same time.

What made the Charger R/T special?

1969 Dodge Charger R/T

The Charger was already Dodge’s upmarket intermediate, but the $3,575 R/T model added I.D. callouts, a Bumble-Bee stripe, a 375-hp 440 Magnum engine (426 Hemi optional), a choice between the 727 Torque- Flite three-speed automatic or the A833 four-speed, heavy-duty (torsion bar front, leaf spring rear) suspension and drum brakes (front disc optional), and F70-14 tires on 14-inch wheels. Sure Grip and various 8¾ and 9¾ rear axle packages were also offered. The four-speed required the beefier differential.

Bucket seats were standard in all Chargers, as was one of the best instrument panel layouts of its day with easily read round gauges, yet the tachometer cost extra. Low-option models are out there, but you’ll more likely see a wide selection of R/Ts fitted with some of the popular extra-cost items, such as power steering and brakes, radio, console, chromed road wheels, power windows, or A/C. The new sunroof was a rare sight. An optional SE Decor Group added leather upholstery (with vinyl trim) to the seats, woodgrain steering wheel and instrument panel trim, badging, and additional equipment.

What should I pay for a Charger R/T?

1969 Dodge Charger R/T value chart

Though plateauing for the last few years (likely pandemic related in 2020), values for the Charger R/T had typically increased through the decade. Currently, Hagerty lists #4 “fair” at $36,400, #3 “good” at $49,500, #2 “excellent” at $71,800, and #1 “concours” at $92,600, and adds 20 percent to these figures for four-speed and 15 percent for the SE option. NADA numbers are less optimistic with a $15,500 low, $35,400 average, and $61,600 high values, and it adds 10 percent for the four-speed.

An R/T SE with A/C and a 727 advertised as a refresh of a rust-free car that retained its original engine and body panels sold for $79,200 at auction in 2020 after having sold for $77,000 at the same venue the year before. Another restored R/T SE, with no A/C or claim that its 440 was original, sold for $47,300 at the same 2020 auction, which reveals that many variables contribute to what a car may sell for at any given time or place.

​Is a Charger R/T a good investment?

1969 Dodge Charger R/T

There were 20,057 1969 Charger R/Ts built, including U.S., Canada, and exports, and all except for the 461 Hemis were 440 powered, so finding candidates shouldn’t be too difficult. Parts availability is broad for stock replacement, restoration, and modifications, which is good news for saving some serious projects from parts car status or extinction, but remember that the cost of professional restoration or modification services can add up very quickly. Compare and contrast the relative benefits of project cars versus drivers and recent restorations to see which best fit your needs before you decide on a specific example.

A 1969 Charger R/T is quick for its era, handles well, and possesses a venerable character that will never go out of style. Though you may not have the only example at your local cruise-in or show due to its popularity, it will still attract adoring fans. And with its value stalled at the moment, now may be a fortuitous time to find a good deal.

BaT Auction Success Story: Custom Bel Air Completes the Tri-5-fecta

This Success Story comes to us from futurian, who won his custom ’56 Bel Air convertible from Up2Date in a September 2022 BaT auction.

futurian writes:

One day in early September I was going about my business and looking through the Daily Mail from Bring a Trailer, as one does. I wasn’t in the market for another car, or so I thought, but there it was; this customized Bel Air convertible hit me square in the face. It was a car that would fit my collection perfectly, and I knew of its history. It was originally owned by Ron Hing of Portland, Oregon, and I had seen it on various magazine covers many times over the years. I had always wondered where it ended up—and now, there was a chance to make it mine. I carefully scrutinized the pictures and read all the comments. One commenter in particular noted the name of the painter who had done the paintwork, and described how nice it was. He sure was right. I knew I had to have it. So I made my bids, and to my surprise I came out on top in the end. The reserve was met! My shipper wasted no time getting the car onto a transport. I was anxious to see it.

When we unloaded it, I gave a sigh of delight. The paint and bodywork are amazing—even better than I had hoped. The shipper had delivered the car to my friend’s place, and I drove the 10 miles home post-haste. I was thrilled, though it was immediately evident that the tires were outdated and would need to be changed.

As soon as I got home, it was time for a celebration. I got my two similar customs out for a photo shoot. My blue ’55 coupe was customized in the ’60s with bodywork by Ray Wilson, who had also worked on my new-to-me ’56 convertible. Now they were parked all together: three Tri-5 Chevy customs, all modified in the 1960s, all with canted quad headlights. How did I get so lucky?

I’ve since installed a new set of four tires onto the ’56, completed a few minor repairs, and taken it out for several cruises. I’m absolutely thrilled with the car!

We love hearing all of your Success Stories and project updates. If you’d like to share your experience with a vehicle you purchased on BaT, please send a few lines and pictures to community.content@bringatrailer.com. We’ll issue a $50 credit to the BaT Gear Store when your entry posts to the site.

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Classic Cars We Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

Classic cars are a big part of the automotive industry because they reintroduce us to the passion that went into developing the vehicles that we have today. Many of these classic cars have increased in price and popularity in recent years. But not every classic car is worth a fortune, even though the values on many cars have been bolstered due to nothing more than simple nostalgia.

These classic vehicles rank among the greatest in car history. But others should be avoided at all costs. There have been several cars released over the past 40 years that just left drivers scratching their heads. Automakers have changed a lot over the past couple of decades, and much of that experience comes from failed car models. We looked at classic cars that most drivers shouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. Find out the specific cars we’re talking about below. You’ve been warned.

Photo Credit: Car Domain

1984 Ford Bronco II

The Ford Bronco II was a modest attempt by Ford to capture some market share created by the Jeep Cherokee and the Chevy S10 Blazer. Both the Cherokee and S10 Blazer were breakout successes, and Ford wanted to get in on this. Although the Bronco II was far-cry from the full-size Bronco with which it shared a nameplate. The problem was the Bronco II was nothing like the Bronco models that made the nameplate a hit with consumers (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Car Domain

The most obvious drawback to the Bronco II was the lack of a removable top. The full-size Bronco’s always offered a removable top as an option, and the Bronco II was lacking in this department. The next drawback was that the Bronco II didn’t offer a V8 engine, a standard feature in all the previous Bronco generations.

The post Classic Cars We Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole appeared first on Motor Junkie.

These Classic Cars Were Only Sold For One Model Year

Whenever a car is released on the market, the company that produced it projects its market life. On average, new vehicles spend five to seven years on the market, after which they are significantly refreshed or completely redesigned. However, in the case of some classic cars, manufacturers deliberately present models with a limited market life of even one single year.

Called “one-hit-wonders,” these cars were available for a limited amount of time and are often more exciting versions of standard models. These “one and done” models had unique designs, features, and performance and became collector’s items. We compiled the most interesting classic cars that were available for just one model year here.

Photo Credit: Bring a Trailer

Oldsmobile Rally 350

To fight tightening regulations that were destroying the muscle car class, Oldsmobile introduced the bright yellow Rally 350 model. It was a clever way to avoid high insurance premiums with a smaller but still powerful 350 V8 engine featuring 310 HP (via Hemmings).

Photo Credit: Motorious

Other manufacturers introduced similar models, but Oldsmobile is most famous due to its unmistakable appearance and eye-catching yellow paint. However, Rally 350 wasn’t a big success on the market despite the clever engineering, and GM made only 3547 examples in 1970.

The post These Classic Cars Were Only Sold For One Model Year appeared first on Motor Junkie.

1923 Ford T-Bucket Hot Rod

This 1923 Ford T-Bucket hot rod is powered by a 357ci Chevrolet V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and is finished in red over tan. The car was acquired by the seller in November 2019, and features include an Edelbrock intake manifold and four-barrel carburetor, a dropped front axle, 15″ American Racing wheels, front disc brakes, a rear cargo area and tailgate, four-into-one headers with chrome finishers, a wood dashboard, a GT Grant steering wheel, and Equus instrumentation. This T-bucket is now offered with a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The steel body is finished in red and features a wood-lined cargo area with a tailgate, side mirrors, turn signals, a skull radiator cap, red-painted headlight buckets, and four-into-one headers with chrome finishers running the length of each side.

