Chrysler did a major exterior redesign of its less-than-successful Charger and turned it into the coolest car ever made in the history of this or any other planet. If it could fit in a time capsule, it would be sent to outer space.
The V8 engine options remained the same, a 318 in the base model, two 383 engines (2- and 4-barrel) and the 440 Magnum with 375 bhp, which was standard in the newly offered R/T package. For serious dragsters, the 426 Hemi, with 425 bhp, still ruled. Every model was available as a 3- or 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. The platform and suspension were also holdovers from the original Charger. The Six Pack option wasn't available on the Charger until 1970. The Road Runner and Superbee had this option in 1969.
But it was the look of the car that proved the biggest hit. The much curvier, Coke-bottle design included hidden headlights, a recessed backlight, scoops in the hood and sides, a tunneled rear window, and less chrome. Rounded taillights resembled exhaust pipes. The R/T high-performance model came with optional bumblebee stripes over the rear and around the sides. The 1968 Charger was four inches longer than the 1967 model, with a longer and lower-set hood that gave the impression of aggressive forward propulsion.
Six passengers could fit inside, with a fold-up center front seat option. The gauges were designed to resemble a cockpit, which, along with the curved body and side scoops, added to the aerodynamic feel of the car. A Rallye clock and map pockets added cool convenience. Both hard and vinyl tops were available, but three-quarters of sales were the vinyl-top coupe. Needless to say, it was a huge hit. Sales of the 1968 Dodge Charger were six times as great as the previous year and accounted for 16% of all Dodge sales that year. Guess I wasn't the only one who watched "Bullitt."
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