Buzz
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The second-generation Charger stood out as one of the most visually striking muscle cars of its era, earning praise from Car and Driver as "all guts and purpose." Out of 92,590 units made in 1968, 17,665 were the high-performance R/T models. Explore more muscle car images.Mopar enthusiasts still cringe at the memory of Steve McQueen's 390 Mustang outrunning the black 440 Charger R/T. However, the filmmakers of Bullitt made a wise choice by featuring the revamped Dodge as McQueen's rival. The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T Hemi was a muscle car that exuded charisma and performance.
The Charger's sleek hidden-headlight grille, curvaceous design, sophisticated recessed rear window, polished tail, and minimal chrome accents marked a design pinnacle for 1960s muscle cars. In its R/T configuration, its performance lived up to its stunning looks.
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Priced at $3,506, the R/T model featured the powerful 375-bhp 440-cid four-barrel Magnum V-8, enhanced brakes, an R/T-specific handling package, and F70Xl4 tires. Buyers could opt out of the rear bumblebee stripe, and the interior shifted from the original Charger's futuristic design to a more practical and understated style.
©2007 The Charger R/Ts came standard with the 440 Magnum V-8. However, 475 dedicated muscle car enthusiasts chose to upgrade to the 426 Hemi, available for an additional $605.The sole engine upgrade was the formidable 426 Hemi, priced at $605. For 1968, Chrysler enhanced its performance with a longer-duration camshaft, updated valve springs, and modifications to reduce oil usage. Despite being conservatively rated at 425 bhp, Car and Driver praised it, stating, "No other vehicle offers more genuine horsepower straight from the dealership than this vibrant orange beast."
©2007 The Charger included a comprehensive set of gauges, though a tachometer was an optional extra costing $49. This is one ofBoth engines could be paired with either a TorqueFlite automatic featuring a floor-mounted lever or a four-speed manual equipped with a Hurst Competition-Plus shifter. The automatic was ideal for straight-line speed, and Hemi models included a specialized high-stall-speed torque converter (standard 3.23:1 gears). Drivers could manually shift at 6500 rpm or let the TorqueFlite handle it at 5500 rpm. Despite its power, the Hemi handled smoothly in traffic, outperforming the 440 Charger by over half a second and 10 mph in the quarter-mile.
©2007 The R/T Hemi's standout gas cap was a nod to racing aesthetics. Buyers had the option to omit the bumblebee stripes if preferred.
The 1968 model's bucket seats offered little support, and the flying-buttress roof pillars hindered rear visibility. R/T versions struggled with heavy front-end handling, and key features like a tachometer, front disc brakes, and power steering were optional extras. Despite these drawbacks, Charger sales surged six times compared to 1967, leaving fans to wonder: How would McQueen have fared against a Hemi?
Return to the Classic Muscle Cars Library.
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- Muscle cars varied widely in design and performance. Discover over 100 muscle car models, complete with images and detailed specifications.
- Muscle cars shaped a unique cultural phenomenon. Dive into their history and mechanics with How Muscle Cars Work.
Explore detailed profiles of these muscle cars, complete with images and specifications for each model:
- The 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator broke free from the Mustang's shadow with its bold stripes and spoiler.
- Clear the road for one of the most formidable muscle cars ever built, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi.
- The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am blended sports-car agility with raw muscle car power.
- The rare and fierce 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was defined by its all-aluminum, race-proven V-8 engine.
For more automotive insights, check out these articles:
- The engine is the heart of a muscle car's bold character. To understand everything about car engines, visit How Car Engines Work.
- Horsepower is the lifeblood of muscle cars, but what does it really mean? Find out in How Horsepower Works.
- NASCAR race cars exemplify the muscle car ethos of power. Learn what drives these high-performance machines in How NASCAR Race Cars Work.
- Considering purchasing a 2007 muscle car or another vehicle? Explore Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information.
Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 117.0
Weight, lbs: 4,300
Number built: 475
Base price: $4,800
Top Available Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 426
Fuel system: 2 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 425 @ 5000
Torque @ rpm: 490 @ 4000
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 5.3
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 13.8 @ 105
