Are R/T clones worth more?

[1969chargerrtse]

A well done charger clone is exact in every way of the original R/T. What it boils down to is, how much extra do you want to pay for a VIN tag.

I guess this is one of those things that will never be understood to each side. Maybe mechanically and visually the same, but they are not the same by a long shot. Not even in the same orbit. The Vin tag is so much more than letters and numbers. It's a whole history, a story and a time of when someone sat down and ordered a real Charger R/T. Not something copied of it. And a few rare real R/T's have fender tags and build sheets to go with them and no clone can ever replace that legally.

[Charger-Bodie]

A well done charger clone is exact in every way of the original R/T. What it boils down to is, how much extra do you want to pay for a VIN tag.

I guess this is one of those things that will never be understood to each side. Maybe mechanically and visually the same, but they are not the same by a long shot. Not even in the same orbit. The Vin tag is so much more than letters and numbers. It's a whole history, a story and a time of when someone sat down and ordered a real Charger R/T. Not something copied of it. And a few rare real R/T's have fender tags and build sheets to go with them and no clone can ever replace that legally.

And some of them have faked tags and arent even close to how they came originally. BTW I have a real R/T...It is a Daytona clone!

[R6red4spd69RT]

And some of them have faked tags and aren't even close to how they came originally.

Come on, the fact that there are some people that have faked R/T vins/tags doesn't take away what an R/T is.

[ugly2u]

The whole Vin tag thing does not mean much to me. Mine is an SE, rotisserie restored, every part resto mod to like new. It has sway bars, beefed up springs, disc breaks, 8 3/4, 727, all new front end parts...oh and a new stroked 496! Custom interior made by me etc.

The car gets no less than 10 comments/ stares/ drools every day that I drive it, which is almost every day. That huge grin on my face is DAILY.  

If it were a real R/T i may park in the back of the parking lot, or only drive it on weekends, or not race it, or only storage it, but I may use it far less. I bought mine to drive!! The neighbors don't love the noise, but I do.

Didn't they make fewer plain SE cars than R/Ts? Should be worth more due to rarity...

I'm thinking my car should sell for more than the high value kelly blue book? Probably sell for less than an equivalent rotisserie restored true R/T. But who cares, it's not for sale...unless your offering $80,000 and I will deliver it to you...

My dad bought a new 318 B5 blue charger in 69. That is what got me hooked. His car was no less of an icon than my SE or your RT...

Enjoy what you have, it's worth what someone will pay and not a cent more...Driving a charger, priceless

Yup, I did whip that Chevelle at the track, even better

[R6red4spd69RT]

A well done charger clone is exact in every way of the original R/T. What it boils down to is, how much extra do you want to pay for a VIN tag.

I guess this is one of those things that will never be understood to each side. Maybe mechanically and visually the same, but they are not the same by a long shot. Not even in the same orbit. The Vin tag is so much more than letters and numbers. It's a whole history, a story and a time of when someone sat down and ordered a real Charger R/T. Not something copied of it. And a few rare real R/T's have fender tags and build sheets to go with them and no clone can ever replace that legally.

There you go, I guess it helps if you've been there.

[Cooter]

If it were a real R/T i may park in the back of the parking lot, or only drive it on weekends, or not race it, or only storage it, but I may use it far less. I bought mine to drive!! The neighbors don't love the noise, but I do.

Didn't they make fewer plain SE cars than R/Ts? Should be worth more due to rarity...

I'm thinking my car should sell for more than the high value kelly blue book? Probably sell for less than an equivalent rotisserie restored true R/T. But who cares, it's not for sale...unless your offering $80,000 and I will deliver it to you...

My dad bought a new 318 B5 blue charger in 69. That is what got me hooked. His car was no less of an icon than my SE or your RT...

Enjoy what you have, it's worth what someone will pay and not a cent more...Driving a charger, priceless

Yup, I did whip that Chevelle at the track, even better

Finally, someone gets it....Too bad Some just won't ever. It's the arrogance of some to even think that they are some how "Better" than the other "Lowly" Charger owner because they have a "Real" R/T, and is worth more because of such...Dang, This kinda reminds me of the a$$holish Corvette people at car shows..

[Charger-Bodie]

And some of them have faked tags and aren't even close to how they came originally.

Come on, the fact that there are some people that have faked R/T vins/tags doesn't take away what an R/T is.

That was meant to be a little jab at Rob. His R/T had a repop fender tag when he got it.

[1969chargerrtse]

And some of them have faked tags and aren't even close to how they came originally.