Chrome 15″ American Racing five-spoke wheels wear Falken Sincera tires measuring 205/65 up front and 235/75 out back. Equipment includes a dropped front axle, front disc brakes with rear drums, and rear coilover shocks.

The bench seating is upholstered in tan and features matching door panels and carpets. Additional equipment includes a wood dashboard, a floor-mounted gear selector, a circular brake pedal, and a battery mounted beneath the seat.

The three-spoke GT Grant steering wheel fronts a column-mounted tachometer along with dash-mounted Equus instrumentation including a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level, voltage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows under 8k miles, approximately 400 of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 357ci Chevrolet V8 is equipped with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and Street Dominator intake manifold along with a chrome intake scoop and flame-stamped valve covers. An aluminum radiator is installed and assisted by an electric fan. The oil was changed in August 2022.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission and a rear axle with a chrome differential cover.

409-Powered 1937 Ford Coupe Hot Rod

This 1937 Ford coupe hot rod was built under previous ownership and features a chopped and extended steel body with fiberglass fenders over a modified chassis. Finished in distressed matte blue paintwork over black leather upholstery, the car is powered by a 409ci Chevrolet V8 equipped with six AutoLine carburetors and mated to a Turbo Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission and a Positraction differential. Additional features include a height-adjustable AccuAir air ride system, Mustang II-spec independent front suspension, 15” steel wheels, a Lokar shifter, and an Offenhauser intake manifold. This modified Ford coupe has been featured in Ol’ Skool Rodz, Cruise Culture, and Canadian Hot Rods magazines, and it is now being offered with documentation from the build and Alberta registration in the seller’s name.

The steel body has been fitted with fiberglass front and rear fenders and has reportedly been extended by 3.5,” while the roof has been chopped by 3″. The car was repainted in a faux-distressed matte blue during the build, and additional equipment includes rubber-lined running boards, an Altman Easy Latch kit, and chrome side-view mirrors and bumpers.

Black-finished 15” steel wheels feature covers reportedly sourced from a 1956 Oldsmobile and are mounted with Firestone-branded whitewall tires. The car rides on an AccuAir height-adjustable air ride system, along with Mustang II-spec independent front and triangulated four-bar rear suspension.

The cabin houses fixed-back BB Classics bucket seats trimmed in black leather with color-coordinated door panels and carpets. Lap belts are fitted for both occupants, and a Lokar shifter has been installed.

A 1953 Buick steering wheel is mounted to an aftermarket column and sits ahead of a 1938 Ford dashboard that houses a 240-km/h GPS-based speedometer and a combination gauge. The digital odometer shows approximately 2k kilometers (~1k miles). An hour meter in the glovebox door indicates approximately 55 hours of run time.

The 409ci Chevrolet V8 is equipped with an aluminum radiator and an Offenhauser intake manifold topped by six AutoLine carburetors with chrome intake trumpets. The engine was reportedly rebuilt with high compression pistons and a lumpy camshaft and repainted during the build. A 5” recessed firewall from Direct Sheetmetal has been installed.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Turbo Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 8” rear end housing a Positraction differential with 3.00:1 gearing. The floor pans were reportedly replaced during the build, and the frame was modified to accommodate the suspension components.

There is currently a lien on the car, and the seller’s leasing company will need to be paid off before the title can be transferred to the new owner.

