It’s not my intention to keep ragging on the Chrysler brand, but I can’t help it. Look at this spectacularly styled 1968 Newport hardtop with its dashing reverse C-pillar and compare it to the dreck the brand builds today – a single mini-van! And, the brand CEO just won some kind of “whatever award”, and for what? Propping up a ten-year-old van design and bringing nothing new to the lineup? Sheesh…but I digress. Anyway, this Newport is a looker, so let’s check it out. Auburn, Washington, is where you’ll find it, and it’s available here on craigslist for $11,500. Tony P. gets the nod for this tip!
Anyway you cut it, Chrysler is a storied brand, and in 1968, they cut an impressive swath. While they only managed a tenth-place finish in the great domestic auto production race that year (280K units, including Imperial), they brought us take-notice styling in the form of the New Yorker, 300, Newport Custom, and the standard Newport, such as our subject car. Newport covered all the bases with two-door hardtops (37K copies) and convertibles, as well as four-door sedans and hardtops. The seller of this Newport tells us that it’s a repaint and it’s “a nice quality job,” and it does present very smartly with its contrasting white finished roof. That said, there is an image of the open trunk included, and it appears that the floor has been hit with a decent dose of overspray. At 219.2 inches in overall length, this Newport possesses a lot of long, straight real estate, and there’s not a wave to be detected. It’s a matter of choice, of course, but I’ll admit that I don’t favor the chrome wheel/baby moon treatment.
Standard Newport power was a 290-gross HP, 383-CI V8 engine, and that’s what we find occupying this car’s engine room. The seller states, “Runs and drives really good…engine was rebuilt, and only has 6000 miles since rebuild.” As is usually the case, a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission is on duty, handling gear changes.
The black vinyl and cloth upholstery is said to have been “redone,” and it looks fine; the entire environment, including the carpet, door panels, and dash pad show as new. The seller claims, “all clusters work (instrument panel), air conditioning car,” though there doesn’t appear to be a compressor located in the engine bay, so I’m not sure about that statement. The only potential problem that I spied is what looks like a pulled-loose headliner over the driver’s side front seat. It may, however, just be the tucked-away shoulder harness that I’m seeing.
This Newport’s mileage recording is claimed to be 45K miles, though no authentication is provided. Regardless, this Newport appears to be a very fine specimen. “Chrysler – are you paying attention? You built wonderful cars like this Newport at one time in the past; let’s stop the dithering and do it again!” Anyway, that’s my thought, what’s yours?
We always had a Dodge and a Volkswagen in my parents driveway. Sad what has become of the Chrysler Corp. This Newport is very nice and in my opinion very nicely priced, though I’m inclined to think Air Conditioning means the windows work.
It could be worse for Chrysler…. They could be Lincoln
Beautiful car! I always loved the big luxury machines. It’s sad what happened to Chrysler and other brands building the least desirable vehicles on planet Earth. Today’s cars are boring, most are ugly and all look pretty much the same. Instead of style, focus is placed on boredom. I honestly can’t identify a vehicle today as they all look alike. If I had to describe a vehicle I’d just say a white SUV and it covers everything on the road.
Many a time over the last 10 years I’ve sat at a traffic light and the old Rolling Stones song begins playing in my mind.
I see a line of cars and they’re all painted black (or white or silver).
I think our friend Rex may have a Newport in his stable. Beautiful automobiles. đ đ
Why are there so many nice cars in Washington? Baby moons have to go. Round outside mirror on the driver’s side, square one on the passenger side. And there seems to be a lot of overspray in the trunk from the paint job. Otherwise, nice car. Like that the top is painted white.
I live in the rustbelt,Pa. I traveled the country for 20 years in my long haul trucking career and I have to tell you the best place to find a very nice vehicle in great shape was Washington and Oregon. There are nice cars in California and Arizona but they want Barrett Jackson prices unlike the northwest part of the counrty
I agree on the wheels, a proper set of Chrysler Road Wheels, or even Magnum 500’s would really make this baby pop! GLWTS!! :-)
My thoughts exactly, Moparman! While not correct for a ’68, those road wheels would be an excellent replacement for the current wheels, or Magnum 500s for an “original”, 1968 look.
