The layer of dust covering this 1968 Dodge Charger suggests it hasn’t seen much recent action. The information supplied by the seller is limited, but it has generated plenty of interest. It seems that some people can see potential locked away in this classic, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for bringing the Charger to our attention. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Miami, Florida. They set their price at $35,000 with no indication that they might consider offers.
This classic rolled off the line during the early days of Second Generation Charger production. The accumulated dust suggests it hibernated for a long time before the seller liberated it from the first owner. Below the dust is Medium Blue paint which is an unknown quantity. Some areas exhibit a light shine, while others look quite matte and dull. The first step would be to break out the bucket and sponge to wash away the grime. However, I suspect that this might also reveal some nasty surprises because there appears to be developing rust in the passenger-side lower rear quarter panel. This could be an isolated problem, although history shows that the floors, trunk pan, and rear rails, are all susceptible to rot. The corrosion in the engine bay is also a concern, and I’d want this classic on a lift before committing my hard-earned cash. The glass is clear, and the trim, including the grille with its hidden headlamps, looks to be acceptable for a driver-grade build.
Beneath that layer of surface corrosion lurks a 318ci V8. This was the entry-level powerplant in 1968 that produced 230hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed the V8 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. Acceleration would have been modest by muscle car standards, although its performance and user-friendly configuration would have suited buyers seeking a daily driver. The mystery with this Charger deepens as we delve below the surface. The seller doesn’t indicate whether it is numbers-matching, which is a genuine consideration for any classic within this price bracket. It is unclear whether it runs, drives, or is roadworthy. The tires look relatively new, but these may have been swapped so that it rolls easily.
It is unsurprising to open the doors to discover this Charger’s interior trimmed in Blue. The front seats wear aftermarket covers, and it appears the factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette player. The first owner covered their bases on the entertainment front because there is an under-dash 8-track player on the passenger side. The first step with this restoration would be to treat the interior to a deep clean. The new owner could then devise a shopping list that would minimize the chances of purchasing unnecessary items. The first owner equipped this Charger with a center console and air conditioning, with both features viewed favorably by Mopar enthusiasts.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1968 Charger, especially on the subject of the seller’s asking price. It has attracted a Watch List tally of 111, but it is impossible to determine whether they are genuinely interested in the car, or whether they are monitoring proceedings to see if it sells. “Optimistic” is the word that springs to mind, especially when the seller provides no information regarding the state of the floors and rails, or whether the car starts or runs. Reaching out to answer those questions would be a wise first step, although I would take it a step further by negotiating an in-person inspection. Do you agree, or do you see the price as fair in the current market?
Good point as always, Adam-the photos of the underside with it on the rack aren’t as conclusive as a FP view would be, and with all the rust/peeling Bondo all over it it definitely warrants it. That it was probably owned by someone serving at MacDill AFB would further the urgency to look inside for flood damage..you have to wonder if the lack of a wash job is a coverup or if the seller is emphasizing the true “barn find” ideal.
That said, if it is as good it appears in the photos before washing it off at $35k it’s a heckuva lot better IMO than some of the rust shells we’ve seen for sale previously.
Agree….looks like a service man’s car that has most likely passed and the car is now being sold.
Not to argue with anyone but that has more rust issues most likely due to some salt air. I’ve looked at cars in Houston, Tx that have that same upper windshield rust…..trunk has been worked one but a nice but at $9500.
Cars like this are why I don’t even bother looking at Mopar muscle cars from this era. Way too much for way too little. There are way to many nice cars that can be had for $35k.
$35k buys you plenty of rust though!
The market will bear this price. The problem is. once paid, the price to restore it to ‘as new’ will quickly out pace the market value of a restored 318/automatic car. Chances are, though, those willing to pay this much for a car that would otherwise be worth somewhere less than $5K are simply looking for a registerable VIN and basic platform to create the Charger of their dreams and don’t particularly care about how this particular car rolled out of the factory.
The ad is awful. Not only is the dealer too lazy to wash it, they were to lazy to do basic research for the ad. Since when does a 68 Charger only seat 4, the 318 Magnum wasn’t released until 1992.
Like other pointed out, there is way too much bondo to consider this car anywhere close to its asking price. There are much better cars of different makes and models for the money. As for why it has so many watchers, who knows, it’s not listed for auction, it might be people seeing how long it takes for some sucker to buy it, I’m watching a couple of items for that reason.
