It might look battered and bruised, but this 1968 Charger R/T is a surprisingly solid classic that could be a rewarding restoration project. It has a healthy V8 under the hood and a long list of options to increase its desirability. It won’t be for the faint-hearted, but with values climbing, it could be worth the effort and expense. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Santa Ana, California. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $20,100, and there is still time remaining for those wishing to stake their claim on this classic.
Dodge introduced the Second Generation Charger in 1968, and many people recognize the R/T version as one of the cars featured in the iconic car chase scene from the Steve McQueen movie, “Bullitt.” The R/T in that sequence met an unfortunate and violent demise, but someone has the chance to bring this one back from the brink. It must have looked stunning the day it drove off the lot, resplendent in Charger Red with a Black vinyl top and White bumblebee stripes. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since, and some of it has helped this classic develop rust problems. However, it is far from the worst we’ve seen at Barn Finds, with the car remaining structurally sound. It requires work on the trunk and floors and a few spots around the back windows and in other locations. On the plus side, there are no problems evident in the rails. The rear quarter panels are pretty awful, with the passenger side showing plenty of dings and dents. There is panel rust in other areas, but most appear suitable for well-crafted patches. The grille looks okay, but there will still be a shopping list of parts required before this Dodge presents at its best.
Buyers ordering a Charger R/T in 1968 received the 440ci “Magnum” V8 as the standard motor. This was hardly an automotive wimp, churning out 375hp. This car’s original owner added the three-speed A727 automatic transmission, a 3.23 Sure Grip rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The muscle car era was close to its peak in 1968, helping explain why this R/T could storm the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds before winding its way to 132mph. It is fascinating to note that the performance of the ’68 R/T had an unexpected consequence during the filming of Bullitt. The stunt team found an enormous performance disparity between the Charger and Steve McQueen’s Mustang GT. It was so great that the Charger driver repeatedly had to get off the gas as he was drawing away from the GT in a straight line. This Charger isn’t numbers-matching, but the seller states the date-correct 440 under the hood is healthy. They include the correct intake, carburetor, air cleaner, and exhaust manifolds for a new owner intent on a faithful restoration.
Although it requires a total refurbishment, it is pleasing to find this Charger’s interior essentially complete and unmolested. It will need more than $2,000 to whip it into shape, but if the buyer aims for originality, it will be a comfortable place to spend some time. The original owner ordered this classic with Black vinyl trim, a console, an AM radio, and factory air conditioning. I can’t see the engine bay components for the A/C, but spending money to reinstate the system would be a wise investment.
The new owner of this 1968 Charger R/T will need to be a dab hand with a grinder and welder if they wish to tackle this restoration as a DIY project. However, it hasn’t been afflicted with severe rust, which is often a feature of these classics. That doesn’t mean it will be an easy or cheap undertaking, but the bidding history suggests a few people believe they are up for the challenge. Restored to a high standard, it should be a $60,000 plus car any day of the week. With those thoughts in mind, is it a project you might consider tackling?
If I were doing a NOM car, I’d rather start with a clean 318 car for $40K than this one for more than $20K. Parts and time worth more than the difference. People underestimate the complexity of maintaining structural geometry on these, when they start replacing sheet metal all over.
I’d do one with a 1978 motor home 440 block ( strongest 440 block ever) modern performance heads and sixpak or Holley sixpack fuel injection. Easy to make 550HP. Black on black.
I can’t see any clueless clodhoppers bidding to this level. Anyone interested already knows how to do or who to see for metalwork. I have replaced quarters before, on unitbody cars, with no special fixtures and had no issues. This is a substantial investment and I know I would already have the skills and knowledge before bidding a dime. I see some patching needed in the passenger floor, but the trunk appears solid, so that’s pretty much cake. The right rear and rear needs metal replacement. Take it one piece at a time.
The top of the roof looks rotted where the trim used to attach.To me I’d find a much cleaner one like someone else here said with a 318 .This ones not #’s anyway and was the engine rebuilt correctly or rattle canned.I’d tear it all apart and measure everything. For me too much $ for what you’re getting.All the parts you”ll need on this one add up real quick. but whatever the market bears.
Whether it was done right or was a rattle can rebuild on the engine, why would the owner not have at the very least taken a little time to find and buy the right rattle can? Corporate blue isn’t right for a ’68 B/RB engine. It should have been turquoise.