While the first-generation examples are cool and desirable Mopars, it wasn’t until the second gen came around in 1968 that things really started to take off in the right direction for the Dodge Charger. The demand for models made between 1968 and 1970 seems to be as high as ever in the muscle marketplace, especially for those that left the factory with a big block under the hood. This ’68 Charger R/T here on eBay undoubtedly ticks a lot of the right boxes, and once it’s restored, it’ll not only look good but will also be a great performer. This one’s a project, but some very good news is that the original engine, transmission, and third member are still intact. It’s in Celeste, Texas, with a buy-it-now price tag of $62,500. However, the seller is also considering offers.
The seller doesn’t say much about the mechanical condition here, but does confirm that the 440, 4-speed manual, and Dana 60 rear end are the original components. That radiator looks like it’s been dry for years, and with the lack of fan belts and other essential exterior parts, I’m guessing it’s probably been quite some time since the big block has been functional. There’s also no information on whether or not the crank will still turn, and I’ve got a hunch the time has come to tear it apart and perform a complete rebuild. The health of the transmission and differential also remains a mystery.
Although there will be plenty of smoothing out for the buyer to tackle, this Charger seems more solid overall than many from the same era that have yet to be restored. The seller reports that this one was bought new in California, then made its way north to Washington state. It’s still wearing a black plate that hasn’t been renewed in over four decades, so it’s possible this one has been hibernating for a very long time. One of the rust-prone sections on these cars is around the rear window, especially if a vinyl roof is present, and thankfully, this one doesn’t seem too bad in the rear glass area.
The owner points out that some great options can be found inside, and I have to agree that power windows, a Tic Toc Tach, and an 8-track player are all fun accessories. However, the interior will also need a good refreshing as part of the restoration, so be sure to take that into account before deciding how much you’re willing to initially invest. My gut is that the positives outweigh the negatives here, especially regarding the pedigree, but it’s going to take some cash to get this one back to the way it was in 1968. All things considered, what’s a reasonable price to pay here?
Wow. High cash-to-crust ratio here, considering it needs a frame off. Forget about ROI.
Regret On Investment!
Complete Charger here with clean floor pans and nice options. A lot of money but complete with a nice drivetrain Looks like they have a whole bunch of cars mostly Mopars in the background.
This dealer has been featured on this site countless times. They have people in California hunting Mopar cars for them, they have a YouTube channel, This dealer is really expensive, cars often sit on their site for well over a year. They find interesting cars, but most are really rough.
Steve R
Hopefully someone will save it. I’m pretty sure they will but it’s going to be a project beyond the ability of most non professional shops. Definitely knowledge, experience, and lots of $$$ needed here but a worthy project. That guy is surrounded by cool desirable toys!
I give the seller for posting more than enough photos of every area of the car. Just not sure what the roof looks like under that vinyl top also no idea if that motor can be saved. A lot of money for a car needing a complete restoration these cars continue to sell for a lot of money.
62 large buys alot of finished cars these days.
Not a high dollar car now, there’s going to be rust hiding, under the roof cover, inside somewhere for sure. If your smart you’d walk away, plenty of other cars out there you can get in and enjoy now for 62k. Tired of seeing dealers like this raising up prices like this, just say no thanks, invest in something in much much better shape.
I remember around 78 you couldn’t give one of these away. This money would’ve purchased and filled a warehouse with them. They rattled, shook, smoked and drank gas. Could’ve bought several decent drivers for $500 and none were going over a grand. This one would’ve been lined up for the crusher at the local junkyard. Sorry for the rant, and I know they are cool and everyone wants one, but $62K??
Many of us remember those days. I mentioned in the Plymouth post I lost my truck while in the service. I considered buying a new 1969 Charger, heck, I needed to drive something and I had a year of pay I had not touched. I drove a 440 one. Actually scared me, funny considering where I had recently been. Handled horribly and too much power, going around curves, was unnerving. Decided I needed a more sedate car as life is too precious to waste it away in an unsafe car. Ended up buying a Dart with a 318 and a stick. Cost much less, and had all the performance I needed. Was able to walk into the dealer and plunk down cash for it. Car was nice, but rusted like nothing I had ever seen before, just like these did. By the late 70s, many had been crushed from rust alone, not to mention gas had doubled in price.
