When it was introduced in mid-1966, the Dodge Charger got off to a slow start. But when Chrysler redesigned all their mid-size cars in 1968, sales of the Charger took off – selling more than six times the number built in 1967! This third-year Charger is a somewhat basic model with a VIN-verified 318 cubic inch V8 under the bonnet. It looks decent from a distance, but a lot of bodywork will be needed to restore this classic. From Newark, Delaware, the Mopar is available here on eBay where brisk bidding has raised the ante to $25,600.
Part of the shift in demand for the Charger can be attributed to changes in product offerings within Dodge. The Coronet 2-door hardtop was discontinued for the 1968 model year, so the Charger became the go-to Dodge for that size and body style. The new Super Bee was available for performance-minded buyers, but that car was offered in ’68 as a pillared coupe. Production of the Charger jumped from nearly 16,000 copies in 1967 to 96,000 units in 1968, staying strong the following year as well.
We’re told this Charger runs and drives, but the seller doesn’t use an adjective to describe how well these functions are performed. The brakes have been upgraded, and new wheels with dog dish hub caps and tires have been added. Along the way, the 318 looks to have picked up a 4-barrel carb and dual exhaust. There may be some issues with the wiring since the seller says 90% of the electrical components of the car work fine, meaning 10% do not.
While the interior looks fairly good (although the door panels have been cut to add stereo speakers), the unibody has some troubles. The right rear frame rail needs repair along with the trunk floor, front floorboards, lower fenders, and rear quarter panels. Also, it looks as though this Dodge once had a vinyl top. So, before you get carried away with any bidding frenzy on this car, factor in what the body shop time and parts are going to cost you. It would be great to see a “regular” Charger restored as opposed to another one with a 383, 440, or Hemi under the hood.
“This is the big one Martha!, a Charger you can’t see through”.
I’ve had a bunch of Chargers, my dream car is a black on black, bucket seat, no vinyl roof , no stripe , four speed Hemi.
Bill Hickman might have one ! lol
But I think that one, was a 440 Mag !
I’d grab this for the price, but I don’t have the money.
Nice find worthy of the money.
These things go for $100k post-body off frame restoration. It’s worthy of that if done right in all black interior & exterior.
Bob
Robert, 100K is reserved for the numbers matching RTs. This sorta plain 318 isn’t in that territory.
Should be a good driver with the 318. Good pep with decent gas mileage. A Hellcat it is not, but I am sure it sounds very cool with the dual exhaust.
50 foot paint job and they say there’s a lot of rot in the unibody. Ended anyway.
Cheers
GPC
Thanks for pointing out the 68 Charger is unibody design, Gaspumpchas. I didn’t realize that primarily because I’ve never worked on anything Mopar because I was a Chevy fan.
The 68 Charger is best modified to a full frame chassis because with 500hp or more it would twist the unibody. Kits & chassis are available fully boxed frames too. $17k for the chassis to convert the 68 Charger to full frame car.
With a built Charger one would want a full frame IMHO. A unibody would twist for sure.
Bob
How did these unibodies hold up to all the big blocks they put in them,plus all the race cars years ago?
Back in the 60s a stock Hemi Charger RT was not pushing 500hp.
It was a lower horse power car back in the 60s so the unibody didn’t bend, but I assure you that if you increase the horse power to 500hp you will twist the unibody. The fix is on Google in terms of the aftermarket full frame chassis for the 68 Charger RT high perf application which would be the highest horse power rated of the lot.
Bob
Not really. 6 decades of a proven racing record is enough for any A, B or E unibody Chrysler. Someone who converts one shows a total lack of knowledge.
It’s not on Ebay anymore did it sell or did the seller end the auction.
Russ
You said that that in 68 Coronet did not have a 2dr hardtop; I had a 68 Coronet 440 model hardtop. B5 with a black vinyl roof.
One of these was going up the newly opened Highway 5(no gas 278 miles), with five young men passengers. I was riding a Honda K-0 750. Could draft them, but could not pass when going outside of the slip screen. Both vehicles were almost new. Speed about 120-125 with no traffic. The rear passengers were treated to me fighting the wind with no fairing.
Love the look of this one other than the Bondo bubbling all over and those truly hideous speaker covers. Great color and the baby moons are an interesting touch.
If that’s an original paint color, they couldn’t have made very many of them. First one I’ve seen.