Debuted in 1966, the Dodge Charger achieved sales of 37,344 units in its inaugural year on the market. However, the following year witnessed a decline in sales to a mere 15,788 examples.
This prompted Dodge to revamp the Charger, giving it a sleeker exterior and a more conventional interior, aligning it with the standards of most muscle cars during that era.
The second-generation Charger proved to be a resounding success. A staggering 96,100 customers flocked to showrooms to purchase the 1968 model. In 1969, Dodge shattered records by selling an impressive 104,978 units, a milestone that remained unmatched until 1973.
While the 1969 Charger remains a beloved classic, it’s also relatively common, particularly when compared to other Mopar models from the same year. However, the R/T variant is somewhat rarer. Less than 20% of the total production opted for this high-performance package.
Specifically, 19,298 customers selected the R/T bundle, which included enhanced suspension, bucket seats, and a formidable big-block V8 as standard. As for the current availability of these cars, it remains uncertain as some still languish in junkyards. Nonetheless, examples stored in garages and barns occasionally resurface intact. This Medium Green Poly R/T is one such discovery.
Having been parked for nearly two decades, this Charger requires extensive restoration. It is covered in a thick layer of dust, lacks certain components, and exhibits significant rust along the lower body. However, it retains its status as a genuine R/T, as confirmed by the accompanying fender tag. Additionally, it boasts a rare combination of options.
To begin with, it features a triple-green exterior. Despite the white top, the original vinyl top was green a factory option at the time. The interior, in a lighter shade of green, further complements the Charger’s all-green aesthetic, a rarity in today’s market.
Furthermore, this Mopar was ordered with a stripe delete, a relatively uncommon choice. While the exact number of Charger owners who selected this option is unknown, it is generally regarded as a rare feature. Dodge opted for prominent “R/T” badges on the rear fenders, a unique characteristic exclusive to the 1969 model year.
Under the hood lies a 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB V8 engine, fitting for a Charger R/T of its time. In 1969, this muscle car came standard with the 440 and offered the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8 as an option, with only 432 units produced.
Unfortunately, the 440 engine is not numbers-matching. According to our host, the engine is date-coded from 1971, indicating that a previous owner performed an engine swap. While this may impact the car’s value, the Charger remains a worthy candidate for restoration. Once restored, it will undoubtedly be a stunning classic, boasting a rare combination of optional features.
Additionally, sourcing a 1969-coded 440 V8 should not pose a significant challenge. We previously witnessed a walkaround of this car a couple of weeks ago, and now it’s time to witness its emergence from the garage after nearly two decades.
