We’re often told never to judge a book by its cover, which is true with this 1968 Dodge Charger. It looks tired and weatherbeaten, but it can spring a surprise or two. The seller sank plenty of cash into the project, but a new owner will reap the benefits. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Simi Valley, California. Once you see what it offers, the frantic bidding will make sense. However, it remains below the reserve at $24,100.

The seller purchased this Charger in Arizona, planning to return it to active duty as a weathered survivor. That seems the best term to describe its Burgundy paint, which has suffered at the hands of the Arizona sun. They replaced the Black vinyl top, which offers a striking contrast. The trim and chrome are in good order, including the grille with its hidden headlamps. There are no glass issues, and the Charger rolls on new aftermarket wheels wrapped in Cooper tires. I haven’t been skirting the issue of rust because there’s not much to discuss. The trunk pan has the usual problems and will require replacement. However, the floors are rock-solid, as are the rails. With the Dodge structurally sound, the seller’s approach to this project seems valid. Personally, I’d address any minor panel imperfections and return this beauty to its former glory.

We open the Charger’s doors, and I’ll bet you weren’t expecting that! The interior presentation is virtually showroom, which is understandable. The seller poured a considerable sum into a complete retrim, and nothing escaped their attention. Everything is spotless, and there has been no opportunity for wear or damage because the car hasn’t seen active service since they complete their handiwork. I can’t spot anything worth criticizing, and there are no aftermarket additions. The buyer won’t drown in optional extras, although the air conditioning and factory radio add to the comfort on the road.

If the interior impresses you, lifting the hood should increase the joy. The seller pulled the motor and detailed the engine bay to a high standard. They rebuilt the engine and transmission before slotting them back into place. The car remains numbers-matching, which will help its future potential value. It features a 383ci V8 that should send 330hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The original owner added power assistance for the steering and brakes to the mix, ensuring the driver doesn’t burn too much energy behind the wheel. The Charger should storm the ¼-mile in 15 seconds, although improved breathing through long-tube headers might improve that figure. They didn’t stop with the engine and transmission because the suspension is all new. They fitted a new tank, sender unit, carburetor, and new lines for the fuel and brakes. It wasn’t just new lines for the brakes because the Charger sports a new booster, master cylinder, and pads. The vehicle runs and drives, but tweaks are required before it can be considered roadworthy. A new exhaust is top of the list, as are a wheel alignment and adjustment to the kick-down linkage. Once those tasks are completed, the buyer can hit the road and carefully break in that freshly rebuilt V8.

Some classics leave you guessing about their desirability, but this 1968 Charger removes all doubt. It has attracted fifty-three bids, and I expect the figure and price to climb significantly with time remaining on the auction. I will be unsurprised if the bid total rises into three-digit territory because potential buyers seem passionate about this classic. The seller planned to preserve its weathered appearance, but would you feel the same? Or would returning it to its former glory prove irresistible? This is a classic car where the winning bidder will be driven by their vision and preferences. Therefore, there are no right or wrong answers to those questions.