This 1969 Dodge Charger is fresh from a close to three-decade sleep, having last turned a wheel some 27 years ago. The exterior presents surprisingly well, but the close-ups reveal a project that has more than few cosmetic issues to sort. Old-school Oregon license plates confirm its long-time departure from road-going use, but the seller has acquired Vermont title to make it easier to register should it be restored. Find it here on eBay with bids at $12K and no reserve.

It always shocks me to see some the prices these cars get bid to, despite the impressive amount of work that will be needed. I caught some flack from commenters on my 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 project for being too rusty, but it’s hardly any worst than this (better, if I say so myself). But that’s the fun part about this hobby: if it’s a car we’re passionate about, all we see is potential – not the problems. The good news is this Charger has some nice lines down the side, with rot limited to the lower sills.

The amount of surface rust is unsettling, and it is everywhere. The seller notes that the engine is believed to be a 383 but does not confirm whether it is matching. He also adds that “…grill, trim, lights, in nice condition and will need most sheetmetal repaired or replaced.” That all but confirms my thoughts that the body is rustier than it seems, and the amount of visible surface rust likely indicates prolonged exposure to moisture. Still, it is a complete Charger, and there’s significant value for that alone.

The interior features bucket seats and a full console, along with very musty carpets. However, the seating surfaces look surprisingly good, and green-on-green color combo would appear to be original based on the matching color in the door jambs. The seller has provided additional pictures of the undersides and trunk floor, both of which appear to be suffering from rot of varying degrees. Included in the sale will be a set of Magnum 500 wheels, a spare instrument panel, and an extra rear valence with surface rust. Is the bidding justified or is this too much of a project for the money?