New Steel Included: 1968 Dodge Charger

There is no single sworn enemy of classic car enthusiasts, although rust sits close to the top of the list. It can exact a high toll, leaving an owner with a hefty repair bill if returning their classic to a rock-solid state is the goal. This 1968 Dodge Charger hasn’t escaped those problems, although the seller includes some of the steel required to render them a distant memory. It runs and drives, and is a prime candidate for a project build.

Dodge launched its Second Generation Charger range for the 1968 model year, adopting a more mainstream approach to make its latest offering more affordable. This car rolled off the line during the first production year, ordered by its first owner in Bronze Metallic with a Black vinyl top. Time and Mother Nature have taken a toll on this classic, meaning the winning bidder faces a major restoration to recapture its youthful good looks. The panels sport a few bumps and bruises, but it is rust that poses the greatest challenge. It has impacted the lower rear quarter panels, but not to the point where well-crafted patches aren’t a viable repair option. The seller also advises that a new roof skin should go on the shopping list because it appears moisture found its way under the vinyl to do its worst. The greatest issues hide below the surface, with the driver’s side rear rail requiring attention. The seller includes a sparkling new one-piece front floor in the deal, along with a matching trunk pan. Installing those items, a new roof skin, and repairing the quarters and rail will effectively leave this Charger rust-free. Some trim pieces require replacement, but the grille and concealed headlamp doors look okay.

The fresh steel isn’t the only good news with this Charger, because it is a turnkey classic that is in sound mechanical health. The first owner combined a 318ci V8 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power steering for an effortless driving experience. The 318 would have generated 230hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque when this car was new, but the buyer might have something extra at their disposal. The engine sports an upgraded four-barrel carburetor and headers, and improved breathing invariably unlocks extra power. The seller didn’t restrict their attention to the engine, because the entire braking system is new, including the lines and hoses. The list of new parts and recent work is quite extensive, and the only remaining mechanical issue is a driveline clunk that the seller believes might be the sign of a bent axle. However, the winning bidder could enjoy this Charger as-is while they plan their restoration strategies.

This Charger’s interior doesn’t need as much attention as the exterior, courtesy of some care lavished by the seller. They added a new carpet set and door trims, with a new headliner included for the buyer to install. The original seats appear acceptable for a driver-grade build, but the wheel and gauge fascia exhibit deterioration. The radio is missing, and the buyer will probably refresh the painted surfaces during the restoration.

The seller states that their auction offers an opportunity for the winning bidder to become the proud owner of a running, driving 1968 Dodge Charger for under $30,000. That is an attractive proposition, although it requires work to achieve a pristine state. They have listed the Mopar classic here on eBay in Pollock Pines, California. Bidding sits at $15,500, which is below the reserve. The auction has a week to run, meaning the price will undoubtedly climb. Do you think it will remain below the seller’s magic quoted figure, or will someone need to pay more to give it a new home?