Classic Dodge Charger Wears Legendary Drag Racer’s Seal of Approval

By Brett Foote - January 30, 2019

Don ‘Big Daddy’ Garlits is often called the father of drag racing and he is a big time Charger and Mopar fan.

On the surface, this might just look like any other heavily patina’d 1969 Dodge Charger out there in the world. And sure enough, it seems like the seller accepted a fair offer after ending his eBay listing for the car early. But even though it certainly looks like a solid project with lots of potential, that wasn’t what caught our eye this time around. It was the signature on the glovebox of this Charger that makes it something extra special.

Look closely at the provided pictures, and you can see that this ’69 Charger proudly wears the John Hancock of “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. You know, the guy otherwise known as the father of drag racing. The man who helped make the rear-engine top fuel dragster a thing. Not to mention the very first person to to reach the 170, 180, 200, 240, 250, and 270 mph marks in the quarter-mile.

So far as we know, this Charger didn’t actually belong to Garlits. But given the bidding, we doubt that would be the case anyway. More likely, the legendary driver signed the glovebox at the owner’s request, perhaps at some event. Regardless, that little touch just makes what was already an iconic car even cooler.

The car itself is believed to be a numbers-matching 318/automatic that supposedly runs and drives. The rear quarters have been replaced, and there is a little rust on the frame. Otherwise, it looks pretty darn solid and complete. Certainly the kind of car that deserves a restoration, even without that famous signature on the dash. And we’re guessing that’s exactly what the future holds for this cool old Charger.