350-Powered Ford Roadster Hot Rod

This 1930s-style Ford roadster was built under previous ownership using a Zipper Motors body on a modified TCI frame, and it is powered by a ZZ3 350ci V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The car is finished in red over tan leather, and equipment includes Classic Instruments/Mooneyes gauges, a Lokar shifter, tan carpeting and door panels, a trimmed and carpeted trunk area, stainless-steel hinges, polished-aluminum 14″ and 15″ wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, chrome-finished suspension linkage, coilovers, a chrome TPI intake manifold, a Griffin radiator, a Borla exhaust, and a Currie Enterprise 9″ rear axle. The current owner acquired the car in 2005, and the oil was changed in preparation for the sale. This custom roadster is now offered by the seller on behalf of its owner with an unfinished hardtop and transferable New York registration that lists the vehicle as a 1932 Ford convertible.

A Zipper Motors fiberglass body is said to have been sourced and painted in Dodge Viper Red before it was mated to a modified Total Cost Involved frame. Features include gold-colored pinstriping that follows the body lines, a custom-cut short windshield with chrome bracketry, ventilated hood sides, and a pinched nose with a polished stainless-steel grille. Bucket-style headlights have been installed along with taillights and turn indicators in the form of a rear LED strip integrated with the body. A vacuum-operated retractable license-plate frame is located at the rear.

Polished-aluminum 14″ and 15″ Billet Specialities wheels are mounted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires measuring 215/60 front and 285/70 rear. Chrome suspension linkage and coilovers are utilized up front and also under the car at the rear. Each corner is equipped with ventilated disc brakes, and the steering box is polished.

The cockpit features a contoured seat that follows the opening in the body and is upholstered in tan leather along with the door panels, which have storage compartments. The dashboard is painted to match the body, and sound-deadening material is said to have been installed under the nylon carpeting. Matching floor mats are fitted. A Painless wiring harness, a Lokar shifter, and polished stainless-steel pedals also have been installed.

A three-spoke steering wheel with a tan wrap is mounted to a polished steering column. Centrally located Classic Instruments Mooneyes-branded instrumentation includes a 7k-rpm tachometer and a 140-mph speedometer separated by four auxiliary gauges. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 6k miles, approximately 500 of which have been added under current ownership.

The trunk has been trimmed to match the interior. A custom 18-gallon fuel tank was constructed from stainless steel and is located ahead of the trunk compartment.

The fuel-injected ZZ3 350ci V8 is equipped with aluminum cylinder heads as well as a chrome-finished TPI intake manifold, valve covers, and a “Street & Performance Mena, Arkansas USA” plaque. Other features include a chrome-finished 100-amp alternator and chrome hardware as well as a Griffin radiator with an electric fan. The oil was changed in August 2022, at which time an Optima red-top battery was installed.

Power is delivered to the wheels through a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a Currie Enterprises 9″ rear axle. The dual exhaust system with Borla mufflers terminates with a joined twin tip attached below the axle center section. Additional photos of the underside are presented in the gallery.

A hardtop is included with the car, which will require mounts to be made before it can be used.

The car does not have a title, as it is registered in a state that does not issue titles for vehicles of its age. It is being sold on its New York registration.

400-Powered 1929 Ford Model A Street Rod

This 1929 Ford Model A was modified in street rod style under previous ownership with a boxed chassis, a 400ci Chevrolet V8, a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission, and a Ford 10-bolt differential. Additional modifications include louvered body panels, staggered-diameter Truespoke wire wheels, front disc brakes, a dropped front axle, a four-link rear suspension, a Holley carburetor, an Edelbrock intake manifold, an aluminum radiator, and Hedman exhaust headers. The car was acquired by the seller on BaT in February 2020, and subsequent work reportedly included performing an engine tune-up, servicing the transmission, and replacing the battery and front shocks. This Model A street rod is now offered with partial service records and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The steel body is said to have been repainted in its current shade of red utilizing PPG Deltron paint under previous ownership. Exterior features include a black vinyl roof cover, a chrome folding luggage rack, and a louvered front valance, hood, rocker panels, and accessory sun visor. Noted flaws are shown in the gallery and include scratches and blemishes on the left-side running board.

