Other than the lack of glass I’d be inclined to drive this 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T just as you see it here. It came by this unkempt look honestly during a long nap in a Little Rock, Arkansas barn. The listing here on eBay describes this Charger Red Coronet is a true R/T (Road / Track) model originally equipped with an “L” code 440. Sadly another engine inhabits the engine bay now, but the No Reserve auction means this car will sell, so the market will decide its worth as described.
The cursed tin worms feasted on this Mopar with abandon, consuming the low-hanging metal on this once-fearsome ride. Take heart, though. Consider it lightening for reduced 0-60 times, should you wish to effect a mechanical refurbishment while preserving the “rode hard and put away wet” look. Note the twin quarter panel inserts, similar to the detail on the same year Charger’s doors.
The R/T gained cosmetic details including badges, chrome exhaust tips, and a “power bulge” on the hood. The console (once shined up) includes plenty of chrome so you can enjoy a touch of elegance after roasting that poser who thought putting glass-packs on his parent’s hand-me-down driver made it a muscle car. Thanks to myclassicgarage for some details.
The 440 Magnum made 375 HP and 480 lb-ft of torque. Sure; you could order a 425 “Elephant” Hemi, but only a fool would bad-mouth an R/T 440. Hopefully, something covered that hole in the intake manifold where the four-barrel carburetor is supposed to go, or all manner of creatures and foreign matter likely took up residence in there or used it as a place to store food for the winter. This non-original motor is not described, so you can assume it’s less potent than the stocker. A No Reserve auction on a national forum like eBay is usually a good indicator of the car’s value today. What number would you throw as a high bid?
Dear God. It’s just so hard to see these sad Mopars anymore.
Time waits for no one / nothing.
Lots of parts already have been removed; HVAC unit missing, note heater & ac hoses under hood not connected to the open firewall holes. Note that driver’s side head has been cked for crackes. Good luck on the new owner.
Doesn’t removal of the A/C system make it faster?
You mean that you really want that two tons of $**t RV2 compressor on there? I’d be glad it was gone. Going with a newer, lighter SANYO system after a complete go through would be a greater advantage over the older anchor sitting in the bay.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t R/T’s all come with a rally dash ? That dash looks like a base dash. I could be wrong though.
You may be right. Sure seems to me that is the way it was back then. Poking around, we have the Interwebs now, the 150 mph Mopar speedo only comes in round for a number of years. Can’t imagine a Charger R/T not having one of those. Also, all 1968-70 Chargers and Super Bees have a rallye instrument panel. so that would rule out the rectangular dash this car has as what it came with originally. Found this info here: http://www.performancecargraphics.com/Dash_Stuff/B-body_Standard_ID.htm.
Take a good look at the numbers on the speedometer. It Dose go to 120 mph, only in single digits. These had the same dash as an old ’67 belvadear I had back in the day. Yes, it does look like it’s got a high water line.
I thought that Dodges got the round ones, that kinda confirms it. Plymouth didn’t get the round “tick-tack” till 70. My father bought a 69 Road Runner new, and it had the straight 120 dash.
My 68 Coronet RT did have the Rally dash.
The Ebay pictures almost make it look like it’s been under water. This one will take a committed effort to bring it back.
does it come with glass?
Looks to me like “she who must be obeyed” has decreed that the garage WILL be rid of those “junk” cars, LOL!! :-)
Someone will probably pay up to 10 grand or so, with prices so out of control these days! I’d pass…
68-69 had the standard B-body dash – not the Charger for these years….but should have the 150 speed-o at least….1970 everyone caught up to the Charger dash….
Those 68 Coronet taillights are the bees knees. The drop top of this is high on my bucket list. The trunk & floors are in shockingly good condition. With all the aftermarket parts availability, I’d get the interior looking sweet, get her running, then drive her as is. I don’t mind a little body issues.
Im curious about the scallop mouldings on the quarter panels. It’s my understanding that was trim available on the Coronet “500” model. Never have I seen a ’68 R/T with them.