Going away from the fastback style of the original Charger, the body of the 1968 model was a curvy notchback, with an integrated front bumper, lower hood-line, and flying buttress rear window. Although the body was completely redesigned, the potent array of large V-8 engines remained. And added to the line-up was the Dodge Charger R/T, which proved to be a winner in both sales and performance.
For the past 50 years, since the first Dodge Charger took to the streets in 1966, Americans have enjoyed an obsession with power, performance and style. The 1966 model was the brand’s first purpose-built muscle car, and left the competition in the dust with an enormous, optional 426 HEMI® V8 engine that pumped out 425 horsepower at 5, 000 rpm and 490 pound-feet of torque at 4, 000 rpm. The ’66 Dodge Charger was a flat-out menace on the asphalt, and a game-changer in a hyper-competitive segment and era.
The second-generation Dodge Charger retained its hidden headlights, with the former electric rotating assemblies replaced by simpler, vacuum-operated covers. Dual scallops were added to each door, with a race-track inspired quick-fill gas cap located on top of the left quarter panel. A spoiler became an integral part of the rear deck. Tail-lights, formerly full-length, were now a dual circular design. Total production for the 1968 Charger was 96,100, with 75 percent of the models leaving the factory with a vinyl top.
With the foundation firmly in place, the Dodge Charger continued to grow in size and stature, year after year, always striving for cutting-edge design, awe-inspiring interiors, and performance and capability that broke boundaries with each new iteration of the iconic vehicle.
In this five part series, the Redline Dodge Blog is looking back at five landmark models in the Dodge Charger’s 50-year history. Today we’re focusing on the 1968 Dodge Charger, with blog posts to follow on the 1969 Charger, 1970 Charger, 2006 Charger and 2016 Charger SRT® Hellcat.
1968 also marked the introduction of the “Scat Pack” and its cartoon ad campaign. The Charger R/T came to be recognized for its bumblebee stripes, not to mention its powerful engine. Even Hollywood took notice; the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum was featured in one of the big screen’s most iconic car chase scenes.
With plenty of power under the hood and an updated design, the 1968 Dodge Charger found its way into movies, auto shows and driveways all across America. The gauntlet was laid, and the most formidable competition would prove to be the following year’s model. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on the 1969 Dodge Charger.
For the past 50 years, since the first Dodge Charger took to the streets in 1966, Americans have enjoyed an obsession with power, performance and style. The 1966 model was the brand’s first purpose-built muscle car, and left the competition in the dust with an enormous, optional 426 HEMI® V8 engine that pumped out 425 horsepower at 5, 000 rpm and 490 pound-feet of torque at 4, 000 rpm. The ’66 Dodge Charger was a flat-out menace on the asphalt, and a game-changer in a hyper-competitive segment and era.
The second-generation Dodge Charger retained its hidden headlights, with the former electric rotating assemblies replaced by simpler, vacuum-operated covers. Dual scallops were added to each door, with a race-track inspired quick-fill gas cap located on top of the left quarter panel. A spoiler became an integral part of the rear deck. Tail-lights, formerly full-length, were now a dual circular design. Total production for the 1968 Charger was 96,100, with 75 percent of the models leaving the factory with a vinyl top.
With the foundation firmly in place, the Dodge Charger continued to grow in size and stature, year after year, always striving for cutting-edge design, awe-inspiring interiors, and performance and capability that broke boundaries with each new iteration of the iconic vehicle.
In this five part series, the Redline Dodge Blog is looking back at five landmark models in the Dodge Charger’s 50-year history. Today we’re focusing on the 1968 Dodge Charger, with blog posts to follow on the 1969 Charger, 1970 Charger, 2006 Charger and 2016 Charger SRT® Hellcat.
1968 also marked the introduction of the “Scat Pack” and its cartoon ad campaign. The Charger R/T came to be recognized for its bumblebee stripes, not to mention its powerful engine. Even Hollywood took notice; the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum was featured in one of the big screen’s most iconic car chase scenes.
With plenty of power under the hood and an updated design, the 1968 Dodge Charger found its way into movies, auto shows and driveways all across America. The gauntlet was laid, and the most formidable competition would prove to be the following year’s model. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on the 1969 Dodge Charger.
