Recently Restored: 1968 Dodge Charger
The line between a restored and a refurbished classic is sometimes fine, as demonstrated by this 1968 Dodge Charger. It presents nicely and features a healthy and relatively potent drivetrain combination. However, a few visible changes may cause some enthusiasts to view its refresh as a refurbishment. Regardless of your view, it has no urgent needs and is ready to find a new home. It is worth a closer look if a 1960s classic is on your radar.
Dodge introduced its Second Generation Charger in 1968, and one look at its interior revealed that the company targeted a more mainstream buyer market with an interior less lavish than its predecessor’s. The full-length console and four-seat configuration were consigned to the history books, as was the beautiful electroluminescent gauge cluster. However, those changes didn’t hurt sales, with totals climbing for the new model. The seller describes this 1968 Charger as restored, and it is hard to criticize its spotless White paint and laser-straight panels. There are no visible flaws or imperfections, while the underside shots reveal the new floor pans that returned the car to a rust-free state. The chrome is spotless, and the glass is crystal clear. It has been positive news so far, but a couple of visible changes will divide opinions. The seller fitted American Racing Torq Thrust wheels during the build, perfectly fitting the car’s character. Swapping them for something original would be easy for purists. The grille has me confused. It is a custom job I can’t take a shine to. It probably seemed like a good idea, but its amateur appearance detracts from the overall presentation. That would be changed the moment it landed in my garage if I were to join the bidding on this classic. It will be interesting to gauge whether our readers agree.
Powering this Charger is a 383ci V8 producing 290hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining drivetrain components include a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a 3.91 Sure Grip rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. Dodge offered buyers more potent packages in 1968, but this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds was considered respectable at the time. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this classic is numbers-matching. They give that impression, but asking the question would be worthwhile for any car in this price range. They state that everything received a rebuild during the restoration, and while they don’t specifically state that it runs and drives well, the visual indications are positive.
If I mark this Charger harshly, I must admit that its interior is disappointing. The Black vinyl upholstery and trim are spotless, as are the carpet and headliner. The dash and pad are in good order, but the fine details let it down. There are wires visible in several locations, showing an apparent lack of care when installing the tachometer and other aftermarket items. Rectifying those shortcomings shouldn’t be difficult, but I think most readers will agree it should never have been required once we reach the subject of the seller’s price.
The seller listed this 1968 Charger here on eBay in Yadkinville, North Carolina. Two bids have pushed the price to $35,101, which is below the reserve. They provide a BIN option of $70,000 for those viewing it as an automotive must-have. It will be interesting to gauge your feedback on this classic, particularly whether most readers view it as restored or refurbished. So, it’s over to you for comments.
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Comments
More than a bit of questionable work. The lack of attention to detail is striking for a car with a $70,000 BIN. The grill, interior wiring, black painted engine compartment, trunk pan without spatter paint gives the impression every decision was made for no other reason except to keep their cost down. I’d question the quality of the rest of the work done, there is a lot of downside risk with this car based on the readily apparent issues.
Steve R
Trunk and engine compartment should be body color. Agreed too many short cuts for 70K
68&69 Chargers did NOT have spatter paint in the trunk.
My Dad sold our 1968 Charger in 1975 for $700 to a kid who completely ruined it in 2 weeks. It was exactly like this one, except for green interior and roof. I believe he had 325hp version of the 383 in his, but I might be mistaken. I loved that car.
By the way, he sold it for a 1975 Malibu Classic wagon so we could all go to Florida on vacation
I agree, the grill turned me off at first glance. I don’t see anything close to 70K here.
Always loved the charger, my first exposure to a charger was via “Vanishing Point”, and of course the Duke’s of Hazzard.
But I don’t see 70+K in this one.
The car in Vanishing Point was a Dodge Challenger but you got the Dukes’ride correct,”General Lee” speaking 😆
Clever.
Charger? Vanishing point?
It was a great movie.
Great movie, but it was a 1970 Challenger.
Challenger not Charger
It was a great movie. For me, my Charger obsession started with “Bullitt”. Not a pure car flick per se. But I grew up in San Francisco so that chase scene was it for me!
Not for $70k. Not for $30k. The quarters do not look right behind the wheels (the bottom edge should have a slight curve from wheel to bumper, about 1/2″-5/8″ at the center). The trunk seems to have caulk or putty on the floor, and technically the grill over the headlights will not pass inspection in several states if someone really knows the rules. The interior is not looking that nice with wrinkles in the carpet and the driver’s door trim looks like it has gloss paint on it. I have no words for whoever wired the dash, and the performance shifter is not a great look.
For the right price this could be a fun driver. I would put the A/C back in, a factory shifter and console, a new grill, clean up the wiring, and just run it.
It must be a factory grille, I saw one just like it on the 1968 Charger “General Mayhem”.
Big dollar dreamin for a low buck restoration. Can you really say restored if the grill wasn’t even installed? WTF!
What a roach!
And I wonder how the rear bright work looks under those water droplets?
Had a towel right there and didn’t think to dry it off?
Wouldn’t trust that car much less the seller.
Looks like Finnegan and Frieburger influnced the builder. (General Mayhem comes to mind)
I like the screws facing up in the trunk. They keep the luggage from sliding around when running from the cops/angry husbands.
Also if I remember correctly, pistol grip shifters were not available until 1970 models. Body lines on this look awful
That ain’t no pistol grip.
What is with those bolts coming through the floor? Looks like maybe being used to mount the seats? Sheet metal screws coming up through trunk floor, better stock up on Band-aids!