1969 Dodge Charger: Spotted

Two notable former owners, one 8.1-litre engine and a hundred thousand of your English pounds

Ultimate bad guy car? Has to be up there. We're all aware of the Charger's most famous cinematic role and it played the villain's car so perfectly because it looks, well, villainous. The front is bluff and angry, the sheer size is imposing and black always makes cars more terrifying. It wouldn't quite work in yellow, would it?

What you looking at?

So as specifications for Chargers go, this one has to be one of the most desirable. Yes, it's an auto and, yes, it isn't an R/T, but it is black and it does have an engine even more potent than an R/T. As in 496 cubic inches, or 8.1-litres. A great big eff-off lump of V8 muscle to give the Charger another hit of automotive aggression. In case a plain old Hemi was a bit meek.

Looked at the advert yet? Thought so. Shocked at the price? Yep. However, as previous owners to have on a car, Jay Kay and Bruce Willis are fairly incredible names to feature. Willis owned the car for a decade and it was with Jay Kay from 2008 until the sale now. It was the latter who spent a reputed £25K on the larger engine. Figures.

PH doesn't typically get excited about celebrity ownership, and the car is certainly interesting enough to feature on its own merit, but this may be the exception. A Dodge Charger owned by Bruce Willis? Come on!

There's muscle and then there's muscle

Now £105,000 is a lot of money, particularly for something that's probably best enjoyed as a static object. As an alternative along similar lines, this Mustang is a little more affordable and has been subjected to what appears a magnificent restoration. Shame it's not a Highland Green GT390 really...

Furthermore, it seems classic Americana is having its own price rise anyway. There's a Camaro at £95K and three old Corvettes at well over £100K which makes the Charger look if not reasonable then a little more understandable.

There's a horrible suspicion that an old US muscle car will always be worse than expected in the UK. It probably won't even burnout that well with an auto. But for those who like classic muscle there's arguably nothing more desirable than an old black Charger. Its ownership history just seals the deal. Hopefully it will be bought by a petrolhead who will really appreciate it rather than a (very wealthy) fan collecting memorabilia. After all, Jay Kay clearly enjoyed using the car so it would be rude not to continue in a similar vein!

DODGE CHARGER
Price: £105,000
Why you should: "What do you drive?"/ "8.1-litre Dodge Charger"
Why you shouldn't: "Cool, how much was it?/ "Err... 8.1-litre Dodge Charger"

See the original advert here.