The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T -440 hardtop is one of the most instantly recognizable cars in the pantheon of American Muscle. The charger itself to begin with is one of the most recognizable styles of all of the cars made throughout the sixties and seventies. Beginning in 1968, Dodge adjusted the way the charger looked into what would later become known as “coke bottle” design. The change is still reflected in the ‘69 models with only slight changes made to the basic package of the 1968 version. The coke bottle design was a style that became popular on several muscle cars of the era. The term indicated a widening of the fenders with a narrower midsection on the car to give it the appearance of one of those vintage coke bottles lying on its side.

Part of the the 1969 Dodge Charge R/T -440 hardtop’s enduring popularity has to do with the fact that the 1969 Dodge Charger was immortalized as one of the great cars of all time by featuring as the "General Lee" in the 1980’s TV show, "The Dukes of Hazzard". The cars used in the television show were not exclusively the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T -440 hardtop, however several of them were used. The show also employed 1968 chargers modified to look like the ‘69, as well as various editions of the 69 charger.

The differences should be pointed out between the 1969 Charger and the 1968. The major modifications to the dodge charger came in 1968 as Dodge revamped the car into the shape and engineering that has become so classic and collectible. The changes to the 1969 model were minimum, but there were a few. The easiest way to identify the difference between the two years is the 1969 models have a split front grille, as opposed to a continuous one like the 68’s. The headlights were also given a new treatment, they were adjusted to a horizontal plane to give it a slightly more sporty appearance.

The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T -440 hardtop was a monster in terms of speed. The R/T (road and track) edition of the car came equipped with some additional features that made the care even more suitable for racing and power exhibitions. The engine in this model could provide 425 HP and the car had a very high top speed. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T -440 hardtop also came with heavy duty suspension and special handling outfitting for those road and track applications. The car’s were not readily identifiable as being different from the regular charger model except for a small R/T emblem, and a stripe which was an option you could delete if you so chose.

The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-440 hardtop is one of America’s most popular muscle cars for several reasons. The style of the car, while not appreciated as much at the time, is now recognized as the identifying mark of the American muscle car. It performs well, looms large in the public eye due to its television fame, and is a much sought after car by collectors.