This 1968 Dodge Charger is a sad sight at first glance, but you must look below the skin to appreciate what it offers. Although it has rust issues, it is a structurally sound classic with a 383ci V8 under the hood. Returning it to its former glory will take work, but rising values and pure performance make it worth considering. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Santa Ana, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $20,000, but this beauty has undoubtedly created interest.

The seller purchased this Charger from its original owner, and I would guess that they planned on treating it to a restoration. That hasn’t happened, and some potential buyers will be glad that nobody has messed with this classic. Its original Silver Metallic paint has seen better days, with matte areas and surface corrosion emerging across the entire car. The exterior wear its share of bumps and bruises, but none justify panel replacement. Chargers from this era are renowned for rust problems, and this one hasn’t escaped its ravages. However, it isn’t as bad as some we’ve seen over the past decade. It has consumed the trunk pan and drop-offs, some is visible in the rear quarter panels, and there are patchable holes in the front floors. Otherwise, the news is positive. The rails are solid, as are the rockers and firewall. With the car appearing structurally sound, returning the bodyshell to a rust-free state should be straightforward. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the glass looks okay.

Powering this Charger is the legendary 383ci V8 that sends 290hp to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. It is unclear whether the car is numbers-matching, but this combination would have launched it through the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds. That figure is respectable, but for those seeking more, extracting additional ponies from these motors isn’t rocket science. Pushing engine power beyond 330hp won’t cost a fortune, and that would knock a cool second off the ¼-mile ET. The seller says this Dodge runs and drives, although the accumulated debris around the intake suggests it hasn’t traveled significantly in a long time. It is unclear what is required to make it roadworthy, but the buyer starts that process from a sound base.

When examining this Charger’s interior, the word “trashed” immediately comes to mind. Its Red vinyl upholstery is shredded, the seat foam looks toasted, and strips of headliner are hanging down. Throw in a cracked dash pad and a ruined wheel, and the shopping list will be long. A complete retrim is the only solution, but the results should make it worthwhile. On a positive note, it is essentially complete and unmolested. The original owner selected bucket seats, Rally gauges, and an AM radio. It isn’t ultra-luxurious, but it still would have been a comfortable place for them to spend their time as the miles rolled effortlessly under the tires.

It will take more than a weekend’s tinkering in a home workshop to return this 1968 Charger to its former glory, but it seems people feel they can meet the challenge. It has attracted twenty-nine bids from ten potential buyers, suggesting that enthusiasts long to give this classic a second chance at life. A faithful restoration should produce a finished product that can’t help but turn heads. If the winning bidder is less concerned about originality, extracting additional ponies from its engine would not be difficult or expensive. Is that the path you would choose, or do you have other ideas for this Charger?