How many 1969 Dodge Chargers still exist?
The 1969 Dodge Charger is one of the most iconic and beloved muscle cars of all time. While exact numbers are difficult to pin down, it's estimated that only a small fraction of the original 1969 Dodge Chargers produced still exist today. The exact number is a matter of debate, but experts believe that somewhere between 10,000 to 15,000 of these classic cars remain in various states of preservation and restoration.
The Popularity and Rarity of the 1969 Dodge Charger
The 1969 Dodge Charger was a high-performance, two-door fastback that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and the general public alike. Its sleek, aggressive styling and powerful engine options made it a standout in the muscle car era. However, the Charger's popularity also contributed to its rarity today.
During the 1969 model year, Dodge produced approximately 89,000 Chargers. However, many of these cars were driven hard, modified, or simply fell victim to the ravages of time and neglect. The 1969 Charger's popularity also made it a prime target for theft, further reducing the number of original cars still in existence.
Factors Affecting the Survival of 1969 Dodge Chargers
Several factors have contributed to the dwindling number of 1969 Dodge Chargers on the road today:
- Rust and Deterioration: The Charger's unibody construction and use of steel made it susceptible to rust, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. Many Chargers succumbed to the elements over the years.
- Modifications and Customization: The Charger's popularity as a muscle car led many owners to modify or customize their vehicles, often in ways that reduced their original value and collectability.
- Accidents and Crashes: The Charger's powerful engines and high-performance capabilities also made it more prone to accidents, further reducing the number of original cars still in existence.
- Neglect and Abandonment: Some Chargers were simply left to rot in junkyards or backyards, their owners unable or unwilling to maintain or restore them.
Despite these challenges, the 1969 Dodge Charger remains one of the most sought-after and valuable muscle cars on the collector's market. Well-preserved and restored examples can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, reflecting the enduring appeal and rarity of this iconic American automobile.
What was the only car to beat the General Lee?
Back the only car to beat the General Lee in the series was a blue Mustang the double.
How much is a 1969 Charger worth now?
In the last three years there have been 28 1969 Dodge Chargers sold at public auction. The most recent auction sale of a 1969 Dodge Charger was $82,500 on January 17, 2025 by Mecum Auctions.
Are 1969 Dodge Chargers rare?
Trim options for the 1969 Dodge Charger included the base model, Special Edition, Charger R/T, Charger 500, and Charger Daytona. Though Dodge produced a relatively large number of their base model, the other Dodge Charger trims are considered rare, particularly when equipped with high-performing engine options.
Why are 1969 Chargers so expensive?
Due to the fact that the '69 Dodge Charger has been featured in so many movies, television shows, and was even requested by NASCAR, this vehicle is likely to always remain one of the most sought-after classic cars ever.
How many 69 Chargers were destroyed in Dukes of Hazzard?
317
317 total 1969 Dodge Chargers were destroyed in the making of the 147 episodes of "The Dukes of Hazzard", with the average of three of these classics wrecked per episode. They were not classics when the show was produced.
Who owns the original General Lee car?
Golfer Bubba Watson
Golfer Bubba Watson owns the original General Lee that was used to shoot the opening scenes of the television show. According to the BBC, Watson announced that he would remove the Confederate flag from the roof of General Lee 1 and repaint it with the US flag.
How many real general lees are left?
17 originals
Approximately 17 originals still exist, although in various states of repair. On average, more than one General Lee was used up per show. When filming a jump, anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds (230 to 450 kg) of sand bags or concrete ballast was placed in the trunk to prevent the car from nosing over.
Who owns the real General Lee car?
Bubba Watson
When production ended, 17 General Lees – in various stages of disrepair – survived. Bubba Watson, who now owns "Lee 1", said he would paint over the car's Confederate Flag roof and replace it with an American Flag, much to the consternation of pretty much everyone on the internet.
How many 1969 Dodge Chargers were left?
Its a rule of thumb in the classic car hobby that after 25 years, the number of a given car still in existence tends to hover around 10% of production, which would be 8,500 in the the 1969 Charger's case.
Why are 69 chargers so expensive?
Due to the fact that the '69 Dodge Charger has been featured in so many movies, television shows, and was even requested by NASCAR, this vehicle is likely to always remain one of the most sought-after classic cars ever.
