1969 Dodge Charger 500

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“Many people are aware of the 'Aero Wars' of 1969 and 1970 in NASCAR, when Chrysler and Ford reshaped their cars in radical ways to make them go faster. While pushing the bounds of what could plausibly be called 'stock' cars, the companies raced—and sold to the public—some of the most outlandish cars ever built in Detroit. And one of the lesser known cars–the Charger 500–is also the rarest of the bunch.” Road & Track, “The unknown muscle car Dodge built to dominate NASCAR,” May 2016

A surprise even to many Mopar aficionados, the 1969 Dodge Charger 500 was indeed produced in the lowest numbers of the Charger models; 392 Charger 500 units versus the also rare Charger Daytona at 503 (according to Road & Track). Seeing this rarest Charger offered in the company of its two 1969 Charger stable mates—all three in the same color, Charger red—is a near mind-altering experience for the enthusiast-collector.

The Charger 500 sports its “serious business” baby hubcaps, full-width grille with four exposed headlights, black pressed-steel wheels, blackwall BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, black “500” rear-deck stripe which, with chrome emblems front and back, identify it as the “rarest” Charger. The hardtop's original bodywork with no vinyl top displays the Charger red exterior paint beautifully. The “500” shares its bespoke fuel-filler cap, rear fascia, and chrome bumpers with the R/T SE.

In similar fashion, much (but not all) of the 500's interior trim and accouterments mirror the R/T SE's, including its automatic shifter and full-length console, comprehensive performance-oriented gauge package featuring 150-mph speedometer and unique tachometer surrounding the analog clock, map pockets incorporated in the door trim, and wood-rimmed steering wheel. Black vinyl tufted upholstery and black carpeting are also shared. Unlike the R/T SE, however, the 500's dashboard is free of wood trim.

The engine bay displays the 440 Magnum 4-barrel V8 rated at 375 horsepower shared by both models. Every detail from paint, to components, to hoses and hardware exhibits the outstanding quality of the restoration work. In similar fashion, the car's undercarriage is complete and tidy. The more than 190 photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available at the GarageKeptMotors website faithfully represent the condition and quality of this rare 500.

Thank you for looking.