For an extra $5000.00, I would prefer the Coronet 500 convertible. This car has the orange 335 h.p. 383 in it, which would have the better cam and Carter 625 cfm. AVS. I can see it has the larger HP exhaust manifolds on the motor, which is another tip-off. I notice this car has a 26" radiator and shroud, which were parts of a H. D. cooling package. Although this engine is usually associated with the SuperBee, it was also a little known option on lesser Coronets, as well. The more commonly seen non-HP 383, usually seen in a Coronet would have 330 h.p., and would have been painted turquoise. That motor would have a 600 cfm. Holley. Whoever ordered this car, pretty well built himself a SuperBee convertible (which was not available). There is no engine code differentiation on the VIN plate, between the two 383's, but there might be something in the code on the build plate or sheet. Years ago, I found the remains of a 1969 Coronet 500 convertible in a junkyard up here in Ontario, similarly built with the orange 383, and a 4-speed. Although the transmission was gone, I salvaged the bell housing and HP exhaust manifolds off the engine. At the time, I recognized this as a special car, but it was too far gone to save.
To me, the 1969's were the prettiest of that 3 year model run, but I could be biased, having purchased a new 1969 Coronet SuperBee. This Coronet 500, as equipped, could be rarer than the mentioned R/T. Restored to the same degree, it would be hard to say which one would be more valuable. I would probably lean towards the R/T, with its performance heritage and larger 440. The convertible is obviously in better original condition, and should hide no surprises.
As a comparison, see what the same $$$ would get you in a 1969 Charger. The two cars would drive the same.
