After much thought, I've decided to put my 1968 Dodge Charger up for sale. It's a very solid and reliable car, which benefits from a host of upgrades, and it has an advisory-free MOT until January 2018.
It was originally a 383-engined car but, I believe prior to its UK importation in 1979, it was fitted with a full-fat 440. It otherwise has an A727 three-speed automatic gearbox, an open 8-3/4" rear axle, an SSBC ventilated front disc conversion with assisted master cylinder and – usefully – power steering.
When I bought the car, over two years ago, it had been laid up for almost a decade. I consequently carried out the required work to make the Dodge a reliable, safe and enjoyable car to drive. This included the complete replacement of all brake, coolant and fuel lines, complete renewal of the braking system, myriad new suspension components and much, much more.
It also has a few upgrades, improving its drivability. It has an Edelbrock CH4B aluminium intake manifold, Holley 750CFM vacuum secondary carburettor, a phenolic spacer, Hedman headers, Thrush silencers and a heavy-duty Engineered Products aluminium radiator with integrated transmission cooler and a reproduction OEM fan shroud.
Ignition-wise, it packs an MSD coil, Accel leads, NGK plugs and a Mallory electronic ignition conversion kit. All parts of the ignition system, barring the core distributor itself, are new. The A727 transmission is stock, but does have a deep transmission pan for additional fluid capacity and cooling.
Besides new front suspension arms, the steering gear has been overhauled with a PST rebuild kit which included new heavy-duty track rods, new tie rods, a new idler arm and a new pitman arm. Countless other parts, including front anti-roll bar bushes, front uprights, front hubs and front wheel bearings, have also been fitted.
The net result is a Charger that drives and rides very well, with plenty of power and no troubling foibles on the road. It starts easily, hot or cold, doesn't dump coolant and doesn't mind traffic. It can really move out, too, often much to the surprise of other road users – and it sounds superb, be it idling around town or cruising contentedly at motorway speeds. Unlike some others, this Dodge also sits nice and square, and tracks dead straight.
Structurally, the Charger is in good condition with a clean, straight underbody that's free from corrosion. The paintwork, similarly, is in good order with only a few minor blisters. The Dodge was repainted in orange in the mid '90s and the job was done well, although there are a few runs in places – but all the panel gaps are good. There are a few pieces of missing trim, mind, and the vinyl is a little tired with age, but overall it presents very well – and the headlamp covers go up and down as they should. I also believe the glass is original, judging by the decals.
Inside, you'll find what's mostly an original interior, albeit with a recent new cover for the driver's seat. The passenger seat and headlining are tired but present, but the rear seats are in good order. The instrument cluster has recently been completely overhauled and a factory-style tachometer fitted. The original radio is present and correct, too. The only non-functioning component is the heater blower (the heater is otherwise hot), as it requires a new switch.
All in, this is an attention-grabbing Charger that you can simply jump in and drive. In the past 500 miles it's had new brake fluid, new differential fluid, a new transmission filter and ATF, OEM radiator hoses, new oil and a quality oil filter, new plugs and leads, fresh coolant and four new BF Goodrich Radial T/A tyres in the correct size. For MOT purposes, as well as four new headlights, I've also had fitted a modern LED-based turn signal kit, which is very subtle yet provides the correct amber or white illumination as required.
The Charger is getting on for 50 years old, so not without its flaws, but it is a good example of the breed that has been well maintained and sensibly upgraded. It is currently showing 37,039 miles on the clock; DMT 194V is also HPI clear and comes with a selection of spares, three sets of keys and an extensive history folder.
It is with somewhat of a heavy heart that I've chosen to sell the Dodge, but I have done everything I wish to with this car – and with a new house and smaller garage around the corner, it's time for something else.
I would like £35,000 for the '68, which will include a professionally rebuilt Sure-Grip limited-slip differential that's ready to fit, but offers are invited.
If you have any questions, or wish to see any particular area in detail, please ask. Viewings are welcome.
