Rare Original Drivetrain Charger 500 426 HEMI 4 Speed Broadcast Sheet

Many classics have amazing stories to tell, interesting not only because of what they are, but also the lives they've led. That's the scope of this fully documented, numbers-matching Dodge Charger 500. Immaculate, ultra-rare and historically significant, this Hemi-powered icon offers a little bit of everything for every interest. So, sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy the tale of this special MoPar!

FORDS, 500S AND WINGED WARRIORS

Our presentation begins with a mild history lesson. Most muscle car aficionados know Charger 500s as incredibly rare classics that are the 'missing link' between regular Chargers and Chrysler's outrageous Winged Warriors: the Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird. See, round about 1969, Ford and Mercury were dominating NASCAR competition with aerodynamically superior cars, and the new-for-1968 Dodge Charger just didn't take well to high-banked ovals and speeds close to 200 MPH. Most notably, the car's recessed grille was catching wind like a parachute, and its recessed backlite, complete with dramatic sail panels, created lift that severely affected high-speed stability. In an effort to make their drivers more competitive, Dodge engineers bolted a Coronet grille onto the Charger's nose, and fashioned a sloped, flush-fit backlite that would ultimately define the competition-ready Charger 500. Of course, if the teams wanted to race it, the factory had to build it. That meant putting at least 500 of these cars on the street in the hands of paying customers. According to well-known MoPar expert Galen Govier, who fully documented and verified this particular Charger 500, there were precisely 559 Charger 500s built in 1969. Of those, only 116 were, like this car, fitted with a legendary Hemi V8. And of those 116, only 32 were, like this coupe, equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. So, there you have it: any way you look at it, this exceptionally restored, numbers-matching Charger is an incredibly rare classic!

Ultimately, by the end of 1969, Ford rolled out new, even more aerodynamic bodies that made the Charger 500 uncompetitive. That led to Chrysler quickly shelving their new hot rod in favor of the totally wicked Charger Daytona. While it was a sad ending for a great exercise in engineering, it gave the car instant exclusivity and pretty much guaranteed timeless collectability.

ACES FLY

Over the course of two years, this clean Dodge received a complete rotisserie restoration at StripMasters Pure Muscle Restorations in Milton, Florida. And today, correct B5 Blue highlights a build that was completed to the highest standard in every way. Here's where this particular Charger's history gets really interesting and, without this piece of the puzzle, mentioning the car's high quality restoration barely scratches the surface.

David “Radar” Roark, fresh off a couple tours flying combat missions over Vietnam, settled in Jacksonville, Florida in the summer of 1970. Anxious to buy a new car, he went out looking for a piece of high-performance iron that would fulfill the massive adrenaline rush fighter pilots know and love. Just so happens he stumbled upon this low-mile Charger 500, which had been traded back to its original dealer because its original owner didn't like driving a stick. So, Roark hauled a little over $4,000 to the showroom and became this Dodge's long-term caretaker.

Believe it or not, this 4-speed, Hemi Charger served as David's daily driver until 1985 when, after 35 years of service, he officially retired from the U.S. Navy. Since the car was still all-original, and in great shape, David decided to store it until he could execute a proper restoration. Fast forward 15 quick years when, circa 2000, David moved the car to his home garage and started the process of disassembling it. Unfortunately, good intentions aside, he quickly realized that he just didn't have the time to finish such an intricate project. He contacted his good friend Ray Younkin of Pure Muscle Restorations, and Ray's shop adopted the build in earnest. Initially, David wanted to substantially modify the car to make it a better driver, mentioning things like a massaged chassis and a new 6-speed. Fortunately, Ray convinced him to put the ultra-rare Charger back to factory-correct. It was ultimately decided that David would reluctantly sell his restored, ultra-valuable Charger and buy something he could play with semi-daily. It didn't take long to find a buyer.

