Introduced for the 1966 model year, the Dodge Charger hit showrooms as a premium fastback aimed at the AMC Rambler Marlin. Although initial sales were solid at more than 37,000 units, deliveries dropped to fewer than 16,000 examples in 1967. As a result, Dodge decided to give the Charger a makeover for 1968.
The redesign was more than just a visual makeover. Dodge scrapped the individual rear seats and the premium appointments, turning the Charger into a more traditional muscle car. The new design was a massive success. While Dodge expected to move around 35,000 examples, customers flocked into showrooms and purchased 92,590 units.
It’s been more than 50 years since the 1968 Charger broke cover, and the intermediate is now among the most desirable rigs from the golden muscle car era. And while it may not be rare by total production numbers, some iterations are scarce and expensive. The HEMI Charger R/T is arguably the rarest and most sought-after.
Of the 92,590 units produced, only 17,665 were ordered as high-performance R/T models. This new-for-1968 trim was restricted to big-block V8 engines and topped by the mighty 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI. The expensive mill found its way into only 475 units, which is only 0.5% of the total production. The silver example you see here is one of those rare rigs.
Scheduled to go under the hammer at Mecum’s Dallas 2024 auction on September 7, this Mopar is a textbook example of a rotisserie restoration. Refreshed with original and new-old-stock parts, the Charger looks downright stunning on the outside despite not wearing a desirable high-impact color.
The interior is also pretty much flawless. Sure, picky folks will notice that the cabin could use some detailing, but this Charger is definitely a nice place to be as is.
The silver hood hides more good news. Not only is the 426 HEMI V8 so clean you could eat off the air filter, but the engine is also highly original and numbers-matching. The same goes for the three-speed automatic transmission.
Granted, the auto gearbox isn’t as desirable as the four-speed manual, but this combo is also very rare. Of the 475 HEMI Chargers delivered in 1968, only 264 were ordered with the Torqueflite automatic. While far from spectacular, the silver color turns this Mopar into an even rarer classic. That’s because only seven 1968 HEMI Chargers were finished in this hue. Moreover, this car is the only known silver example with a black vinyl top and stripe delete. It doesn’t get any rarer than a one-of-one.
This lot has no pricing estimate, but the Charger will cross the auction block for a six-figure sum. 1968 HEMI Chargers in this condition usually retail for over $130,000, while the current record is $231,000.
I did a bit of digging and found that three silver HEMI examples have been auctioned off since 2020. The cheapest unit sold for $130,000, while the most expensive unit went under the hammer for $165,000. All three had black vinyl tops and rear stripes, so this one could fetch a bit more due to its unique color combo. I’ll be back with info as soon as it hits the stage on September 7.