Road Test Classic !! 1969 426 Hemi Dodge Charger 500 – Road Test TV

In 1969, approximately 69,000 Dodge Chargers were sold.  The motors available for Charger buyers started with the 318 and worked up the option list from 383 to the 440 Magnum all the way up to the almighty 425 horsepower dual quad 426 Hemi.  Believe it or not, 1969 Charger buyers could drop down to a 225 cubic inch slant 6 if they checked the right (or wrong) box on the order form.   Thankfully, only 500 people did. 

Dodge also created a new Charger trim model for 1969, the Charger 500, so that Dodge could have a slippery aerodynamic advantage on the NASCAR circuit.  The 1969 Charger 500 was equipped with a flush grille that other Chargers did not posses, and the rear window was made flush as well for the aero advantage.

Dodge also introduced another race-ready model in 1969, the Dodge Charger Daytona, which resembles Plymouth’s Superbird with its unique wedge front fascia, hidden headlights and huge rear spoiler (Shown in the photo above).

Of the nearly 69,000 Chargers built in 1969, only 67 Dodge Charger 500s were ordered with the massive 426 Hemi. The video below is a rare glimpse at this unique beast being put through its paces in a full road test (source MuscleCarFilms.com).

Test results:
0 – 30 mph 2.8 seconds
0 – 45 mph 4.0 seconds
0 – 60 mph 6.9 seconds
1/4 mile 14.1 seconds