440-Equipped: 1968 Dodge Charger

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This 1968 Dodge Charger is a solid classic that offers a new owner the best of both worlds. Its engine bay houses an upgraded 440ci V8, but the seller includes the numbers-matching engine and transmission for someone who prefers authenticity. After decades in storage, the seller recently revived the car, transforming a genuine barn find into a turnkey classic. It is worth taking a closer look at this Charger to see if it ticks the boxes for you.

The seller located this Charger hidden in a barn, a spot it had occupied since around 1990. The storage environment must have been almost ideal because the car hasn’t suffered unduly from the experience. It received a repaint in its original Yellow in the 1980s, although the Parchment vinyl top may be original. The seller is candid in their assessment, describing the paint as far from perfect. It is presentable, but a perfectionist may perform a cosmetic refresh. That would be a straightforward undertaking because the panels have only a few minor imperfections, and there is no rust requiring attention. The seller identifies small areas of surface corrosion, but there is no evidence of steel penetration. The glass is free from visible defects, and the grille is almost perfect. Some trim pieces, like the bumpers, might benefit from a trip to the platers if the buyer seeks a high-end result, but its overall condition is generally pretty good. The Charger sits on relatively new Magnum 500 wheels that suit its character. However, sourcing a set of correct wheels shouldn’t be a problem if the new owner prefers the factory look.

The first owner ordered this Charger to make a classy statement, trimming its interior in Parchment vinyl. They specified bucket seats, a console, and the Rally gauge cluster with the Tick-Tock-Tach. The seatcovers show age, with seam separations in them and the headliner. The interior is serviceable, but addressing its shortcomings would guarantee that this classic turns heads and attracts attention for the right reasons.

The seller admits this Charger isn’t numbers-matching. However, that needn’t be a drama for purists. Its engine bay houses a freshly rebuilt 440ci V8, with the remaining drivetrain components including a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and Wilwood front disc brake conversion. The engine specifications are unclear, but 375hp is a realistic expectation from this motor. The seller includes this YouTube video in their listing. It provides a chance to hear the engine in action, and it sounds as sweet and clean as the photos suggest. It appears to be a turnkey proposition, and the claimed odometer reading of 47,000 original miles sounds plausible considering the car’s history. However, that isn’t the end of the story because there is an ace up this Charger’s sleeve. The seller retained this classic’s original 318ci V8 and transmission, including them in the sale. That could allow a purist to return this classic to its factory form, recouping part of the purchase cost by selling the redundant 440. It is an option some may find irresistible.

This 1968 Charger proves that there are still wonderful and desirable classics hidden in barns and sheds across the country, patiently awaiting someone to return them to their rightful place on our roads. The seller revived this survivor before listing it here on eBay in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The price of $62,900 OBO is hardly pocket change, but with the option to return it to its factory form without spending a fortune on rust repairs a realistic expectation, it must be tempting for any Mopar fan. I hope it finds a new home with someone who will enjoy it as its creators intended. After decades in hibernation, it deserves nothing less.

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Comments

  1. David

    It’s a very nice car

    Like 4
  2. erik johnston

    Nice Charger! 62k seems a lot for a 318 car. It is a charger and a lot going for it. still needs int. done, fix whatever is going on with the disconnected heater hoses-most likely more small fixes. Personal inspection would be a must.

    Like 9
  3. Richard Jones

    A very nice 20 thousand dollar car.

    Like 14
  4. peter havriluk

    There’s usually one reason for disconnected heater hoses – – – dead heater core. Bring money.

    Like 8
  5. Dan N

    I’ve seen non-matching-numbers 2nd-Gen Chargers bring decent money at auctions, so the asking price may not be as out of line as one might think. It looks like it was born with that 440 in there, and this one looks like it only needs minor interior work to bring it to a decent show car.

    Like 2
    • peter havriluk

      I suspect that Dodge changed more than the engine and transmission going from a 318 to a 440. No comments about this from the seller.

      Like 0
  6. Nelson C

    Nice looking Charger in subtle colors. Lots of engine and a sturdy Torqueflite to manage the power delivery. Most would credit the coke bottle shape and the tunnel back rear window but I would add that curved side glass also contributed to this car’s success. As much as I like the first generation I have trouble getting past that blocky greenhouse.

    Like 0
  7. Walt from Vermont

    Reply to Ffred – Read the fine print. That Charger sold for $34000 (does not say what engine and transmission it has) and has a buyer’s premium of up to 23%! That would make the price of the car over $40000, not the bargain you thought was out there. The devil is in the details!

    Like 1
  8. Paul Alexander

    A good friend and I had a new ’68 440 that we raced on weekends. It was an amazing car, but this one would have to be pretty special to make me want to see $62K.

    Like 0
  9. Greg G

    To me the 68 RT Charger was the purist and best looking Mopar up to that time. Some Cuda owners may debate that. One thing for sure it was a beast with raw power. This one is a keeper but the asking price may be a little high for some as a non numbers matching car. I love it.

    Like 0

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