Originality clearly wasn’t a priority for the current owner, or he’d have had the engine painted the correct turquoise during the rebuild instead of Chrysler’s corporate blue.
poor wheel choice for sure. even factory sport hubcaps would look better.
I have to figure out a way to spend some quality time in the Pacific Northwest. I havenât been to Seattle since 1973 so Iâm sure itâs changed since then. As I remember it is a very picturesque place. But I am wanting to go to see some classic iron like this Chrysler. I had the 1966 version back in the seventies. Great car. I would be all over this if it wasnât located so far away. Competitively priced. The trunk overspray may not be as bad as the picture suggests. The lighting might have something to do with it. I donât mind the wheel treatment but I would prefer the stock covers. The seller may have them already. These cars were some of the best Mopars ever IMO. GLWTS.
I always thought the 1968 Newports provided good value when they were new, as they came standard with a 383 and Torqueflite transmission. I owned two ’68 Chyslers, a Newport sedan and a 300 four-door hardtop (with a 440). Both were excellent cars….quick for their size and handled great due to the front torsion bars and rear leaf springs. This seems like a good buy, but I agree that Magnum 500’s would look better on this car. Nice colour combo and NO vinyl roof, which is a bonus for purposes of upkeep.
Nice car, but I don’t see a shred of evidence that this car ever contained factory A/C or even aftermarket A/C. There are ZERO components for the A/C under the hood, the radiator is for a non-A/C car and there are no vent cutouts in the dash for an A/C car. Why the seller chooses to list this as an A/C car is beyond me. I hate when people do this.
Parents had a 68 coupe, forest green, blk vinyl top. (Never did see a new one w/o the vinyl). Got to drive it in HS. Even tho the 383 is a 2bbl, it still was fast and smoked the tires from a dead stop. Was a very reliable Chrysler, then Dad bought a 72 NYB that was a lemon tree!
Really beautiful looking Newport. I don’t know why most of these great cars seem to show up in the NW part of the country. Those wheels have to go! A nice set of factory wheel covers would look lightyears better. Personally the B body platform is my favorite, but these were wonderful, stylish cars for sure. Don’t even get me started on the devolution of Chrysler as an entity nowadays. The best years are long behind us.
I’m sure this 68 Chrysler gal is already gone. Great car for a very fair price. Only thing I would add is AC.
I absolutely agree with you. Stellantis has dug the grave for Chrysler. Please, would some American billionaire buy Chrysler? Itâs an American icon. Elon, since youâve wisely given up on electric vehicles, maybe you can buy Chrysler and build real cars?
Those were awesome cars! âPoor manâs Imperialâ. A buddy of mine also had a 68 Newport Custom, that was originally ordered by a Seattle cop, complete with a spotlight and a 440. We travelled thousands of miles in that going to car shows all over the western U.S. He eventually sold it to some schmuck who promptly wrecked itâŚwhoever buys this beauty wonât regret it.
Swapping rims to Cragars or Magnum 500s will make a big difference on this Newport.
I’m late to Barn Finds today, out putting an original AM radio in my truck, first day in a while here that is warm enough. I like this Chrysler so wanted to view more on Craigslist. It’s gone.
I think the ’68 Chrysler is the most beautifully sculpted automobile to ever hit the road! I have no excuse for not owning one, passed up a convertible in Oklahoma City 12 years ago for $2,500. Girl had been beat on, and I was holding out for a 300 hardtop, just like in the sales brochure. All red, no vinyl top, Magnum 500s, 440, hide-away headlights.
https://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1968_Chrysler/1968_Chrysler_Brochure/1968%20Chrysler-20.html