Classics like this 1968 Dodge Charger R/T pose a unique set of challenges for Barn Finds writers. This isn’t because there is anything inherently wrong with this car. It is because there is so much that is right that identifying its greatest attribute is virtually impossible. It has avoided the custom touches that many well-meaning owners will inflict upon their pride and joy, making it a genuine survivor. However, many will rightly state that the first owner’s decision to equip it with a legendary Hemi V8, an engine it retains in numbers-matching form, allows it to stand apart from the crowd. Its next journey could be to a new home, although, with the car located in Wels, Austria, it could take some time and effort before it is parked in the new owner’s garage. The seller has listed the Charger here on eBay with a BIN figure of an eye-watering $252,000.
The seller states that this Charger is a rare export version, but an admittedly brief online search failed to reveal how many of these classics found their way to foreign shores. We are lucky enough to have an extremely knowledgeable reader base at Barn Finds, meaning that someone may be able to supply information that I have been unable to locate. The first owner ordered the car in Code E Dark Blue with a Black vinyl top. It appears they may have wished to create a sleeper because, apart from the badges, there are no stripes that might easily identify this as an R/T. Rust is often a problem with these cars, although the seller indicates that the only issue is confined to the center of the trunk pan. The paint isn’t perfect, but it is original. There is no history of repairs or restoration, leaving the new owner with choices to make. A cosmetic refresh would be relatively easy and affordable due to the lack of major rust and panel imperfections. However, this Charger is a genuine survivor, which may be enough motivation for the buyer to opt for preservation. It would undoubtedly receive respect if that was the path they chose. The trim, including the grille and headlamp covers, is in good condition, and the R/T retains its date-correct glass.
It’s time to get to the meat of the story of this Charger, which is revealed when we lift the hood. If we compiled a list of the ten most desirable engines produced by American vehicle manufacturers, Chrysler’s 426ci “Hemi” V8 would be close to the top. Brutal is the best term to describe the Hemi, with the factory quoting power and torque figures of 425hp and 490 ft/lbs. The first owner ticked that box on their Order form, teaming the monster motor with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The Hemi was an expensive option in 1968, which explains why out of a total of 17,665 R/Ts produced that year, only 468 buyers paid the premium required for the 426. This classic is numbers-matching, a significant factor when assessing its investment potential. The seller recently replaced a few components, including the fuel tank, sender unit, fuel lines, master cylinder, and exhaust. However, the ancillaries are confirmed as original, and while it needs TLC to be considered roadworthy, achieving that status would appear to be a viable short-term goal. Because it is an export Charger, the odometer measures in metric. It shows a reading of 23,300 kilometers, equivalent to approximately 14,500 miles.
It appears that the first owner wanted to create a “total” package when ordering this Charger. Therefore, they equipped its interior with power windows, bucket seats, a console, a remote driver’s mirror, a Tick-Tock-Tach, and an AM radio/8-track player with three speakers. The interior is trimmed in Black vinyl, and its condition is consistent with the claimed odometer reading. There is no significant wear on any surfaces, no evidence of abuse or UV damage, and no aftermarket additions. Describing it as perfect would probably be a stretch, but there doesn’t appear to be any issues deserving harsh criticism.
The seller’s price for this 1968 Charger R/T is eye-watering and well above the market average. That poses the question of whether the figure is justified. That’s a difficult question to answer, especially since the new owner faces the expense of returning this classic to its home shores. However, its complete originality will attract many people, as will its extraordinarily low odometer reading. The listing view and Watch List tallies are surprisingly low for a classic of this caliber, although the price means that the seller will have a limited pool of potential buyers. Will it find a new home? It only takes one person for that to happen, and if they let their heart rule their head, it is possible.
It’s a beautiful car but I don’t see $252,000 sitting there especially with an automatic.
And the shipping from Austria to the US would be insane.
I think this seller might want to see if he can sell it locally for less than half of what he’s asking.
Is the $252,000 US dollars or Australian dollars?
Id want to know what country this Charger was originally exported to. A friend from Australia was into first and early second generation Firebirds, said imported cars had to be converted to left hand drive, this was also the case for used cars until either the early-1990’s or 2000’s. It’s a cool car, I wish the seller gave more information about its history when new.
Steve R
I checked Steve R, and the price is definitely in US dollars. The car is located in Austria, meaning that it may have been exported to almost any European country. I agree with you because I would love to know the history and why it found its way to Europe.
Thank you for the reply. I was hoping it would have been Australian dollars, that would have been a screaming deal. Even in USD, considering how this car is a unicorn, someone might decide to buy it. The people that are into real survivors are a different breed and are generally willing to pay for the right car.
Steve R
My father ordered also a new one R/T six pack in 1970.. we live in Austria.. There are some Chargers around there. I owned a 1972 SE with the 440 Magnum.. Is still in Austria under way..
I think you meant to say that they were
converted to RIGHT hand drive.
I had the same thought. Also, Australian dollars are irrelevant since the car is in Austria, a Euro nation.
USD a bit of a discount over the Euro. Wonder if it’s listed locally and what the Euro price is?
AUSTRIA and AUSTRALIA are not the same place.
A hemi from 1968 would be like an extra 8 large today. That is a lot to pay for something much fussier than a standard and almost as good, 440. I saw more then one hemi go down in certified drags back then. Properly tuned they were king, but most drivers only thought they knew what they were doing. With unlimited cash and a trailer to haul them to and from the track is what was needed as driving a winning hemi to a drag strip wasn’t practical. If they were going to win, they were basically not street able. You needed milled heads to get 13 to 1 compression, then you needed aviation gas. A hemi was a great rich guys hobby, but for real working men, just not practical. That is why so few were produced.
It would cost about 3k -4k to ship the car from Austria to the USA and that includes all the fees.
I think we have our Austrias and Australias mixed up.
Quarter million?……Nope.
Mopar at its finest. Hemi 🚀
Thank you for the verification, Chasbro. Dyslexia set in for the poor chaps above.
252 grand? Wow! This must be the only one left that wasn’t painted orange.
The top of the engine appears to have been spray can painted by a real amateur. Similar for blue on the firewall. Call me skeptical on the originality claim if not more.
$250,000 plus for something most will never drive and you’re concerned about shipping costs? From the absolute piles of crap 68 Chargers on this site fir $30,000 and up, this is a bargain.
My father bought a new 1968 Dodge Charger RT/stripe delete. Green/green interior. And yes, a 426 Hemi with an automatic. My older brother and I would sit backwards in the back seat with our arms resting in the package tray from time to time. Why? Because if we asked him, he would do massive smokie burnouts. Thanksgiving 1969 at my grandparents one of my uncles showed up in a yellow 1968 Dodge Charger RT. 426 Hemi four speed. Two Hemi Chargers sitting in the driveway and surrounded by my family. One of my favorite childhood memories.
If I’m not mistaken this car was found in South America 4-5 years ago.
Is there a story to tell about the ‘South American’ discovery?
This car might be worth this much in Austria where this would be an even more rare sight than in the US.