1968 DODGE

Few American cars of the late 1960s have quite the presence of the Dodge Charger. Introduced in its dramatically restyled second-generation for 1968, its distinctive Richard Sias-designed 'Coke bottle' profile, concealed headlights and full-width rear treatment created one of the defining shapes of the muscle-car era.

This particular example dates from 1968 and is identified by its accompanying Mississippi Certificate of Title as a Dodge Charger two-door, chassis number XP29G8B101889. It's a G-Code car meaning that it was fitted originally with the 2-barrel carburettor, 290bhp V8. Finished in Solid White with a contrasting factory-style Burgundy and Red 9C6R) interior, it has subsequently been subtly upgraded whilst retaining the unmistakable character of Dodge's imposing two-door coupé.

The Charger spent its earlier life in the United States, arriving through Southampton in January 2016, before being registered in the UK as FMA 927F. Following its arrival, the Charger became the subject of an extensive restoration. Described by our vendor as a full bare-metal body restoration, the work resulted in the car's current White finish, complemented by its particularly attractive Burgundy and Red interior. Importantly, the restoration is accompanied by a substantial collection of documentation. Numerous invoices from American specialists Classic Industries and Summit Racing date principally from 2016 and 2017 and cover a broad range of components sourced during the rebuild. These include body and glass seals, weatherstripping, mouldings and trim, suspension and steering components, braking equipment, cooling-system parts, electrical components and numerous detail items.

Further invoices document work carried out once the car was in the UK, including attention to the radiator and heater. A 2019 invoice from Blaize Motorsport records further mechanical work including removal of the steering box for refurbishment, attention to the front suspension, straightening and refitting of the front bumper, installation of an electric cooling fan and work to the fuel system.

Under the bonnet sits a 383ci (6.3-litre) big-block V8, now breathing through a four-barrel carburettor and understood to have been rebuilt with uprated camshafts. Drive is transmitted to the rear wheels through Chrysler's well-known 727 automatic transmission, which is also described as having been rebuilt. A custom 3-inch exhaust system provides an appropriately purposeful soundtrack.

The running gear has also been sensibly upgraded for modern road use. Wilwood disc brakes and calipers are fitted front and rear, whilst power steering makes this substantial American coupé rather more manageable. American Racing alloy wheels complete the exterior appearance.

Inside, the two-tone red interior has been restored in a factory-style presentation and is equipped with electric windows. The electrical system is described as having been comprehensively rewired during the restoration.

Perhaps, equally important with a car that has undergone work of this nature is the quantity of paperwork accompanying it. In addition to the numerous restoration and parts invoices, the history file contains its Mississippi Certificate of Title, previous Bill of Sale, shipping and import documentation, freight and customs paperwork, DVLA correspondence and subsequent UK maintenance invoices, providing a useful documentary record of the Charger's journey from Mississippi to the UK and its subsequent rebuild.

This is an imposing example of one of the most recognisable American muscle cars of its generation, combining the considerable visual appeal of the 1968 Charger with big-block V8 power, a sympathetically upgraded chassis and, unusually for a restored American import, a substantial documentary history.