Metalflake paint was once a staple of the custom world. While some builders still favor its effect, others are drawn by the modern development of candy and pearl that offers an endless array of possibilities. It is unclear when this 1968 Dodge Charger received its “flake,” but the seller feels that it probably happened in the 1970s. It makes a positive first impression, but there is work hiding below the surface that will keep the buyer busy for many months. The seller has listed the Charger here on eBay in Springfield, Oregon. Bidding has raced to $12,100, which is below the reserve.
Dodge followed a more conventional route with its Second Generation Charger range. Gone were such features as the rear “bucket” seats and the electroluminescent gauges that were hallmarks of its predecessor. The strategy was designed to reduce production costs, with the savings passed to buyers in the form of a lower and more competitive sticker price. Decoding the Fender Tag for this Charger confirms that it left the Hamtramck, Michigan, production line wearing subtle Code X Beige paint. Much has changed since then, with no evidence of that shade visible in the supplied images. Instead, the panels now sport a stunning combination of Red and Silver metalflake that would have drawn crowds in its prime. It is unclear when the paint was applied, but it carries the hallmarks of a trend that peaked in the 1970s and early 1980s. It still shines nicely, but a close inspection reveals bubbles and other imperfections. This could be a drama because obtaining an acceptable color match may prove somewhere between extremely difficult and impossible. However, that is the least of the buyer’s problems because this Charger has many of the rust issues for which the badge is renowned. The list is extensive, including most of the underside steel like the floors, rails, trunk pan, and a few other areas. On a more positive note, the seller includes a wide selection of AMD components that would address the majority of the issues, helping to return the shell to a structurally sound state. The trim and glass look quite respectable, and the Rocket wheels are period-correct for this classic.
Decoding this Charger’s VIN confirms that the first owner ordered this classic powered by a 383ci V8, which they teamed with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The company’s Sales Brochure for 1968 quotes power and torque figures of 290hp and 390 ft/lbs, providing the original owner with very respectable performance. The seller purchased this Charger from the previous owner’s garage, a spot it had occupied for many years. The state it was in when they became its custodian suggests that a restoration was commenced but didn’t proceed far beyond partially dismantling the vehicle. It has been loosely bolted back together for sale purposes but requires plenty of work before the V8 roars back to life.
One aspect of this Charger that surprises is its interior. The dashpad is cracked, and the armrests exhibit deterioration. Otherwise, there is little justifying criticism. The seller believes that the seatcovers and carpet may be fairly new, but that the door trims, headliner, and console are untouched. However, its greatest attribute might be the dash, which hasn’t been cut to accommodate an aftermarket stereo. The factory AM radio is intact, complete with the control for the optional rear speaker.
The auction statistics for this 1968 Dodge Charger demonstrate the desirability of these classics. It requires a lot of work before finding its way onto the streets, but the view tally of over 700 confirms that this Charger has sparked interest. An impressive 106 people have added it to their Watch List, with these figures translating into twenty bids. There is still plenty of time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim. What will fascinate me is what path our readers would take with this project. Would you return the car to its factory form, address its rust, and reinstate the cool metalflake paint, or is there another option that you may find irresistible? So, it’s over to you for comments.
The seller has the Mopar restoration TV show. It’s rough, at least as bad as the one featured on this site yesterday. The period paint job is cool, but only if it can be saved during restoration, which doesn’t seem possible in this cars case. Because of that, it ads no extra value.
Steve R
If Mark’s selling it, that’s because it’s a money pit and he can’t come close to making money restoring it. If there are rust bubbles in places like the bottoms of the fenders, there’s likely a ton of rust under the cool paint job.
I restored a 65 Plymouth Belvedere 25 years ago, 383 car. It had a lot of problems than it appeared when we started on it. The body man who did the paint and body is the local Mopar expert and he warned me, but I didn’t listen, or more likely didn’t care. I still have it and I’m glad that I did it, and it’s show quality. But I can’t drive it much without destroying 1500 hours of restoration work that I did, not to mention $30K worth of paint and body work.
So I ended up with more money in it than I have two real 69 Z/28 Camaros with DZ block 302s. Of course I bought one of them in 1982 and the other one in 1996, that was before the prices got stupid.
Fortunately Mopar prices went up about the time I got it done, so I could probably get my money back out of it, but that leaves me out 1500 hours of work for nothing, so I’ll probably keep it forever.
Agree 100%……….never seen rust that bad on a inner front wheel well…..
Dont often pay attention to Chargers(Dukes of Hazzard,F&F and so many others ruined them for me..like the Stairway to Heaven of cars..LOL ) but this is spectacular..i love tasteful old school metalflake paintjobs,takes me back to reading new issues of Hot Rod in the 70’s and seeing the like..beauty.
This is old school look. Love it!! Something that was not mentioned is … it has a factory sunroof!! One interior picture you see the cover of the sunroof. That’s super rare. For some reason this Charger knock me to remembered I saw this in a old hot rod magazine. I remember the paint job and wheels. I would say early 70’s. It’s a shame the tin worm got to the engine compartment and underneath. Rust bubbles on the bottom of the door other places. Yes it’s a money pit but if someone brings this back to life. Repainted the custom colors and keep the wheels. Wow… it would be a knock out!! When Mark saw this he thought it could be fixed. Until he open the hood and said.. darn what a shame. (What I would say). Well good luck to the next owner!! 🐻 🇺🇸
I just want the tires.
The silver paint flowing out of the front vents is about the coolest rendition of this as I have ever seen. Who ever taped this out certainly had an eye for form and function. I don’t think it is possible to do a better job than this, it could easily have become the Charger “billboard” type of graphic.
Even the striping on the hood is tasteful and well done. A wild paint job that really draws the eyes with bold colors and lines.
It is hard to imagine all that rust, the car must have been badly corroding before the paint and no one noticed or cared? Slathering POR 15 isn’t going to fix it, even if it slows down the progress.
I can see why Mark would let this one go, there is no good way forward that isn’t going to cost a ton of money and essentially require a dip and start over approach, and who is going to buy a mod car for 6 figures when done.
A great paint job, on a trashed canvas. Too bad.
Bear, I believe you are correct that this car was featured in magazines back in the 70’s. This paint job is awesome, but I can also envision that beige against the stunning red interior, I bet she’d be a real beauty. I guess I’d better slow down here before I get chastised…looks like it is ready for the crusher.
I have never heard Cragar SS wheels referred to as Rocket wheels
It was a manufacturer that made a knockoff of the Cragar SS, there are always examples easily found listed on eBay.
Nearly every popular wheel was copied, Centerlines, Torque Thrusts, dish/slot mags, you name it.
Steve R
What a body style this model had. Too cool 😎
Auction ended on 3/30/2025 with a high bid of $25,100, did not meet reserve.
Steve R