Come on, the fact that there are some people that have faked R/T vins/tags doesn't take away what an R/T is.

That was meant to be a little jab at Rob. His R/T had a repop fender tag when he got it.

Gee thanks.    That's why I appreciate original cars that still have them.  I have it, but it's just not 100% correct so I leave it off.

[1969chargerrtse]

If it were a real R/T i may park in the back of the parking lot, or only drive it on weekends, or not race it, or only storage it, but I may use it far less. I bought mine to drive!! The neighbors don't love the noise, but I do.

Didn't they make fewer plain SE cars than R/Ts? Should be worth more due to rarity...

I'm thinking my car should sell for more than the high value kelly blue book? Probably sell for less than an equivalent rotisserie restored true R/T. But who cares, it's not for sale...unless your offering $80,000 and I will deliver it to you...

My dad bought a new 318 B5 blue charger in 69. That is what got me hooked. His car was no less of an icon than my SE or your RT...

Enjoy what you have, it's worth what someone will pay and not a cent more...Driving a charger, priceless

Yup, I did whip that Chevelle at the track, even better

Finally, someone gets it....Too bad Some just won't ever. It's the arrogance of some to even think that they are some how "Better" than the other "Lowly" Charger owner because they have a "Real" R/T, and is worth more because of such...Dang, This kinda reminds me of the a$$holish Corvette people at car shows..

Man you make no sense?
This says it all, but you don't get the point.

" If it were a real R/T I may park in the back of the parking lot, or only drive it on weekends, or not race it, or only storage it, but I may use it far less "  This is real a testament to the value of a true R/T.

[ugly2u]

Alright, you win, your RT is worth more than my SE. Some joker put a door ding in my passenger door when I parked near the front of the lot....I wonder if she knew it wasn't a real RT and only a lowly SE so she didn't care. 

Just checked the 69 charger registry, 18,000 RT/SE made, only 9,000 plain SE made (check my math, it's probably wrong) Currently, 179 SE registered and 190+ RTs. Seems like there are less of mine, yours are a dime a dozen...

I'm just pouring gas on the engine, so to speak. Your car is worth what you paid for it, and so is mine. Even if I put a hemi in mine, it will not fetch $100k+ that a real hemi car will. If our cars were in the exact same condition, would yours sell for more? Only if they liked orange over black...

I love this car and will drive it until the wheels fall off. My dad ditched his when it threw a rod at 179,000 miles. Wish I still had it. I keep asking him to find old photos of it.

There is no challenge in this post, just my personal opinion. I understand and appreciate your opinion too.

[1969chargerrtse]

Few people drive their restored R/T as much as I drive mine. I was out in it today several times. Sorry about the ding, my 5 yr old dinged mine. I was never ever saying a R/T was the the best or rarest. Just that any legit Muscle car is worth more to me than something cloned to look just like it.
As for your car, I love SE Chargers. They are the most unique to me.
It's all good. Enjoy the cruise.  

Oh and nice try. They made 4,200 R/TSE cars. Mine has PW's and they only made 1,500 of those out of all Chargers, but whose counting?  

There's not much bragging to do about my car, it's worth 15,000 less than I paid. But it's all mine and I love it.

If someone dinged my car I would call the cops and have a report made.

[Troy]

Back to the original topic... yes, most of the time. I say this because the original topic is asking if R/T clones are worth more than other base models (not already R/Ts). Previous sales will back this up. Basically a real R/T is at the top value wise with a Hemi and/or 4-speed raising the values from a 440 automatic. Accurate clones come next with basic 440 engine swaps after. A few years ago Hemi clones were bringing in more than real 440 R/Ts - which makes some sense due to the engine alone being worth more than some complete cars. Standard 383 cars will generally bring more than small block or slant six cars. In all cases a 4-speed increases the value. Color is also a big factor so don't be surprised when a "factory correct" triple green car brings in less than a black or red clone. There are unique cases where an untouched/unrestored "survivor" will bring big money (no matter the configuration) - but that's mainly due to how rare something like that comes up. You can't use one car to claim that a whole group is worth more.

People rarely ask me if any of my cars are a real R/T - they just ask if it has a 440 (no one ever asks me if it has a Hemi). A lot of people want the 440 (or Hemi) and are willing top pay more for a car that has already been swapped. Now, assuming it cost more to make the car this way the seller may not make as much from it but that's a different story. A more accurate clone/replica will have upgraded suspension and brakes to go with the engine (and possibly transmission). I don't really care if the thing has date-coded or matching parts since it's not real any way - but some people might.