Sadly, life isn't always 'happily ever after'. On January 10, 2006, just a few weeks after selling the Charger, David was killed while flying a T-39 Sabreliner; a small commuter jet-style airplane used to move high-ranking officers around the country. David's sudden death prompted Ray and the staff at Pure Muscle to go all-out on this Charger for its new owner, knowing how much the car meant to their friend. And, working with the new owner, the guys restored this classic back to factory-correct condition: a 100% authentic, numbers-matching Hemi 4-speed Charger 500 that's loaded with options.

BETTER THAN EVER

With this collector car, authenticity is part of the package, and all six numbers that determine numbers-matching status are present and accurate. The dash VIN is verified as correct with correct rivets. The primary body codes on the top of the radiator support are correct. The secondary body codes in the trunk lip are correct. The fender tag is correct and located on the driver's inner fender. And the VIN stampings on both the engine and transmission have been verified as original. Aesthetically, this Dodge seems to have an inner glow that can only come from a shop spending countless hours sanding and polishing its sheetmetal and paint. As well as being original, all that sheetmetal has been flawlessly straightened and carefully aligned by the experts at Pure Muscle. All chrome and stainless has been either restored or replaced. And naturally there's a correct Bumblebee Stripe with correct “500” cutouts.

THE ELEPHANT LIVES!

Under the hood, an original Hemi wears a correct 2468330 casting number, an August 5th, 1968 casting date, an October 27th, 1968 assembly code and a matching 210737 partial VIN. That mill was fully rebuilt to stock specifications using a roster of authentic components that includes original carbs, an original air cleaner, original exhaust manifolds and an original radiator. And the car's engine compartment is detailed to national-show-winning standards, with a vision of accuracy that utilized 100% correct and date-coded parts. Behind the Hemi, an original A833 4-speed features an October 2nd, 1968 casting date, a November 3rd, 1968 assembly date and a matching 210737 partial VIN. That gearbox spins an original Dana 60 axle that's packed with Super Track Pack 4.10 gears. Like the engine compartment, this Dodge's original floors were refinished to show standards. The suspension has been fully rebuilt and detailed with correct factory markings and tags. The exhaust system is a reproduction piece that includes correct resonators and correct tips. And the car currently rolls on handsome reproduction Magnums, which lap 235/60R15 Turbo-Tech G/T Radial redlines.

LEGENDARY

Swing the doors and you'll find a full suite of Legendary vinyl that was installed during this Dodge's detailed restoration. A warp-free dash sports fully rebuilt telemetry, spiced with a 5,000 RPM Tic-Toc-Tach, next to a crisp Music Master AM radio. Medium Blue seats look excellent under correct, Medium Blue belts. A bright, wood-trimmed console is anchored around a polished Hurst shifter. Everything from the car's headliner and sail panels to its carpet and side panels is correct to how it left the assembly line. And the driver tills turns through a color-keyed steering wheel.

The fact that this Charger exists as a tribute to such a devoted and awesome enthusiast, someone who recognized its significance and lovingly preserved it for more than 30 years, tells you all you need to know about how special the car truly is. And when you look at the criteria that make cars like this desirable to collectors, this Dodge ticks all the right boxes. This is a Holy Grail classic for any MoPar collector and, better still, it's a storied gem that presents a serious enthusiast the exclusive opportunity to become a part of something bigger. Call, click or visit https://www.RKMotors.com for more information!

----------

HIGHLIGHTS

* Fully documented, numbers-matching Hemi/4-speed Charger 500 that's been correctly restored
* The beneficiary of a professional rotisserie restoration
* One of only 559 1969 Charger 500s built
* One of only 116 1969 Charger 500s optioned with a Hemi
* One of only 32 1969 Charger 500s optioned with a Hemi and a 4-speed
* Original 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with correct dual-quad induction
* Original A833 4-speed manual transmission
* Original Dana 60 Super Track pack rear axle with 4.10 gears
* Factory power steering
* Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Correct Medium Blue vinyl interior
* All-original sheetmetal with correct B5 Blue paint and a correct Bumblebee Stripe
* Polished Magnum 500 wheels
* Documented with Broadcast Sheet
* Copy of original owner's Warranty Card
* Restoration photos
* Copy of the car's feature in Mopar Collector's Guide
* Galen Govier paperwork
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world