One of the attractions of American classics from the 1960s as project candidates is the ready availability of replacement steel that will allow the owner to achieve a rust-free status. This 1968 Dodge Charger R/T will need that and more because time hasn’t treated this car kindly. It is unclear how or why it has reached this point, but the buyer faces hundreds of hours of work and not a little cutting and welding before they can even contemplate the cosmetic shortcomings. The seller has listed the R/T here on eBay in Orange Park, Florida. They set their BIN at $24,500, so let’s take a close look to see if that figure is justified.
Dodge launched its Second Generation Charger range for the 1968 model year. It adopted a more conservative approach than it chose with its predecessor, ditching features like the electroluminescent gauges to reduce production costs and the ultimate sticker price. Our feature car is a first-year R/T, ordered in Code W White with a contrasting Black vinyl top. It would have been a classy vehicle in its prime, although time hasn’t treated it kindly. The tired paint and deteriorating vinyl are the least of its problems, with the seller admitting that it has rust issues. They don’t sugarcoat the subject, admitting that most of this car’s sheetmetal is beyond salvation. The shopping list includes floors, a trunk pan, rails, the torsion bar cross-member, a rear valance, quarter panels, and more. There is also evidence of a line developing in the vinyl at the roof joint, suggesting there will be more hidden issues. There is a fair chance that the buyer will be on a first-name basis with the steel supplier before this build ends. The viability of many trim pieces is questionable, although the grille and headlamp doors look okay.
Dodge offered its 440ci V8 as the entry-level engine in the 1968 Charger R/T, and it was an impressive starting point. Delivering 375hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque, it effortlessly produced a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET off the showroom floor. This car’s first owner teamed the 440 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that this R/T doesn’t run or drive, but the engine turns freely. That brings us to another piece of news that may sway some people. The seller confirms that the engine isn’t numbers-matching, although they are unsure about the TorqueFlite and rear end. The engine is of 1967 vintage and may impact this Charger’s potential value when we assess its long-term investment potential.
This Charger’s interior is a mixed bag because the headliner, door trims, and dash look very nice. The seat foam and covers aren’t as impressive, and the new owner will probably replace these as part of a high-end restoration. It is slightly unusual to find a classic of this type and age with no aftermarket additions, and even the original radio is intact. It is safe to say that whipping this interior into shape would be the least expensive part of this project build.
Have you seen enough to draw your conclusion? This 1968 Dodge Charger R/T would require a new owner with deep dedication and a thick wallet if it is to avoid becoming a donor for other projects. The road to recovery will be long, and the process of achieving a rust-free status is unlikely to see much of its original steel intact by the time work ends. The question is whether it is justified. From a purely financial perspective, I have doubts. Values have fallen during 2024, and that trend shows no sign of ending. Of course, some enthusiasts might simply view this Charger as an automotive “must-have,” and will be less concerned about the cost than the desire to protect a genuine American muscle car from extinction. It will be fascinating to gauge your view and to learn how many of our readers would consider giving this R/T a second chance at life.
Clarkey best to remove the motor, take whatever other bits you can salvage, then dial 📞 1-800-the-hook 🪝
Paint it orange and give it one more life as a Duke’s jump car.
Critter was deep fried to a crackly crunch. Media blast will provide $24.5k of magnetic swiss cheese. HECK no.
As much as I love Chargers, this one is absolutely too far gone to be saved, unless the next owner has pockets that reach down to their shoes.
Rust In Peace (pieces).
Scrap yard or Fool’s Fantasy?
This was featured on this site in April when it was listed on eBay, it had a high of $13,900, but did not meet reserve. The seller specializes in Mopar parts with 989 current listings and only 45 sales over the last 90 days.
Steve R
Almost 14 Grand for a vin plate and body tag – he should have taken that bid
In the E-Bay ad it says he turned down $20,000.
I’ve seen worse and it’s such a huge project, money and time. I think it should be saved, once it’s gone it’s gone. I see lots of rust and I’m sure it goes much deeper. The price this business is asking is way too much, but like almost everything it’ll be up to whomever is looking at it and how much they’re willing to pay.
Sadly, it looks like its collapsing under its on weight.
At least it has some good parts.
Yes, hangs awfully low. Maybe it is feeling sad.
