Fresh 383/4-Speed: 1968 Dodge Charger
The 1960s was a golden era in American automotive history. Manufacturers competed fiercely in the high-performance market, producing cars that remain iconic. The Dodge Charger was one such vehicle, and this 1968 example is a gem. It recently underwent a comprehensive refurbishment, leaving only a few minor details for the new owner to tackle. They aren’t complex and will add the finishing touches to a car that is guaranteed to attract attention.
It would be unfair to say that Dodge moved downmarket when it introduced its Second Generation Charger range in 1968. However, by adopting a more conventional approach in areas like the interior, the company slashed production costs. This resulted in a more affordable sticker price, helping to explain how the latest model set a new sales record of 96,100 cars during the first year. The history of our feature car is unclear, although the seller indicates it underwent a recent comprehensive refurbishment. The process included installing new floor pans to return the car to a rust-free state. The seller massaged the exterior sheetmetal, before applying a dazzling coat of Corporate Red paint with a White vinyl top and matching stripes. The presentation is impressive, with no evidence of cosmetic faults or imperfections. Many trim items are new, and the glass is spotless. The sparkling new Magnum 500 wheels add the ideal finishing touch. The only fault the seller identifies is inoperative headlamp doors. The cause is unclear, but since they are approachable, they may be able to shed some light (sorry!) on the problem.
Finding fault with this Charger’s interior is as challenging as it is for the exterior. This is understandable because the seller sourced a kit from the fines folks at Legendary Auto Interiors to return the car to a factory-fresh state. There are no signs of wear or marks on the White vinyl, while the dash, pad, and carpet are flawless. The seller indicates the heater and air don’t function, representing the final tasks for the buyer to tackle. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although the winning bidder will undoubtedly welcome the Rally gauges, AM radio, and pistol grip shifter.
We’ve finally reached the business end of proceedings when we lift this Charger’s hood. The drivetrain combination is enough to warm the heart of any Mopar enthusiast. It includes a 383ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and an 8¾” rear end with 3.23 gears. The 383 would have produced around 330hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque when it was shiny and new. That made this a potent package, with the 14.7-second ¼-mile ET and top speed of 128mph cementing its muscle car credentials. We should probably tackle what some may consider the bad news first because the seller indicates the Charger isn’t numbers-matching. That might impact its potential value as a genuine investment, but many buyers will find it of no consequence. The recent refurbishment included rebuilds for the engine and transmission, with the Charger also receiving many new suspension components and a dual 2½” exhaust that exits forward of the rear wheel arches. This beauty runs and drives exceptionally well, ready to provide the new owner with immediate classic motoring pleasure.
The seller listed this 1968 Dodge Charger here on eBay in Newnan, Georgia. Solid bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $36,100. Interestingly, the listing text quotes a BIN figure of $89,900 OBO, providing insight into the seller’s expectations. Do you think it will hit the mark or is a lower figure more realistic? Monitoring this auction to see the result could be fascinating.
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Comments
Ya know, I love these 2nd gens as I had a ’68 RT, but I think I’ve seen a few too many lately…
$89,900 for a non-numbers matching, non-440 Charger???
Are you kidding me????
Amen.
Left in junkyards? Sounds like because you can’t have one so no one should have one. Typical left leaning thinking.
There have been countless desirable makes and models built over the last 56 years. Though this may be someone’s unaffordable dream car, there are plenty of options to choose from at reasonable prices. Even in the early-80’s, fresh out of high school, me and my friends were priced out of the cars we really wanted. Most of us were smart enough to quickly figure that out then start looking for cars we could afford. Once that happened we never had problems finding something we liked, that’s still the case. There are a few friends that never allowed reality to sink in and are stil ”looking, they tend to be bitter, of course if they had but in as much effort trying to find a car instead of gripping things might have turned out differently.
Chargers, along with many other desirable cars are way overpriced, so what, it makes no difference to people that are open minded and willing to put in the work. Those people will always be able to find a car that they can enjoy.
Steve R
What economic “situation” are you referring to? That a certain car, 68-70 Charger, has been highly sought after for decades among multiple generations, that has been a fixture in popular culture since new. There is nothing new about the diminishing number of Chargers selling for premium prices.
That might be what you want. As for me wanting a car I owned at one point in time, if the right car, for the right price came along, I wouldn’t mind, it’s not something I dwell on. However, like I said, there are so many affordable, desirable cars available there is no reason to financially over extend oneself.
Steve R
looks like the heater box is out ,some k mart air cleaner and numerous other items for 89k?
I didn’t see a reserve in eBay. So the car sells to the highest bidder. But for almost $90,000 that’s crazy. The AC is missing. Unless the seller has all of the parts. And why won’t the heater work? The headlight doors is another issue. The TA exhaust setup may get you in trouble in some states. Since it not correct for the Charger. The most would be $45,000 for the Charger. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
I did, still happy
I have my differences with Steve R. But put his 11:13 and 12:39 commen̈ts on every posting for a typically out of reach car or a well preserved everyday car from years gone by. Those who are bitter instead of just disappointed about the high prices need to read his take.
What? Dude thinks his mopar is his 401k retirement fund…..90k? Nopar for me!
That last comment by KC was great!
Red/White is THE most stunning color combo. I had a 69 and now a 70 Charger R/T in those colors, the 70 is from Volo. BTW 383 Magnum=335 bhp
If you don’t think they’re worth the high prices, don’t buy one!
Go buy a 225-slant Dart.
And please stop the armchair economics and “L”/ “R” references.
If you want to compare comfortable reliable modern cars to the vintage iron that most everyone here are passionate about then you probably shouldn’t be here, go follow a Toyota Camry site or something similar.
I inherited my uncle’s non-running 69 Charger when I was in high school in the late 80’s. He bought it new. It was a rust bucket by the time I got it, but the 383 ran very strong. It’s amazing we didn’t die in that car. I sold it in college after I wrecked it in Georgia. My 10 year old son now is obsessed with these. I’d love to find another one (and would consider paying the entry price), but it’s hard to find an original one that’s worth the money. Mine was a 383 4-barrel with center console black/black no vinyl roof. My uncle was insistent vinyl roofs were ugly. I think I still have the original manuals, purchase docs in my attic somewhere.
Sold for $44K…..congrats to the buyer, sad for the seller