The 1969 Dodge HEMI® Charger 500 is one of the most legendary muscle cars ever built, and a pristine example of this rare beast is heading to the Mecum Glendale auction on Saturday, March 22, 2025. With only 67 HEMI Charger 500s produced for the 1969 model year — and just 27 equipped with the 4-speed manual transmission — this car is as rare as they come.
Dodge built the Charger 500 to solve the aerodynamic issues that plagued the 1968 Charger R/T on NASCAR’s high-speed oval tracks. Despite its aggressive looks, the ’68 Charger struggled against the Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. Wind tunnel tests revealed that the tunneled rear window created lift, while the wide, recessed front grille caused too much drag. To fix these issues, Dodge engineers gave the Charger 500 a flush rear window and borrowed the grille from the 1968 Coronet, resulting in a more streamlined shape built for speed.
Under the hood of this Charger 500 lies the legendary 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 engine, producing a brutal 425 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerhouse features dual 4-barrel carburetors, hemispherical cylinder heads, and a dual exhaust system — all of which help this car deliver incredible performance. This example is paired with a matching-numbers 4-speed manual transmission and comes equipped with the A34 Super Track Pak, which includes a 4.10 Dana 60 Sure Grip rear end for maximum traction.
This particular Charger 500 underwent an extensive restoration in 2007 and scored an impressive 97.25 out of 100 at the prestigious Chryslers at Carlisle show in 2008. The car is packed with period-correct features, including power steering, power brakes with front discs, bucket seats, a center console, a remote mirror, an AM radio, and a woodgrain steering wheel. It sits on Kelsey Hayes wheels wrapped in Goodyear white stripe tires.
Documentation for this rare muscle car includes Carlisle magazine coverage and dyno sheets, adding to its already impressive pedigree. For any collector or Mopar enthusiast, this Charger 500 represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of NASCAR-inspired history. Don’t miss the chance to see this stunning example cross the auction block at Mecum Glendale.
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