Some design choices might not be everyone’s cup of tea (BMW grille debacle anyone?), but there’s no denying that certain styling traits have become legendary. The headlights tucked behind the fence grille of the initial B-body Dodge Chargers certainly fall in the latter category. And, as it turns out, you really do not need to be a “General Lee” impersonator to enjoy the classic series, after all.
One prime example to support this belief comes in the form of a second-generation 1968 HEMI Charger R/T about to go under the hammer at Mecum Auctions’ upcoming event in Houston, Texas. Basically, it’s another special gem tucked in the belly of a huge auction set to flaunt around 1,000 vehicles at the NRG Center between April 8th and 10th.
Although it’s not painted in the stand-out-in-any-crowd orange that’s been associated for decades by pop culture with the classic Charger, we think it’s way better off sporting this elegant shade of EE1 Dark Blue Metallic. According to Mecum’s description, it’s an ultra-rare example because it’s just one of 264 HEMI Charger R/Ts produced for 1968 with an automatic transmission.
Even better for anyone with collector ambitions, this is the only known unit to mix said automatic with this particular paint job code. Besides, it’s also an original gem through and through, given the correct paint and interior codes, or the masterfully powerful and original HEMI 426ci (7.0-liter) engine.
Highlights include some of the original tags, the Mopar Performance hydraulic camshaft, Rallye dashboard with Tic Toc tachymeter clock, the Bumblebee stripe delete, or the still-functional AM radio with 8-track player, among others.
The description also quotes the location of the original selling dealer (the Civic Center Dodge center in Los Angeles, California), as well as a total of just 46,662 “believed-original miles” (75,095 km) affixed to the odometer. And we saved for last the best part about this ride: the HEMI’s big chrome air cleaner sports autographs from NHRA legends Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney.
Although it’s not painted in the stand-out-in-any-crowd orange that’s been associated for decades by pop culture with the classic Charger, we think it’s way better off sporting this elegant shade of EE1 Dark Blue Metallic. According to Mecum’s description, it’s an ultra-rare example because it’s just one of 264 HEMI Charger R/Ts produced for 1968 with an automatic transmission.
Even better for anyone with collector ambitions, this is the only known unit to mix said automatic with this particular paint job code. Besides, it’s also an original gem through and through, given the correct paint and interior codes, or the masterfully powerful and original HEMI 426ci (7.0-liter) engine.
Highlights include some of the original tags, the Mopar Performance hydraulic camshaft, Rallye dashboard with Tic Toc tachymeter clock, the Bumblebee stripe delete, or the still-functional AM radio with 8-track player, among others.
The description also quotes the location of the original selling dealer (the Civic Center Dodge center in Los Angeles, California), as well as a total of just 46,662 “believed-original miles” (75,095 km) affixed to the odometer. And we saved for last the best part about this ride: the HEMI’s big chrome air cleaner sports autographs from NHRA legends Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney.