1972 Chrysler VH Charger

Like its E38 predecessor, the 1972 Chrysler VH Charger E49 R/T 'Bathurst' coupe was built as a homologation special to win at Bathurst and it came even better equipped to climb this mountain.

A new four-speed transmission, an even stronger 302HP (225kW) version of Chrysler's 265-cid 'six pack' engine fed by triple twin-choke Weber carburetors and a special 3.50:1 final drive ratio gave it even more street cred than the three-speed manual, 280HP E38.

It was credited with being the fastest accelerating Australian muscle car of its era, covering the standing quarter mile in 14.4 seconds and clocking 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds - no mean feat for a six cylinder vehicle 36 years ago.

Sadly, neither the E38 nor the E49 Charger won Bathurst, with the best result being Doug Chivas's third place behind Peter Brock's Torana XU-1 and John French's GT-HO in 1972.

However what makes the E49 Charger one of the most collect-able of all Aussie muscle cars is that just 145 examples were built, making it considerably rarer than an XY Falcon GT-HO Phase III, an HK Monaro GTS 327 or even a Torana A9X L34.

The stunning, fully documented E49 R/T coupe was originally delivered in Queensland in 1972 and has had only two registered owners since new.

It was taken off the road in 1981 and was stored in sound, rust-free condition for 25 years before its recent comprehensive and sympathetic restoration. It retains its original interior, five dated and correct wheel rims and full under-carriage detailing.

Painted in sought after Mercury Silver - one of just 29 E49s finished in this popular colour - this E49 was fitted new with the (A87) small Track Pack fuel tank, the (A95) interior dress-up pack and (G60) front door vent windows.