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426 Race Hemi: 1968 Dodge Charger

Parked in this workshop is a 1968 Dodge Charger that has a lot to offer its next owner. Every aspect of the vehicle presents beautifully, but it is what is hiding under the hood that sees this classic raise the performance stakes to a higher level. After completing all of the hard work, the owner has decided to part with the Charger. Located in Spring Hill, Florida, you will find the Dodge listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $38,877, and I’m not surprised that the reserve hasn’t been met at that level.

There’s a lot to absorb with this Charger, and it’s hard to know where to start. The panels wear a lustrous coat of Black paint that looks almost deep enough to walk into. There is no evidence of any defects or problems, and it has been laid over laser-straight panels. The owner says that all of the steel in the car is factory original, although the trunk pan has been replaced. The Black vinyl top is also flawless, and it adds a classy touch to the exterior presentation. The Gold bumblebee stripes offer a striking contrast, while the period-correct American Racing wheels are as immaculate as the rest of the exterior. All of the trim and chrome appears to be perfect, and there are no visible issues with the tinted glass. So, first impressions are pretty positive, but the news only gets better from there.

The Charger rolled off the production line with a 383ci V8 under the hood, and that would have provided enough power to keep most people happy. However, the owner isn’t most people, so he wanted more. As things transpired, he wanted a lot more. The 383 has been given the old heave-ho, and in its place, we find a 426 Race Hemi. The Street Hemi was capable of pumping out 425hp, but the Race version upped the ante considerably. The compression ratio was significantly higher at 12.5:1, and with a more aggressive camshaft and a pair of Holley carburetors on a magnesium intake, power outputs went through the roof. While the street version was acknowledged to be producing significantly more than its claimed 425hp, figures for the Race Hemi are far harder to locate. However, there seems to be a consensus that a figure of around 550hp would be an excellent starting point. This Charger should be punching out those sorts of numbers, with all of those raging stallions finding their way to the new Dana 60 rear end via a fresh 18-spline 4-speed manual transmission. The suspension has received a few useful upgrades, including Hotchkis torsion bars and frame connectors. The owner doesn’t provide any information about how well the Charger runs or drives, but you can be sure that the word “fast” will feature prominently in any description. To put that into perspective, a ’68 Charger with a Street Hemi and 425hp can demolish the ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds. The Race Hemi offers considerably more power, so it should be capable of blowing that time about 100-feet into the air.

The Charger’s interior hasn’t escaped the owner’s attention, and once again, it appears that everything is new. The owner utilized parts from Legendary Auto Interiors, and the trim and upholstery look factory fresh. The radio is missing in this photo, and the owner provides no information on this. He also has a new set of factory gauges, but he hasn’t had the chance to install these. It isn’t clear whether he will get that far, but it will at least provide the buyer with something to do for themselves if he doesn’t. Change the gauges and fit a radio, and this interior will look like it has just rolled out of a showroom.

This 1968 Dodge Charger is a deceptive classic. Its presentation is superb, and if you look beyond the hood scoop, there’s nothing to suggest the performance potential contained within that beautiful body. The aspect of this car that surprises me the most is the subdued bidding on the listing. There have been 25 bids submitted at the time of writing, but I expected the bidding to be more frantic than that. There are still six days left, so maybe some of those potential buyers are simply sitting back to see where the bidding goes. That makes this an auction that should be worth watching closely. I suspect that all of the action will happen in the last few hours, which should be pretty entertaining.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Steve R

    It looks nice, but potential buyers got a look at it last week when it was listed for $95,000, the reserve is likely in that neighborhood. The ad may say it “race” HEMI, and the intake set up is impressive, but the tires and rear gear ratio say, cruiser, street car. It would look great at a show.

    Steve R

    Like 7
  2. Avatar photo Melton Mooney

    Anybody know the deal on that shifter? I bought a 69 440-6 superbee several years ago with the same handle. Guy i bought if from called it a ‘goose neck’, and said it was a dealer option.

    Like 0
    • Avatar photo Steve R

      It has an aftermarket Hurst shifter.

      Steve R

      Like 1
  3. Avatar photo Steve

    Isn’t that the one from the movie Bullitt? No, wait, that one blew up!

    Like 1
    • Avatar photo George Louis

      Pay attention!!!! Bullitt Charger had no “OVER SIZE HOOD SCOOP.” No Gold Rear Stripes, and FULL SIZE WHEEL COVERS THAT came off and got replaced ,but “YOU” did not see it or even count the number lost in the chase!!!

      Like 0
  4. Avatar photo Steve Clinton

    Does the yellow rag come with it?

    Like 3
  5. Avatar photo 433jeff

    Yea the 354 gear has to go, i always say pistol grip, but with so much black, that little white dot may be a better fit for this car. Hats off to the seller, well done.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar photo 86_Vette_Convertible

    It is impressive though how practical it is today on the street is questionable IMO. I wouldn’t mind getting it on the strip at least once.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar photo Sam Shive

    The radio is on the floor, Passenger Side.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar photo Curt Lemay

    Drag car, sure. Anything else, only a fools game. How much are you willing to pay for something that is so limited in its use?

    Like 1
  9. Avatar photo gaspumpchas

    beware, zero feedback for the seller, and some low feedbacks in the bidders’ list. Know what you are buying. Good luck and stay safe.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 0
  10. Avatar photo Kevin

    Lighten up George,I’m a gearhead of gearheads and didn’t count the hubcaps either, in what I still say is the best chase scene of all time,McQueen was the man!

    Like 0

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