The second generation Dodge Charger was launched in 1968 with a commercial cartoon urging customers to visit “those great Dodge boys they’re the good guys in white hats.”
The new body was designed by a team that included Richard Sias who was responsible for the overall profile.
Engine options included a standard 5.2 litre / 318 cui V8 a 3.7 litre / 225 cui straight six, a 7 litre / 426 cui Hemi or a 7.2 litre / 440 cui Magnum was available for the top of the range R/T versions. This particular car appears to be powered by a 6.3 litre V8 which was available with either 290 hp 2 barrel carburetor or 330 hp 4 barrel carburetor variations.
The dual scallops on the bonnet / hood
and front doors added to the performance “Lets stir things up a bit” appearance of the car despite there complete non mechanical or aerodynamic functionality.
Among the options for the Charger was air conditioning, cruise control, electric door locks, tachometer, rear window demister, and a wood-grain steering wheel.
Safety options included head restraints for the front seats, lap belts for center seat passengers, shoulder belts front and rear and a padded steering wheel.
The integrated rear spoiler mimicking aerodynamic devices seen on Can Am and sports car racers of the period further enhanced the competition bred appearance of the Charger, the paired round rear lights were added at the suggestion of Styling Vice President, Elwood P. Engel.
Around 96,100 Chargers were built in the 1968 model year, 75% of which were fitted with factory option Vinyl roofs. 17,000 top of the range R/T Chargers were built of which just 500 were fitted with the fabled 426 Hemi.
The ’68 Charger, which share the same platform with the Dodge Coronet, is probably most famous for it’s movie appearance in Bullitt, which features a couple of hit men in a black Charger R/T dualing for tarmac with Steve McQueen driving his green Mustang GT. By all accounts the R/T was the superior machine.
Thanks for joining me on this “From the Good Guys In White Hats” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you’ll join me again for Ferrari Friday tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !
