One of the attractions of American classics from the 1960s as project candidates is the ready availability of replacement steel that will allow the owner to achieve a rust-free status. This 1968 Dodge Charger R/T will need that and more because time hasn’t treated this car kindly. It is unclear how or why it has reached this point, but the buyer faces hundreds of hours of work and not a little cutting and welding before they can even contemplate the cosmetic shortcomings. The seller has listed the R/T here on eBay in Orange Park, Florida. They set their BIN at $24,500, so let’s take a close look to see if that figure is justified.

Dodge launched its Second Generation Charger range for the 1968 model year. It adopted a more conservative approach than it chose with its predecessor, ditching features like the electroluminescent gauges to reduce production costs and the ultimate sticker price. Our feature car is a first-year R/T, ordered in Code W White with a contrasting Black vinyl top. It would have been a classy vehicle in its prime, although time hasn’t treated it kindly. The tired paint and deteriorating vinyl are the least of its problems, with the seller admitting that it has rust issues. They don’t sugarcoat the subject, admitting that most of this car’s sheetmetal is beyond salvation. The shopping list includes floors, a trunk pan, rails, the torsion bar cross-member, a rear valance, quarter panels, and more. There is also evidence of a line developing in the vinyl at the roof joint, suggesting there will be more hidden issues. There is a fair chance that the buyer will be on a first-name basis with the steel supplier before this build ends. The viability of many trim pieces is questionable, although the grille and headlamp doors look okay.

Dodge offered its 440ci V8 as the entry-level engine in the 1968 Charger R/T, and it was an impressive starting point. Delivering 375hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque, it effortlessly produced a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET off the showroom floor. This car’s first owner teamed the 440 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that this R/T doesn’t run or drive, but the engine turns freely. That brings us to another piece of news that may sway some people. The seller confirms that the engine isn’t numbers-matching, although they are unsure about the TorqueFlite and rear end. The engine is of 1967 vintage and may impact this Charger’s potential value when we assess its long-term investment potential.

This Charger’s interior is a mixed bag because the headliner, door trims, and dash look very nice. The seat foam and covers aren’t as impressive, and the new owner will probably replace these as part of a high-end restoration. It is slightly unusual to find a classic of this type and age with no aftermarket additions, and even the original radio is intact. It is safe to say that whipping this interior into shape would be the least expensive part of this project build.

Have you seen enough to draw your conclusion? This 1968 Dodge Charger R/T would require a new owner with deep dedication and a thick wallet if it is to avoid becoming a donor for other projects. The road to recovery will be long, and the process of achieving a rust-free status is unlikely to see much of its original steel intact by the time work ends. The question is whether it is justified. From a purely financial perspective, I have doubts. Values have fallen during 2024, and that trend shows no sign of ending. Of course, some enthusiasts might simply view this Charger as an automotive “must-have,” and will be less concerned about the cost than the desire to protect a genuine American muscle car from extinction. It will be fascinating to gauge your view and to learn how many of our readers would consider giving this R/T a second chance at life.