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

  Very well said 

[Charger-Bodie]

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

  Very well said 

So was the rest of what he wrote! 

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

 Very well said  

So was the rest of what he wrote!  

I am not sure I follow... Are you asking me to agree with him in his entirely (as maybe I didn't), or just stirring the pot?  

[1969chargerrtse]

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

  Very well said 

O.K I have been making this point, how many times?

[Charger-Bodie]

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

 Very well said  

So was the rest of what he wrote!  

I am not sure I follow... Are you asking me to agree with him in his entirely (as maybe I didn't), or just stirring the pot?  

Im just saying that I agree with Troys entire post,not only part of it. Especially the part clarifying that this thread s topic is wether an R/T clone is worth more than a standard Charger......

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

  Very well said 

O.K I have been making this point, how many times?

...sounds like I should have quoted you, as well   Cheers!


One thing I know for sure - it really doesn't matter what badge is on the car when I see one on the road... They are all headturners and get my full attention   However, that wasn't the question being asked...    

In fact, today, I saw a great looking 66 Mustang drive past my house. While it may have only had a 6-cyl, I thought it still looked great and sounded nice as it went past... Same w/ the 4-door 67 Le Mans that drove by, as well  

[1969chargerrtse]

I'm also one of those people who believe the rarer cars deserve to remain original. Base models are great for someone to modify and not worry about when they are on the road.

The real ones have value because they were made that way. A student's copy of a Rembrandt will never be worth the same as an original for the same reason.

Troy

  Very well said 

O.K I have been making this point, how many times?

...sounds like I should have quoted you, as well   Cheers!


One thing I know for sure - it really doesn't matter what badge is on the car when I see one on the road... They are all headturners and get my full attention   However, that wasn't the question being asked...    

In fact, today, I saw a great looking 66 Mustang drive past my house. While it may have only had a 6-cyl, I thought it still looked great and sounded nice as it went past... Same w/ the 4-door 67 Le Mans that drove by, as well  

I'm with that!!

[Charger-Bodie]

Basiclly the reason I dont have a problem with clones is the simple fact that I dont give a crap about value. I was mopar when mopar wasnt cool.

[firefighter3931]

Basiclly the reason I dont have a problem with clones is the simple fact that I dont give a crap about value. I was mopar when mopar wasnt cool.

Amen Brother ! 

I have two and both are great cars. One is a clone and the other has an XS in the vin. I'll eventually restore the 70 back to original only because i like the factory FC7 paint code but it certainly won't be stock under the hood. At least a 493 and possibly a 4 spd conversion. 



Ron

[ugly2u]

Gee, I guess I didnt realize there was a topic in there....sorry for the banter.

Carry on with the discussion, I'm going out to leave rubber on the road.

Any car is only worth what someone will pay, above that it's speculation.  As stated by Troy, if you improve a base model car, you may find someone to pay more than if it did not have the "extras."

[1969chargerrtse]

Gee, I guess I didnt realize there was a topic in there....sorry for the banter.

Carry on with the discussion, I'm going out to leave rubber on the road.

Any car is only worth what someone will pay, above that it's speculation.  As stated by Troy, if you improve a base model car, you may find someone to pay more than if it did not have the "extras."

What did you say, carry on?
Seems to me the biggest supporters of clones are clone owners? 

[1969chargerrtse]

Basiclly the reason I dont have a problem with clones is the simple fact that I dont give a crap about value. I was mopar when mopar wasnt cool.

Mopar was always cool in my lifetime. Daytona and SuperBird clones are the only ones that get a pass for me. They are just to rare and expensive for the average Joe to purchase. And the passion and desire to have one allows for recreation/tribute/and need I say, clone.  

[skip68]

If you think about it pretty much any car that had a big motor put in it and any other upgrades is a rt clone.      
So that being said, I guess I built an rt clone and just didn't even know it.  Minus the badges of course.     HOLY HELL GUYS, EVERY CHARGER ON THIS SITE THAT HAS A 440, BETTER BRAKES / SUSPENSION, OR ANY OTHER OPTIONS A R/T CAME WITH IS A R/T CLONE.   I AGREE WITH THE DAYTONA / SUPERBIRD STATEMENT 100%  

I think a new guy into chargers might pay more for a rt "clone" than the exact same car minus rt markings simply because he doesn't know any better and is caught up in the rt craze like most.         He will think he is getting a car that is leaps & bounds above the other car.