The restyling of the 1968 Dodge Charger is obviously the major reason behind its sales success, considering that the 440 Magnum and Hemi were already offered in 1967, and purchasers had been dismal.
The new “Coke bottle” look created the Charger one of the best-looking muscle cars, period, with numerous considering it the best-looking performance car of the 1960s. The base drive train remained equal with the 318 on the end bottom. Dodge write, “This isn't any dream car. It’s a ‘take-me-home-and-let’s stir-things-up-a-bit’ automobile.”
Dodge was reasonably torn between the normal annual styling adjustments and not attempting to mess having a very good thing; they produced minor changes to the grille as a compromise. The 1968 has a chrome bumper under the grille; the 1969 includes a chrome center divider inside the grille, as well as the 1970 has a rectangular chrome bumper round the grille.
A brand new special performance model the Charger R/T (Road and Track) has been added to the lineup. The 550d is provided with the 440 cubic inch V-S1 durable brakes and suspension, wide tread tires and dual Exhausts. Wrap about “bumble bee” stripes drawl the R/T’s sporty look. The stripes stumble upon the trunk down and deck the quarter panels.
Charger’s entirely new six passenger interior capabilities front bucket seats by having an optional middle cushion comfort in an elite all vinyl design. A brand new rallied clock as well as the addition of convenient map pockets on both doors is sporting new touches for 1968.
The regular engine in the Charger was the 318 cubic inch V-8. Options persuade the 383 cubic edge two barrel V8, the 440 Magnum and also the 426 Hemi. Whilst stressing its sporty look, Charger as well strained its new features of safety, comprising a new box stove door hinged in the top so that it couldn't fail open and downward, and window eccentric knot made of simple plastic created into a tulip form to yield in an impact. The 1968 Charger has came with a range of six interior and 17 exterior colors. In 1968, three from each and every four Chargers sold had been equipped having a vinyl leading.
Total manufacturing for both models of the 1968 Charger are 96,100, far outpacing estimated sales of 35,000 units. To satisfy the increased sales production at the Michigan plant of Hammtramack, was tripled as well as a Charger production line was added at St. Louis, Missouri. The Charger recorded for 16 percent of Dodge vehicle sales in 1968, and ran 460 percent higher than in 1967.
