Dale Vinten
January 4, 2024
There are few classic American muscle cars as iconic as the Dodge Challenger. Idolized by many a petrolhead and contender for dream garage material for those of us that hold a thumping great V8 and co*ke bottle styling in high esteem, the Challenger has rightly earned its place among that most distinguished list of Yanky yobbos. Sitting proudly alongside the Ford Mustang, Plymouth Barracuda and Pontiac GTO, to name but three, it’s safe to say that the Dodge Challenger will likely be most fondly remembered as Kowalski’s steed of choice in the epic road movie Vanishing Point. A film, and indeed car that left an indelible mark on the grand automotive landscape.
Don’t we all, as classic car fans and driving enthusiasts, dream of jumping in a beautifully penned, powerful, raw and unapologetically cool classic, gunning the engine to a symphony of suck, squeeze, bang, blow before heading into the sunrise, just like Barry Newman in that cult classic film? It’s a hugely romantic and endearing fantasy and one that the Dodge Challenger evokes so well. Just take a look at the pictures included in the auction listing for this 1969 model. See what we mean?
Built between 1969 and 1974 the Dodge Challenger was at the forefront of the American muscle car wars of the period when every US auto manufacturer was trying to outdo each other in a bid for more power, and faster 0-60 times in order to be crowned muscle car king. Based on Chrysler’s E-Body platform and sharing many parts with the aforementioned Plymouth Barracuda, the Challenger was destined for glory and was marketed as a potent and powerful pony car from the outset.
Designed by Carl Cameron, who also penned the Challenger’s big brother the Charger, this new Dodge model was available as a hard top, coupé and convertible – all two-door. Engines ranged from a 3.2-litre six-pot to the big daddy “Magnum”, “Hemi” and 7.2-litre “Six-Pack” V8s that were available in the R/T performance version.
What is it?
This first-gen 1969 Dodge Challenger R/T just so happens to be one such performance version and comes equipped with the largest 7.2-litre 440 Six Pack V8, named for its three, two barrel carburettors. What that means is a whopping 380 horsepower all being fed directly to the rear wheels via a three speed automatic gearbox for hooning perfection. Glorious. In factory spec and highly original the car was imported to the UK and registered in 2003 and comes complete with its original build sheet.
Why is it a project?
Presenting beautifully in its factory lime green metallic over black paintwork the car is in excellent condition for its age but there are a few cosmetic blemishes here and there. It does appear to be a solid, rust-free example, however. The reason we’re featuring this beast as Project Profile is by virtue of the fact that it has been off the road for much of the last five years. It does start and run but will require some mechanical checks and recommissioning before being put back into full tyre-shredding service.
What should you look for?
As this is an auction listing we’ve been all up in the Challenger’s grille, quite literally. We’ve had a proper good look around, taken hundreds of photos and written a detailed, accurate and honest listing so you can bid with confidence. But, like we say, a full mechanical check over is required if you’re planning on driving it home so bear that in mind.
What should you do with it?
Following a clean bill of health all that’s really left to do is drive this thing. Yes, there are some minor cosmetic issues but these can be addressed on an ad-hoc basis. Get the oily bits up to par and give it a thorough service, replacing any perished or tired parts as necessary and then have some fun because that’s what these muscular brutes are all about. Smiles per mile. But be quick, this auction ends tomorrow night!
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