1969 Dodge Charger 426 Muscle Car / Specs and History
The 1969 Dodge Charger was a popular muscle car that, like many, was packed with power during the last years before federal emission regulations put a damper on horsepower. Many consider the Dodge Charger a response to the fastback fad started by the Mustang and the Barracuda. Muscle cars came in many shapes and sizes and the Charger was one of the most popular.
The First Dodge Charger and the Muscle Car Era of the 60's
The first Dodge Charger appeared on the scene with the 1964 model year. The car came with a 426 cubic inch Wedge engine. The Max Wedge was a race-only version of the 426 Wedge engine offered from the factory. Chrysler's 426 Wedge engine served as their performance engine until the the 426 Hemi was introduced. Dodge muscle cars made a name for themselves at drag strips across America. Chargers showed well at the NASCAR super speedways and had good performances on the street.
The 1960's represented a great decade for Detroit automakers. The 1950's produced many unique design changes, tail fins being just one example, and created many notable and iconic vehicles, particularly during the latter years. During the 1960's it was an entirely different era in Detroit. It was an era described best as... "just about anything goes". The pony cars and muscle cars of the last half of the 60's pretty much defined that decade. The muscle car fight between the Detroit automakers, GM, Chrysler, Ford and AMC, defined a good part of the late 60's. GM had their Camaro, Ford had their Mustang, Chrysler had their Dodge Charger and AMC stepped forward with their Javelin.
As far as speed and power went, there really wasn't any finish line, that is, until the insurance companies and eventually the federal emission regulations reared their heads.
The 1969 Dodge Charger
The 69 Dodge Charger had a new grille and tail light design. The car had the sporty fastback look that Charger was noted for. Dodge unveiled a new optional Special Edition decor group for Charger and Charger R/T.
The 1969 Dodge Charger's standard engine was the 318 cubic inch V-8. Optional engines included the 383 cubic inch two barrel V8, the 426 Hemi, and the 440 Magnum. Quite a choice. Chrysler produced three generation of hemi engines. The first were produced from 1951 to 1958. The second group from 1964 to 1971 and the third generation was introduced in 2003.
The 440 cubic inch engine was offered from 1967 to 1971. The high performance 440 Magnum delivered 375 horsepower. Zero to 60 ratings on the 426 were 6.0 seconds. For the 440 it was 6.1 seconds.
Three transmissions were available in 1969. These included a three speed manual, a four speed manual and a Torqueflite automatic.The automatic was standard on the R/T model.
Brakes were four wheel drum however front disc brakes were an option.
The 1969 Dodge Charger had a wheelbase of 117.0 inches.
You may enjoy additional car articles on our AutoMuseumOnline website found on the links below...
The First Chevy Corvette
1935 Auburn Boattail Speedster
1967 Chevy Camaro Convertible / 355 Delivering 330 Horsepower
On Muscle Car Journal see the 1968 Chevy Nova Muscle Car
1960's Dodge Chargers Today
Some say that the muscle cars of the 1960's represented the last of the collectible cars. If you're looking for a fully restored Dodge Charger muscle car be prepared to pay. These power automobiles are in demand.
As of this writing, frame off fully restored 1969 Dodge Chargers can have asking prices in the $50,000 to $70,000 range. If you're looking for a late 60's Dodge Charger project car you might be asked for $10,000 to $12,000. Some older restorations with wear showing might be found in the mid $20,000 range.
We have also seen a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T with a 440 Magnum engine for sale with an asking price of $52,000.
Our references and some excellent books you may want to read include...Charger Muscle Portfolio 1966-1974 by author R.M. Clarke..... Supercars : The Story of the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Super Bird by author Frank Moriarty.
(Article and photos copyright Muscle Car Journal)
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| 69 Dodge Charger 426 |
The first Dodge Charger appeared on the scene with the 1964 model year. The car came with a 426 cubic inch Wedge engine. The Max Wedge was a race-only version of the 426 Wedge engine offered from the factory. Chrysler's 426 Wedge engine served as their performance engine until the the 426 Hemi was introduced. Dodge muscle cars made a name for themselves at drag strips across America. Chargers showed well at the NASCAR super speedways and had good performances on the street.
The 1960's represented a great decade for Detroit automakers. The 1950's produced many unique design changes, tail fins being just one example, and created many notable and iconic vehicles, particularly during the latter years. During the 1960's it was an entirely different era in Detroit. It was an era described best as... "just about anything goes". The pony cars and muscle cars of the last half of the 60's pretty much defined that decade. The muscle car fight between the Detroit automakers, GM, Chrysler, Ford and AMC, defined a good part of the late 60's. GM had their Camaro, Ford had their Mustang, Chrysler had their Dodge Charger and AMC stepped forward with their Javelin.
As far as speed and power went, there really wasn't any finish line, that is, until the insurance companies and eventually the federal emission regulations reared their heads.
 |
| Muscle car large hood |
The 69 Dodge Charger had a new grille and tail light design. The car had the sporty fastback look that Charger was noted for. Dodge unveiled a new optional Special Edition decor group for Charger and Charger R/T.
The 1969 Dodge Charger's standard engine was the 318 cubic inch V-8. Optional engines included the 383 cubic inch two barrel V8, the 426 Hemi, and the 440 Magnum. Quite a choice. Chrysler produced three generation of hemi engines. The first were produced from 1951 to 1958. The second group from 1964 to 1971 and the third generation was introduced in 2003.
The 440 cubic inch engine was offered from 1967 to 1971. The high performance 440 Magnum delivered 375 horsepower. Zero to 60 ratings on the 426 were 6.0 seconds. For the 440 it was 6.1 seconds.
Three transmissions were available in 1969. These included a three speed manual, a four speed manual and a Torqueflite automatic.The automatic was standard on the R/T model.
Brakes were four wheel drum however front disc brakes were an option.
The 1969 Dodge Charger had a wheelbase of 117.0 inches.
You may enjoy additional car articles on our AutoMuseumOnline website found on the links below...
The First Chevy Corvette
1935 Auburn Boattail Speedster
1967 Chevy Camaro Convertible / 355 Delivering 330 Horsepower
On Muscle Car Journal see the 1968 Chevy Nova Muscle Car
 |
| Dodge Charger's fastback type design |
Some say that the muscle cars of the 1960's represented the last of the collectible cars. If you're looking for a fully restored Dodge Charger muscle car be prepared to pay. These power automobiles are in demand.
As of this writing, frame off fully restored 1969 Dodge Chargers can have asking prices in the $50,000 to $70,000 range. If you're looking for a late 60's Dodge Charger project car you might be asked for $10,000 to $12,000. Some older restorations with wear showing might be found in the mid $20,000 range.
We have also seen a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T with a 440 Magnum engine for sale with an asking price of $52,000.
Our references and some excellent books you may want to read include...Charger Muscle Portfolio 1966-1974 by author R.M. Clarke..... Supercars : The Story of the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Super Bird by author Frank Moriarty.
(Article and photos copyright Muscle Car Journal)
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