We’re so sick and tired of hearing that all the good cars are either bought up, crushed or rotted away. And just because you see ’em on big dollar auction blocks, eBay or Craigslist doesn’t prove anything either. As this short story will tell you, there are plenty of cool originals out there to be found.

This ’69 Dodge Charger R/T survivor that recently sold on eBay last year, is proof that there are still some good finds out there. It had been stored since about 1983, and was taken out of storage and put up for sale by a family member. T

he car is an original California black plate car and fetched $25,000 by the time the auction ended (which is surprisingly cheap given the condition, particularly the interior).

Judging by the photos, this Charger looks like it went straight from storage right to auction in pretty much the same condition it was found. This awesome find retains all of its original numbers matching drivetrain and the paint it was born with.

This is definitely one ride that merits leaving as is, with the exception of performing a mild cosmetic clean up.

And mind you, this is no plain Jane that would be a good candidate for a clone job. Nope. This is a bonafide ’69 R/T with a Magnum 440 and stout 727 Torqueflite backed by a 8.75 rear.

Painted in T7 Bronze and outfitted with front buckets, a center console with a 3-speed floor shift, A/C, manual disc brakes,and power steering; this ’69 R/T had plenty of goodies.

This is one of many great finds, and there are many that are still lurking, sometimes right under our noses. Many think that we have to settle on the late model Malibus or newer Mustangs because that’s all we see.

Remember there is always someone that knows where a certain first generation Camaro sits, or heard of a desperate situation that is soon to be someones treasure. Its a matter of being in the right place at the right time and pursuing a lead.

Just to show you how widespread news can travel, this Charger was topic of discussion on Forgotten Mopars, and DodgeCharger.com and most likely many other sites.

Try searching small websites for car club sites and forums, they usually have their own classified sections that have some very good project cars for sale by members, and because of the low traffic you can score a great deal if you catch the ad before it gets sold.

Craigslist is also good for finding some good cars but you have to be quick as they don’t last long, due to the popularity that Craigslist has gained. Always try to stay in the loop, go to car shows, swap meets, even the drag strip, and talk to people, tell them what your looking for, chances are someone will say, “Yeah, I have one of them I’ll sell.”

The point we are making is, just because you don’t see that ’70 Chevelle SS in the backyard covered in tree sap outside someone’s house doesn’t mean there aren’t any to be had, it just means that you have to use different tactics to find these jewels. They were everywhere 25 years ago, now much more scarce, they could be anywhere.

We find that once a car had gotten to the auction floor or is posted online, it’s already too late. We’ve never purchased any of our cars via email or waving a paddle. Nope, all of our projects have been found the good ol’ fashioned way, chasing wild geese and knocking on stranger’s doors.

Although intimidating, “cold calling” can be the best way to pick up a car that has been a lawn ornament in somebody’s side yard for too long.

If we can sum it up in two bits of advice, we’d say, 1) Open your mouth, and 2) Get off your butt. You’ll never know what’s out there until you start looking and asking around.

How many times have you heard stories of a certain car that was in your neighborhood that you never knew existed until decades later, and in disbelief you say to yourself, “Two houses down was a real HEMI ‘Cuda!” Keep your eyes and ears open and with a little detective work, that car of your dreams could be in your driveway sooner than you think.