Yup , I just commented on this the other day. There was a glorious but brief time period between the 1973-74 oil embargo and maybe 1982 or so when you could buy muscle cars for almost nothing. People were afraid of a financial apocalypse, and that gas was going go up to $10 a gallon. But after 1981, gas prices started to fall and these things started to climb rapidly in value as the boomers got more and more disposable income.
Yes, very cheap in those days. Just think of how we could have made if we bought those for crazy cheap money and held for 40 years. Of course, who could see the future? Besides, I never really had a yearning for a super car, plus in the 70s, we had young children and I had just started a busy career. Buying used cars was the last thing on my mind.
I completely agree Cooter, and I know everybody wants one, but 62 grand for one that’s probably gonna need more than that to put back in top shape? A bit beyond ridiculous, I think. A classic case of the owner thinking he has a diamond in the rough, and wanting a hefty price for the opportunity to fix it up(at great cost) from a fairly bad condition. No, I would definitely walk away from this one, unless they cut the price in half, if not more!
For half of 62K you could buy one heck of a more modern car that would run rings around one of these old relics, plus be safer, more comfortable, and a greater pleasure to drive. The rich investor class has ruined the old car hobby, so lets just let them have it, the rest of us can still enjoy the open road in better and more affordable cars. I like looking at old cars at shows, but I never have the yearning to actually drive one again. They really were not very good, modern cars is where it is at.
Must be rich guys who can afford to sit on inventory. A1967 C10 stock project truck for $15,000.00.?
Worth no more than half the asking price.
same old dealer selling high priced rusty Mopar’s. somethings never change
LOL..@ that price..Bwahahahaha
I hate hurting peoples feelings but the asking price is ridiculous! Even if it was a Hemi.
This beater Charger that needs everything pricing has just gotten ridiculous!! $62,500 for a car that needs everything?! Unbelievable……it’ just fun to watch if someone is crazy enough to bite at that price and then have $200K in the car by the time they’re done….it’s just devoid of reality these days…..
Facts
Dealer selling it. Enough said!!!!
This is a really solid project. There aren’t a lot of these in this condition laying around. All matching numbers means no excuses when it’s restored. This deserves a proper restoration and would be stunning in those colors.
It is going to cost well over the 62k they for the rebuild on that car. It cost me over that back in the 90’s to do a 68 RT 440.
Another air filter in someone’s collection! They even swiped the radiator cap! Looks like a solid restoration piece with a too high price. Yes, it is a better Mopar project than we have seen lately. But the price to play is revolting!
I usually don’t comment, but I had to on this one. I’m not sure what the seller is thinking but he’s dreaming if he thinks someone would pay that price the rust bucket.
Lol, then again these days, that dealer seems to have quoted Fred Sandford a few times lol saying, “you big dummy”
Why on earth do people throw away money this way?
I bought my beautiful R4 bright red 69′ Charger R/T back in 1990 for $13k. And this was after the market crash in 87′ and all the blue chip investors were jumping on the muscle car bandwagon as investments and the prices started to skyrocket. 68′ is my favorite year but $62k for this beat up heap is insane. Even if it’s a really solid starting point you’re probably looking at easily over $120k after purchase and resto.
It’s sad that the people who really want these cars to drive and enjoy are priced out of the game
There are plenty of other enthusiast oriented cars that are reasonably priced. Me and most of my friends in the early-1980’s figured out that if you can’t afford your dream car, you consider cars that fit your budget. That turned out to be a good thing, it opened us up to a broad array of cars we otherwise wouldn’t have considered, since then we’ve never had a hard time finding fun affordable cars.
Steve R
Way too much for a POS. Mopar.
Wrong 1969 wheels – I’ll pass……
What’s happened is over the years people has watched and been involved in auctions and it’s unrealistic and absurd, and the prices has skyrocket because money hands is buying that crusty car keeping out of range for smart buyers
In my some day toy box a 68 Charger is high on my list. But seriously, this nonsense created around coveting any vehicle like this IMHO is stupid.
Although I’m primarily a Ford Man, as an enthusiast I like other makes and models. Some make some sense as to their rarity or “unicorn” status.
But Chrysler Corporation made about as many Chargers as Mustangs, Chevelles, etc. Makes zero sense to me to spend 70k and have at least that amount in a correct restoration. Like I said, IMHO, stupid