The front torson bars supports are gone. The reason why It sags in the front. Way too much rust parts car for another project. Also price way to high. This is a firm no way!! 🐻🇺🇸
RUST I don’t see any RUST!!!
Buy it, jack up the steering wheel, and drive a new car under it. That path will cost a lot less than trying to salvage what is here.
lol
I get very sick, just looking at it, Why Would You, How Could You ?
Graveyard 🪦 Cars this car is begging 🥺 🙏 you for another chance at life! Please don’t let it go to the crusher! You’re the only one who can bring it back to life and make it happy 😊 again! 🙏🙏🙏🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦🏦
All that RUST will just buff out! Yeah, right. It’s too bad because the 68 is probably the most valuable when “properly” restored.
So many want to be comics….geez start your own comic club…never mind the sad shape this car is in, the comic relief is much worse!
To “Not Again”: best part of bard finds is the sharp wit, what’s left is dealers like yourself saying rust buckets worth any price & realists warning the unknowing.
If I am being completely honest, (which I am) this thing is not worth the cost of fuel it would take to tow it to a wrecking yard. I may contact the seller though, as whatever he or she is taking must be really good stuff.
As we say in Australia: yea…nah.
Way overpriced, especially being non numbers matching.
Better as a donor parts car.
Non-original engine to boot.
It would be great if sellers of these “finds” would actually say where they found it. This one had to have been halfway buried in the ground.
seems from the description in his listing as though the owner got his personality from bad chemical accident because he sounds like a real ****bag. should have taken the 20k. has more rot than a case of apples.
Graveyard cars maybe.
Worman (actually, one of his paying customers) wouldn’t touch this unless it was original numbers and “1 of xxx”.
Only if there was an emotional attachment (grandad’s car, been in the family for 2 generations etc). I have seen him restore cars that he would normally not touch for this reason so long as the client wants to front the $$.
If you can have Graveyard cars restore it, you can afford a better or even finished car. It makes no sense to buy a random NOM rusty hulk and have him restore it.
Steve R
For the most part, I agree with your comments, except that “you could find a better car” than a Worman restoration. I’ve seen his work in person and the cars he puts out incredible. I agree that the cost to have him resurrect this thing would be astronomical and that you could definitely get a better driver for that much money, I just don’t think you could find a better restoration.
Hey Clark…. Is that your son Rusty?
Wow that price is way,way to much.It is just to far gone,call the scrap yard .To bad .
Worman could definitely help this thing but, as others on this thread have noted, he would need to have a client with really deep pockets because this thing would be really spendy to bring back to life. To quote old Joe “come on man”.
I AM aware of the current value (🤣😂) of cars like this and I’m a big time Mopar, especially Charger fan. I’ve had 4. 1968 for whatever reason is one of my favorites. This insanity needs to stop. At best that one should be no more than $2000.00 and my mind tells me I’m being generous. At $2000.00 it would be a nice hobby car for someone with skills and some free time to turn it back into an actual car as opposed to what it is. Yes I realize I’m a dreamer and the fact that I spend 3 dollars a week on lottery tickets proves I’m a dreamer. As much as I love Mopar muscle and have since I was a kid (64 now) but prices are stupid on them.
Tell him he’s dreamin’.
Joe, if you consider the comments of Rust in peace, critter was deep fried, magnetic swiss cheese, or maybe it is feeling bad, considered “Sharp Wit” you really have put potential buyers at a very low regard, if they need the comic relief of those warnings! However, comments from actually car people who have been in the business and actually provide a break down good and bad regarding the car in question, CAN provide a potential buyer with insight regarding possible purchase of the vehicle. These types of comments are fair to the seller and purchaser alike! Try it for a change JOE, you may actually learn something!!!!
People use their “wit” to call out the guys that put cars like this for sale, at crazy asking prices. As far as insight on the sale? If you can afford $20k plus for this car? Go for it. Someone who’s new to the classic car hobby, and has an average income, probably wouldn’t take on a project like this.
Not Again: I’ve been selling old cars for 70 years & never overpriced or overvalued any car I’ve sold. Your comments ooze typical dealer brainwash with positive BS on junkers to promote greedy high prices. If newbies take the bait, it may be the first & last car they sink too much money into. With almost 30 postings saying this is a money pit & the humorous comments, one needs to learn what the majority posting here is about.
Arty this car needs you ASAP! SHOW ME!
Should hold on to it 1 more year it will be with worth double!