OVERVIEW This is a genuine "J" code 426 HEMI Charger R/T produced on Wednesday April 10th, 1968. Of the 17, 584 Charger R/T's made in 1968, only 475 were HEMI powered. Of those, this Charger is one of a mere 264 equipped with an Automatic transmission. This vehicle was an ordered car, options hand chosen by the first owner; originally designated for export, a common occurrence for vehicles purchased by members of the armed forces. The factory color combination is rare by any measure, Burgundy Metallic over Black and White deluxe interior, black Vinyl roof, Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes, Tinted Glass, and AM Stereo with 8-track. The car was born with chromed five-spoke 15" Road Wheels shod in Speedway HEMI spec "Red Streak" F70x15 tires.
The car was purchased as a project in Texas and torn down to bare metal in 2007. Visually inspected by Galen Govier prior to restoration, the primary and secondary body numbers on the radiator support and trunk rail were verified as intact and original, as was the factory Fender Tag and Export Tag. The entire body was dipped as part of the restoration, the floors and trunk pans are original, remarkable for a Mopar of this vintage. The project purchase included a correct 727 Transmission, but less motor. The drivetrain is not VIN stamped and correct for the car. Upon completion, it was enjoyed for more than 10 years as a driven show car, logging nearly 4,000 miles A comprehensive refresh, repaint, and OE correction was completed in 2019. The current owner purchased the vehicle a month after completion for his private collection and has put less than 500 miles on it since.
The car currently sits in largely stock, the white door cards and seat covers set aside for black, for a uniform look in the interior. The iconic "bumble bee" stripe was added to the tail and a set of color keyed steelies wearing cheater slicks were swapped out in favor of the stock setup. F70x15 Red Side Wall Nylon-Speedway HEMI The original specification 15" Road Wheels are trimmed out in P235 70/R15 BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial Red Lines and are included in the sale.
The car has been professionally inspected to confirm condition and mechanical fitness by a Chrysler Power West Judge and owner/restorer of his own '68 HEMI Charger R/T. The details of his inspection are available upon request. Below is a breakdown of the Galen decode of the original factory Fender Tag.