Chrome-finished Truespoke wire wheels measure 14″ in diameter up front as well as 15″ out back and are mounted with a mix of Fisk Classic and General Altimax tires, respectively. The car rides on a TCI Engineering boxed frame and features a dropped front axle with adjustable links, a four-link rear suspension with Koni coilovers, and front and rear Panhard bars. Stopping power is provided by front disc brakes that are said to have been sourced from a Chevrolet Vega.

The cabin features front bucket seats and a rear bench that were reupholstered in striped wool with gray vinyl backing. Equipment includes a floor-mounted shifter, an MP heater, a Guide traffic light viewer, and front lap belts.

A Grant GT steering wheel is mounted to a tilt column and frames an ammeter, while an aftermarket tachometer and additional auxiliary gauges are fitted below the body-color dashboard. A centrally mounted chrome instrument panel houses a barrel-type 80-mph speedometer, an ammeter, a fuel-level gauge, and an inoperative five-digit odometer that shows 16k miles. Total mileage is unknown.

The 400ci Chevrolet V8 is equipped with a Holley carburetor, a B&M air cleaner, and an Edelbrock intake manifold and cylinder head covers. An aluminum radiator with a SPAL electric puller fan is fitted up front, and the exhaust system consists of Hedman headers flowing into a dual exhaust system with glasspack mufflers. Work performed under current ownership reportedly included an engine tune-up, oil change, and replacement of the battery.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt differential that is said to have been sourced from a Ford Granada. The seller states that the transmission was serviced following their acquisition of the vehicle.

The stamping on the the reproduction identification plate shown above reads A1123583, which is consistent with a 1929 Ford Model A.

LS3-Powered 1940 Chevrolet Master 85 Business Coupe 6-Speed

This 1940 Chevrolet Master 85 business coupe was acquired around a decade ago by the seller and subsequently modified with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8, a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission, and a Positraction differential. The car is finished in black with painted flames on both sides, and features include red and white leather upholstery, Chassis Engineering Mustang II-spec independent front suspension with coilovers, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, 15” Wheel Vintiques wheels, keyless entry, Vintage Air A/C, and electronic exhaust cutouts. This modified Master 85 is being offered with an owner’s manual and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The car has been repainted black and features flames on both sides of the body that were painted by Art Himsl. Equipment includes dual exhausts, chrome bumpers with overriders, a radio antenna, and LED taillights.

Staggered-width 15” black-finished Wheel Vintiques wheels feature chrome trim rings and hubcaps and are mounted with Diamond Back whitewall tires sized 205/60 up front and 255/60 out back. Braking is through power-assisted four-wheel discs with a Hurst Line/Loc kit. The car rides on Chassis Engineering Mustang II-spec independent front suspension with coilovers.

The cabin has reportedly been lined with Dynamat and Dynaliner sound deadening material and houses a bench seat trimmed in red and white leather with color-coordinated door panels. Black carpets line the floors, and amenities include keyless entry, a Vintage Air A/C system, a Viper alarm, lap belts, hanging clutch and brake pedal assembly, and a Vintage Auto radio wired to Alpine speakers in the kick panels and rear parcel shelf.

An ivory-color two-spoke steering wheel with a chrome horn ring has been cut to 15″ in diameter and is mounted to an Ididit tilt steering column. Instrumentation includes a horizontal 120-mph speedometer, auxiliary gauges, and an 8k-rpm Classic Instruments Rocket Tachometer mounted atop the dash. The six-digit odometer shows approximately 9k miles, all of which have been added by the seller. Total mileage is unknown.

The 6.2-liter LS3 V8 crate engine was installed during current ownership and reportedly features a Ron Francis wiring kit, a Billet Specialties serpentine belt system, aluminum Be Cool radiator, a 2.5″ exhaust with electronic cutouts, and a Rock Valley 20-gallon fuel tank. An oil change was performed in preparation for the sale.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission with a QuickTime bellhousing, a hydraulic clutch, and a 12-bolt rear end housing a Positraction differential with 3.42:1 gearing. Additional underbody photos are provided in the gallery below.