Descrição
This car is Lot 148 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 148
1969 Dodge Charger R/ T 440 'Magnum' Coupe
Registration no.
Chassis no. XP29H9B215917
440ci 'Magnum' OHV V8 Engine
Single Carburetor
375bhp at 4, 600rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
Power Drum Brakes
* Professionally built machine
* Numerous modern touches for improved drivability
* Sinister Black over Black color scheme
* The coolest bad guy car
THE DODGE CHARGER
1969 was the heyday of the American Muscle Car and the Dodge Charger was in the core of the furnace. The Charger's fastback two-door hardtop body style with its "Coke bottle" fenders, full width grille and simulated fender side extractor vents was distinctly purposeful and subtly refined. Its appeal didn't depend on fins, flairs or embellishment, just good design attractively presented.
Under the skin the Charger had the stuff to back up its visual appeal: magnificent engines, strong transmissions and solid suspension. It wasn't, however, a "Good Guys" car, having a potent but portentous presence that communicated more menace than promise.
That was the temper of the times, which may have been why the producers of Bullitt chose a Dodge Charger R/ T for the bad guys to drive. In retrospect, where everything about the great Bullitt chase scene is bonded in the epoxy of legend, questions are irrelevant. Bad guys drove Chargers.
THE CAR OFFERED
This black Charger very much looks primed to chase after a certain dark green Mustang. A mildly massaged example, it was completed in 2019 with numerous subtle touches that discretely improve performance without altering the sinister good looks with which the car left the factory.
Fitted with a 440ci V8 putting down 375bhp, the cooling system has been improved with an aluminum radiator to cope with hot days. Power is funneled through an A833 4-speed manual transmission heading back to an 8¾ rear axle. During the restoration, it is reported that new transmission, brake, and fuel lines were fitted while a new gas tank, exhaust, axle bearings, leaf spring bushings and shackles were also replaced. Inside, Dakota Digital gauges replaced the original cluster while the seats, door cards, and carpets were also refreshed.
Other elegant touches include offset P245 front and P295 rear wheels on Magnum 500-style wheels and headlights with electric operation rather than the old vacuum assist.
Showing 1, 171 miles since the build, the car has been minimally used in the last few years. With Dodge having recently retired the Challengerwhich drew much inspiration from the looks of the original Chargerthere is no better time to channel your inner baddy and make some noise in a quiet neighborhood.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
