We use the term “droptop” as a synonym for a convertible, but Dodge never built a Charger droptop. So what are your thoughts on a Charger “slidetop”? Because our Pick of the Day is a 1969 Dodge Charger with a special option not often seen. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sherwood, Oregon.
Dodge offered several convertibles in 1969. The Dart was available as an upscale GT and performance-oriented GTS. The Coronet followed a similar path, with the convertible being available as a 500 and performance R/T. The full-size cars were a bit different, as the low-line Polara featured a convertible, as did the sporty mid-line Polara 500.
It seems that the Charger was the only model that didn’t feature a convertible, but as it was based on the same platform as the Coronet, it made no sense to offer a droptop for the hit sport coupe that experienced a rebirth after its 1968 redesign.
In these years, there were two Charger models: Charger and Charger R/T. The Charger was available in two configurations: Charger 6 and Charger 8, with the latter featuring a standard 230-horsepower 318; a 383 two-barrel or 383 four-barrel were optional.
The Charger R/T also was available in several configurations, though in a different manner. The Charger 500 came with a flush nose and backlite for NASCAR homologation, while the Charger Daytona was its successor. Standard for these cars was the 375-horsepower 440 Magnum, with the optional 426 Hemi offering 50 more horses. (The 440 Six Pack wasn’t available until 1970.)
A new Special Edition (SE) package was available for both Charger models, though not available on R/Ts with the Hemi. Upgraded equipment included leather and vinyl front bucket seats, a woodgrain steering wheel, woodgrain inserts in the instrument panel, hood-mounted turn-signal indicators, pedal dress-up, deep-dish wheel covers, a light package, and Special Edition badges on the C-pillars.
So maybe Dodge didn’t feel a Charger convertible was necessary, but it did add a special option that was starting to show its face in the industry: a sunroof. They were very expensive (over $400) and not available on many American vehicles, but starting in 1969, the Charger was one of them. Dodge announced this in a September 18, 1968, bulletin, mentioning that a vinyl top was required. When the dust settled, 260 Chargers and 131 Charger R/Ts were built for the U.S. market with this option.
Barring the R/T, the ultimate regular Charger would be built with a 383 four-barrel and a sunroof. This Bright Blue metallic 1969 Dodge Charger fits that bill to a T. “It has a fresh coat of factory original B5 Blue paint that looks beautiful, especially with the new vinyl top,” says the seller. “The body is in amazing shape throughout.” Claimed to be a one-owner California car, this Charger is also believed to feature the original C6D blue upholstery, though the carpet and headliner are new. “The power windows have new motors and we rebuilt the sunroof motor too.” Other features include a remote driver-side mirror and Road Wheels. Both the 330-horse engine and TorqueFlite automatic have been rebuilt.
You can choose a Coronet 500 convertible and enjoy the rays or you can go with the exceptional styling of the Charger and soak up the sun thanks to a sunroof. Yes, Chargers are expensive these days, but the $69,500 being asked for this Mopar muscle car seems like a proper price point. It’s time for you to slide over and scoop it up before someone else does.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
