Sleek and easy to spot with its Charger Red color, the 1969 Charger R/T SE has been through the ringer in terms of restoration and ownership.
In 2020, Terry and Judy Ross bought the completely restored Charger, originally sold by Moss Bros. Dodge in San Bernardino, CA.
In 2006, Louie Barrie of San Bernardino, CA, purchased the car from someone who had torn it apart in an attempt to restore it.
After Barrie’s ownership, the car was sold to a man in Michigan who owned it, along with two other Chargers, until his age started becoming a problem.
It was then that he wanted to sell the trio for $450,000, but as the years passed, the trio of Chargers was split up.
In 2020, the Ross’ got their chance to purchase the 1969 Charger R/T SE.
“I’ve always wanted one,” Terry said. “It was either this or a Challenger, but I’m glad I ended up with this.”
“We grew up with them,” Judy added.
The car came with the original build sheet and articles about the car and its history.
In 1969, 69,100 Chargers were developed; however, only 1,543 were made with special items, including leather seats, air conditioning, and turn signal lights in the hood—to name a few things.
When the Ross’ bought the car, there were only a couple of small dings in the door, but it was otherwise in perfect condition.
Their car also has matching numbers between the motor, transmission, and the rest of the car, clarifying its originality.
The Charger has survived moving states and owners; being driven among other cars and avoiding accidents; and escaped being selected as one of the Dukes of Hazard cars. More than 300 Chargers were chosen—many of which came from California—to be used during the reign of Dukes of Hazard episodes.
The Ross’, who live east of El Dorado in Clay County, said they try to go to as many car shows as possible, including the Harvard Car Show, which they attended Saturday.
One car show they try to attend each year is one at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum near Ashland on Father’s Day weekend.
The only true thing to keep them from attending a show is rain, which causes an issue for them since they live on gravel.
Otherwise, their shining Charger Red car can be seen sitting alongside other classic vehicles throughout the year.
The interior of the Charger wooden lining and black leather seats.
