In 1968, the Charger made a bold move by promoting the R/T package. This move was amplified on the big screen in the famous car chase scene in the movie “Bullitt,” where a Mustang GT chased a sinister Dodge 440. The Charger’s front grille in the following year became the most iconic feature of the car, with a vertical split in the middle.
The 1969 model year was a significant one for the Charger’s Road/Track package, with approximately 19,000 units equipped with high-performance internals. The standard offering was a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine, also known as the 7.2-liter Magnum V8. This powerful engine was complemented by a four-barrel carburetor and a chrome trim that divided the hidden headlamps.
With 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, the Charger impressed tire-smoke enthusiasts. It could be paired with either a Torqueflite three-speed automatic or a four-speed manual transmission. For those seeking even more power, Dodge offered the option of a 426-cubic-inch HEMI engine. This HEMI-god engine boasted oversized valves and dome-shaped heads, delivering 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
Chrysler knew that nothing in their arsenal could outperform the Street HEMI, so they didn’t waste customers’ time with other powertrain choices. However, the HEMI engine was an additional $648 option on top of the $3,575 standard R/T model. This resulted in limited sales, with only 432 out of the 18,776 units assembled in 1969 featuring the HEMI engine.
The majority of the Chargers were equipped with the 440-4 Magnum motor, like the example showcased in the video. This particular car has been stored in a garage in the Chicago area since 2006. Although it was in driving condition 18 years ago, the big V8 engine hasn’t been started since then. The complete history of this iconic Charger is unknown, but it has had three owners in the past 40 years.
Despite being located in an area prone to rust due to its proximity to the Great Lakes, this highly sought-after speed machine is in reasonably good shape. The owners have kept it indoors 90% of the time, protecting it from the Rust Belt’s corrosive effects. There is some rust on the driver’s floor panel and minor holes in the body, but the interior of the Charger is remarkably well-preserved. This particular example is a green-on-green car and features a unique option for its model year: the bumblebee stripe-delete.
Instead of the bumblebee stripes, this Charger proudly displays R/T emblems on the rear fenders, accentuated by pinstripes. Like any true garage find, it wears a thick layer of dust on the outside. The engine has accumulated 104,571 miles (approximately 168,000 kilometers), indicating that the owners likely enjoyed comfortable rides in this Charger, thanks to its air conditioning.
In 1989, the car underwent a major rebuild. The Magnum V8 engine was given an acid degreasing and then fitted with various new components. This included a Crane camshaft, new valve lifters and springs, and a timing chain set. Additionally, one cylinder received new valves, seats, and guides. The rebuild also involved replacing the bearings, gaskets, pumps (fuel, oil, and water), pushrods, and freeze plugs.
The V8 engine was bored 0.040” (1.01 mm), increasing its size to 448 cubic inches (7.34 liters). The crank journals were shaved 0.030” (0.76 mm). It is clear that the car has seen some serious mileage, but it is unlikely that all those miles were leisurely family trips. Despite this, the R/T model was known for its impressive quarter-mile performance. In a test conducted by Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine in April 1969, it clocked a time of 13.83 seconds at 102.2 miles per hour (164.44 kph).
Over the years, the transmission and front end of the car were also overhauled. Some parts, such as the carburetor, distributor, and exhaust, were replaced. In 2004, the brake system was rebuilt, which included the addition of stainless steel brake lines and sleeved calipers. Various other components, such as hoses, wheel cylinders, pads, master cylinder/power assist booster, and silicone brake fluid, were also replaced.
Although the original radio is no longer present, the car does have a CB unit. This is indicated by the large antenna on the deck lid. The car comes with a clean Illinois title. The YouTuber who discovered this car did not attempt to start it, and the trunk and glove box are locked. However, it is unlikely that anything particularly interesting would be found in either of these places.
