Based on the tow strap in this picture and the dusty shelter behind the car, we’re witnessing the extraction of this 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 from its storage location in Madera, California. Thanks to reader Rex M. for turning in this find! After being stored for over 25 years, the car is being sold here on craigslist for an eye-popping $26,000. While that does include the original fender tag, I have to question how serious the seller is at that price! However, since it’s a craigslist ad, I’m sure some negotiation is possible.
It’s not surprising that this picture is the first one listed in the original ad as the Charger looks much better on the passenger side. I’m sure you know that the “R/T” stands for “Road/Track”, but did you know that the bad guys in the movie Bullitt were driving a 440 R/T like this one? That was long before the Duke boys drove a similar (but various years) Charger in Hazzard County. The twin “bumblebee” stripes are present on the rear flanks but even a cursory glance at the body will tell you this car will need a restoration rather than preservation.
Here’s a closer look at the problematic driver’s side. It’s hard to believe the demand for these Chargers considering over 96,000 were produced in 1968, but I have to admit the second-generation Charger is a beautiful design.
While the car is currently equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, it came from the factory with an automatic. It would be interesting to follow up after the sale to see if the buyer decides to keep the manual or go back original. It’s a good thing reproduction parts are readily available for these interiors, assuming the buyer wants to go back stock.
Whoops! That’s not a 440! The car has a small-block Mopar V-8 of indeterminate origin at the moment, but good news; a 1968 440 V-8 comes with it. However, the non-original engine and transmission will certainly hurt the value of the car — which brings us back to the $26,000 asking price. Even with a list of original options including power windows, power disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, and air conditioning, is this total restoration project worth it? What do you think?
‘What do you think?’
I think someone’s dreaming.
I say call mark from Graveyard cars. He can restore it.
R/T Really/Thrashed
Unfortunately this car does not have much going for it. The whole interior is shot, the driveline needs replacing, and much of the metal is bent.
There is one amazing thing though. This car has almost every single option for 1968! I can’t see anything that was not ordered according to the fender tag, except for the passenger side mirror.
It’s hard to stomach the price tag when you see a car that has had barely generated the interest to store it let alone fix it.
That’ll buff right out after a generous application of the bodyman in a tube stuff you see advertised on TV. Not available in stores!
I’m not certain they had those high back bucket seats until 1970. 1968 an ‘69 had low back seats with a separate head rest if it was ordered. Judging by the handyman work on the dr rear quarter, when they say he cut the rust out, I never would have taken that literally! Go figure.
Wow! 26k for a car similar like the Charger I paid $275 for back in 1982 w/a 383 that ran and drove! Mine still has all the rust attached though, low back buckets with the drivers seat swivel option. I took some parts off of it and sold it to a guy that raced them in what’s equivalent to the enduro class-it lasted two races before the rusty sub frames gave way and she was scrap save for the driveline.
I think he can keep it…