Same Family Since New: 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T

Introduced in 1949, the Coronet spent its first four generations as a full-size auto in the Dodge lineup before taking a break after the 1959 model.  When the car returned in 1965, it was billed as an intermediate and a popular one, selling more than 200,000 units that year alone, making it the most successful automobile on the Dodge roster.  Several models were available to choose from during the fifth generation, with the muscular R/T making its debut in 1967 and featuring a 440 engine under the hood as standard equipment, which carried over to the 1968 model, such as this one here on eBay.  This cool B-Body is in Chicago, Illinois, and has been in the same family since new, but it’s finally looking for a new home after almost six decades.  At the moment, the high bid has reached $25,900.

It’s always fun when a vintage muscle car has a good story, especially when it goes back to day one, and this R/T is one of those with a compelling tale that Mopar fans dream about.  Back in 1968, the seller’s father specially ordered and bought this car brand new, with the Coronet spending most of its downtime in a heated garage over the years.  After he passed away, it was inherited by his son, so this is one of those cases where a nearly 60-year-old car has remained in the same family all through the years.  It’s said to have been driven just 73,000 miles, with the 440 reportedly still starting right up.  Thankfully, Dad also preferred the 4-speed manual transmission, adding even more appeal to a car with an already high wow factor.

All that time in a garage has really paid off, as the body is stated to still be very solid overall.  Some quarter panel work has been done on the driver’s side, but it doesn’t appear to be extensive, and the rest of the sheet metal still seems straight and strong.  The EE1 code on the fender tag confirms that this Coronet came from the factory in Dark Blue Metallic and with a black accent stripe around the rear section, but the seller doesn’t indicate whether the exterior paint is still original on the non-primered areas.

This one features bucket seats, and while the interior could use some refreshing, it’s great that the rear seat still has the build sheet nestled between the springs and padding.  The number 1 under the U on the second line of the fender tag also verifies that this was indeed a specially ordered car and already sold before it was produced, built just exactly the way dear old Dad wanted!  I’d love to take over where the first family is leaving off, and with all the positives this one has to offer, I’m guessing the price will continue to climb before the gavel falls here.  Any thoughts to share on this 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T?