1968 DODGE CHARGER R/T 440

KEY FACTS

• A sought-after flagship muscle car of the 1960s, which has been extensively upgraded and restored.
• Under the bonnet is a date-correct L-code 440ci (7.2L) ‘Magnum’ big-block V8, with a six-barrel carburettor and steel air cleaner, coupled with the rare factory HEMI four-speed manual transmission. The factory 4.10:1 Dana axle is available separately.
• The vendor believes this Charger was ordered with the rare ‘Track Pak’ option.
• The car has been owned by the vendor for 15 years, including two years when it was fully restored in the US, before arriving in the UK 13 years ago.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The chassis number confirms that this car is a genuine Charger R/T with the 440 Magnum engine, and was built at the legendary Hamtramck facility in Detroit.
• Restored between 2006 and 2008 in the US, the car then arrived in the UK fitted with a 440ci fed by a six-barrel carburettor.
• The motor had been completely rebuilt in the US and now has hydraulic lifters and adjustable roller rockers installed. This still-fresh 440 Magnum engine has barely covered 600 miles since its restoration.
• In 2009, the engine was swapped out for a freshly built 472ci blueprinted Hemi engine that the owner had commissioned, and the Charger used this motor for the next 11 years.
• In 2020, the Hemi was removed and the 440ci engine – which had been carefully stored was put back into the car. A new twin-disc clutch was also installed, and the car was gone through to ensure it was in fine mechanical order.
• While the car was still in excellent condition following its older restoration, the interior was removed so that Dynamat and Dynapad soundproofing could be installed, to complement a new high-quality modern sound system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
• The original car radio is fully working with modern internals, but is currently disconnected in favour of the Alpine head unit.
• Among the aftermarket components added during the US restoration, the most notable is the ‘Six Pack’ carburettor setup and all steel Six Pack Air Cleaner, plus heavy duty prop shaft loop, rear anti-roll bar, uprated front brake discs, MSD electronic ignition, engine damper, and stainless steel three-inch X-pipe exhaust.
• The Dana 4:10:1 Axle was swapped out for the Dana 3:54:1 circa 2005 to improve motorway driving lowering the RPM.
• Bidders should note that the aforementioned 472ci Hemi engine is NOT included in the sale, but is available by separate negotiation. Also available separately is the factory Dana 4.10:1 rear axle with the original 11-inch drum brakes.

Specification:

• Dana axle with 3:54:1 ratio
• McLeod twin plate clutch and uprated flywheel
• Front Wilwood disc brake conversion with braided lines
• Rear disc brakes
• Rear anti-roll bar
• MSD electronic ignition and distributor
• Stainless steel three-inch X-pipe exhaust
• Engine damper
• Heavy duty prop shaft loop
• F8 Green epoxy underbody coating
• Rear Hemi body torque boxes
• Vinyl roof
• Tail stripe
• Xenon headlights
• 1969 Charger reverse lights, with the stock reverse lights changed to indicators.
• Passenger door mirror
• Laser-cut frame rails
• Tinted glass
• 1967 Dodge wooden steering wheel (1968 Charger wheel will be included)
• Chrysler-sourced remote boot release
• Dynamat soundproofing in the floor panels and boot
• Alpine DAB head unit with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 6x9” speakers, rear tweeters and a boot-mounted amplifier

CONDITION

• No known prior bodywork damage
• The original gold finish was resprayed to Chrysler code F8 Green during the restoration, with the vendor noting that some stone chips picked up since then have been professionally corrected.
• The seats were also re-trimmed during the US restoration, now presenting with a few light creases, and one small tear in the driver’s seat.
• A few light marks can be seen on the original white gear knob.
• No electrical faults have been detected.
• The most recent MOT test was on 5 August 2016 at 1,902 miles, which was a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The car is exempt from mandatory testing on the basis of age.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The engine oil and filter were replaced in 2021, while the brake fluid, gearbox oil and tyres were changed in October 2020.
• There are no original handbooks or formal service history with the car; the vendor has carried out annual servicing since completion of the car’s restoration in 2008.

SUMMARY

This Dodge Charger R/T 440 is a superb classic muscle car, which benefits from a prior comprehensive restoration in the US, having covered less than 3,000 miles since then – and only around 700 of those on the currently fitted 440ci engine. A feel-good car that attracts the right kind of attention wherever it goes, this Charger R/T would be a great addition to any collection of Americana, or a fun toy for classic drag racing.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.