Steve R
Five will get you ten we’ve got a non-running rust bucket here. There even appears to be corrosion on the console!
No where in this ad does it mention a 318 magnum.It only says it’s a 318 and from what I can find on the internet.Mopar build some version of the 318 for a lot of years.In this case it is probably an LA 318 which was first released in 1968 and was replacing the earlier A 318.
WesleyM, yes it does. Re-read the description, it specifically says “powerful 318 Magnum V8 engine” in the first sentence.
Steve R
The 318 Magnum brought the horsepower and torque numbers back to what they were when the LA was originally released. The enhancements, in effect, compensated for years of emissions starngleing which brought the HP number down to the mid 100’s by the early 90’s.
Isn’t that a SAC sticker on the back window? SAC left MacDill before this car was built so more likely McCoy (now Orlando International) which decommissioned in 1975 so no flooding likely (not that the car isn’t something of a bondo queen). Agreed that likely market is 440 builders rather than stock restorers. Too much ask.
People get emotional over classic cars, watching the auctions, a movie with one in it, recalling a past experience with one and they only see the end, driving it, experiencing the feeling they had back in the day. What doesn’t register is reality, the things they should be doing, like having it inspected by a third party to make sure it’s what the seller says it is. Classic car dealerships especially, some are clueless, some are crooks and all they want to do is make money. I wouldn’t pay this much for this one, too many unknowns and even then I think the sellers way off on the price.
These were beautiful cars in so many ways,they came equipped in several levels that were very desirable……Problem is needs everything and offers little to nothing when completed. It will easily cost twice it’s value to restore.
Daaaaang I remember when you could get these cars for no more than a $150 or free back in the 80s and ℹ should’ve hoarded all of them and sold it for $10k plus each today lol 😂 at least they are still around today but you need to be lucky to get one or pay the piper! Good luck 🍀 to the seller and the buyer!
A real time-capsule. Very well preserved. Good bones!
On second thought after looking at the car on ebay: It is rustier than I first noticed but appears to be fairly straight (though the bondo and dirt could be hiding damage). Price seems rather lofty. Will be interesting to see what it actually sells for.
At least 20 grand over priced. When done you’ll have 85 grand in it and have a 318 charger. Are we really at the point in time where we have so much expendable money that THAT car can can bring $35,000.00. Come on, it’s not like its a hard car to find in excellent condition for that price. Just a man’s humble opinion.
This is a crazy price .Good luck .
He must be related to the 68 6 cyl. 3 on the tree guy that is asking 250k from the other day.
Crazy money!
Born in 62 , played with cars all of my life and wouldn’t go back to an old muscle car because of the much better alternatives now , mid 90’s and up , have the performance and security that is needed when you slide or bang into some obstacle
$35 k for a project that needs a boatload of upgrades or a 2000’s challenger, charger, 300 .
Love the looks but not the ride or the price
YOLO
More Mopar Madness! Usual rust especially in the gutters for the trunk.Looks typical for something pulled out of long term storage.Needs everything! My 2022 Challenger Scat Pack 392 has much more to offer.Way overpriced! Stop the madness!!
I would speculate it traveled from new england when its owner retired and nothing more was done to preserve it.
This car probbaly cost $3800,00 new. price is “STEEP”.. Would have tonermove the cy;inder heads to install hardened valve seats. probably needs electronic ignition upgrade along with conversion to electronic voltage regulator upgrade just for starters.
Terrible ad. Lazy seller thinks all 68 Chargers sell themselves. Well, news flash. My generation, which grew up when these cars were new, is tired of busting their knuckles restoring cars. I am pushing 70. In 2015, I still had Corvette fever. Bought a 73 coupe needing a mechanical restoration. Spent tons of money and used 2 weeks vacation from 6 am to 7 pm every day tearing that car apart. Finished it and drove it 8 years. Sold it. Done with 50 year old plus stuff. Now I cruise in my very low mileage 2009 Lincoln Town Car. 26 mpg all day long. The muscle car boom will come crashing down.
Clean ‘er up and go pick up Arnie on the way to school.
George, I hope you’re right. It’s gotta be time for an adjustment.
At first glance maybe a MOM… after a closer look it says WOW. The new guy in jail had MOM tattooed across his butt. “Why’s that?” When I lay on my back it says WOW. Cool old base model 318 x 2 with AC and buckets but the top side is gone. For once the underside looks better. $5k with a big MAYBE MOM.
The entry level engine for a 68 Charger was a slant six , not the 318