One lesson learned by many enthusiasts is that a classic’s rarity doesn’t necessarily equate to high value. However, combine that rarity with inherent desirability, and we’re talking a whole new ball game. Such is the case with this 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. It is a desirable car in its own right, but the original owner’s decision to combine the company’s legendary Hemi V8 with a manual transmission produced a rare and potent classic worthy of the muscle car badge. It recently underwent a professional restoration but is set to find a new home. The seller has listed the Charger here at Mecum Auctions in Indianapolis, Indiana. It will cross the blocks on May 17th, with an auction estimate of $225,000 – $275,000.

Dodge’s Second Generation Charger range landed on showroom floors for the 1968 model year, with the company adopting a fresh approach with its latest offering. The styling was new, but interior trim and configuration changes reduced costs and lowered sticker prices to entice buyers. This R/T rolled off the line during the first year, and faulting its presentation is almost impossible. The combination of Bronze paint with a Black vinyl top and matching stripes is a clear winner, ensuring this Charger turns as many heads today as it would have in 1968. Its visual impact is understandable because the Charger recently emerged from a professional restoration, and it seems no aspect of the vehicle escaped attention. The seller supplies no underside shots, but the listing images confirm the paint is almost flawless, the panels are laser-straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The trim and glass are spotless, with the steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps giving the car a restrained and subtle appearance that provides no indications of the potent package lurking below the skin.

This Charger perfectly combines rarity and desirability into a genuine muscle car package. The listing confirms it retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, and they didn’t come much better than this in 1968. The list includes the legendary 426ci Hemi V8, a four-speed A833 manual transmission, Dana 60 Sure Grip rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. I might typically favor Ford products, but I doubt any American manufacturer has produced a better V8 than the Hemi. This one delivers 425hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures are impressive, as is its ability to turn a ¼-mile journey into a memory in 13.5 seconds. Unsurprisingly, this car is in excellent mechanical health, but its rarity could be its trump card. The 1968 model year saw 17,582 buyers drive off the lot in a Charger R/T. However, only 211 of those combined the Hemi with a four-speed. That represents a tiny 1.2% of total R/T sales, making this an undeniably rare beast.

I find this Charger’s interior fascinating because the first owner chose an unusual combination of options. It features flawless Black vinyl upholstery and trim, and although it is a radio-delete vehicle, the new owner receives power windows. That’s not a combination I’ve seen before, and it would be fascinating to learn how rare it is. The interior is all you would expect from a classic of this caliber. There is no wear or signs of physical abuse and no evidence of UV damage or other issues. The dash and pad are excellent, and the Rally gauge cluster features the ultra-desirable Tick-Tock-Tach. I hesitate to describe the condition as showroom fresh, but it shouldn’t receive much criticism at a show or a Cars & Coffee.

Considering its condition and rarity, the auctioneer’s estimate for this 1968 Dodge Charger R/T is realistic. However, values have dropped across the board during the last year, which might deter some buyers. Purchasing a classic as an investment is always risky, but if this Charger exceeds the upper estimate, it could indicate that now is the right time to splash some cash on the car of your dreams. Are you willing to roll the dice, or will you sit back as an interested spectator to see how things play out?