One 1968 Dodge ad read: “Take it on the road and take over! Get yourself a good case of Dodge fever.” One way to do that was in a 1968 Dodge Charger. This one was sent in by a Barn Finds reader who found it here on eBay in Kingman, Arizona. There’s been lots of activity on this one already as there are 251 watchers and, after 58 bids, the current bid price has been pushed to $26,725.
The Charger was redesigned for 1968, which represented the first of 3 model years of the second generation. It was a wild departure from the first generation and was really coming into its own as 96,108 Chargers were built that year, a more than six-fold increase over 1967.
The seller of this Charger says it “does need a complete restoration.” I’d consider need more of an operative word here, as the seller continues with saying they’d like to do a Graveyard Carz-style restoration to the Charger, but that’s beyond their ability. Honestly, that’s beyond the ability of most of us. The exterior looks, at the least, presentable in the shots that aren’t extreme close-ups. The navy blue paint looks acceptable. The seller says the floor and frame are solid, the vinyl top has bubbles underneath, quarter panels were patched about 30 years ago, and the trunk floor is crusty. Those quarters are now showing signs of corrosion as are at least the passenger fender and door. Those Centerline wheels would be one of the few things I’d change if I were the high bidder of this auction.
The interior is a bit of a mystery, as we’re only shown photos of the dash and back seat. The blue vinyl back seat looks to be in good condition, but the seller says it’s “all there and original but needs to be completely redone.” I’m wondering if need is an operative word for the interior too. There are bucket seats with a full console.
This Charger is running and driving. Under the hood is a 383 cubic-inch V8. The seller says they were told it’s the original drivetrain but cannot verify it. There have been several adds to gussy-up the engine, including Edelbrock intake and carburetor, M/T valve covers, electric fuel pump, and aluminum radiator. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a console-shifted automatic.
I know we all have different visions of how vintage cars should be preserved, improved/modified, or restored. While the seller says this Charger “needs” a complete restoration, it does run and drive and looks presentable, in my opinion. So, does this Charger give you a case of Dodge fever as-is or will it take a complete restoration to do that?
Yawn….
I like the way it looks now, leave those Centerlines on it for a different period correct look. Mean looking old Charger.
Cars like this are what I used to buy in the 80’s for a grand or two, Road Runner’s Chevelle’s and such. I’d drive them and wait till someone came up with the right offer then sell them to ppl who’d restore them. I saved more than a few by waiting on the right buyer. I’d love to tool around in this for a year or two, waiting on the right buyer.
put factory wheels back on and it will looks like it’s straight out of “Bullitt”
That car just kept losing its hubcaps throughout the chase.
More than 4 of them ,I believe
Clown to Franklin .. “Dirty Mary and Crazy Larry” with Fonda ..its one year older but a nice looking color …just needs a four speeds conversion and gears swapped in back…
Just avoid train tracks with Mopars and its all good…
https://youtu.be/6bNz0GJAMuQ
I’d do the Bullitt thing too! First thing I
thought when I saw it a day ago. The only thing better would be to have a
’68 Mustang GT fastback with a 390
4 speed to go with the Charger. Then
you’d have a complete set!
My favorite year charger. Mags – torque thrusts please
At least it runs and is mostly complete and not a total rust bucket. But someone will likely pay $30k plus for a 383 auto with manual brakes that needs a total restoration. Still to me crazy money. Actually like the Centerlines.
Those wheels make the car. It looks tuff.
I’m in agreement on the centerlines. I think they look badass and they are a throw back to the eighties and nineties when the rims and BFGoodrich raised white letters cost more than the tired old car you just dug out of someone’s backyard.
This will definitely get some cash for the owner. Look at some of these that have been on this site, Rotted to hell, no drivetrain, missing all sorts of parts and covered in dirt and grime $12-15 k cause it has a corroded fender tag that says once it was an RT w 440 /4speed lol.
The way this car looks it reminds me of the 80’s,when you’d buy it for $1500-2000 and just drive it ….everyday.
Well looking at that motor.. how come it’s not hemi orange? If it’s the original motor. That Corp. Blue from 72 and up. Sorry that charger is worth 15,000 and I am being nice.🐻🇺🇸
In 68 the HEMI was the only orange Mopar engine. Standard big blocks were blue and HP big blocks were turquoise.
Hi Mike .. I know the early mopars with turquoise color. The Corp. Blue was on 318 and 225. But that color looks fresh of Corp.Blue. maybe they could not find the correct color and used this. I used to works in parts at Chrysler dealership when I was young so I saw the colors of the new engines. Thanks
I like the back end with those tail lights the best!! Just my personal taste!! It’s all there and it RUNS!!! It would be much better with a four speed and pistol grip shifter!!! Oh and being it’s black I’d add A/C!!!
Im thinking a few $K less.
Had a 68 at 20yro, should have stored it till I was mature, blown engine and scrapped it for $350 car was perfect.