The 1968 Dodge Charger, especially when equipped with a 426 Hemi V8 and a four-speed manual gearbox, is the sort of Mopar that every self-respecting collector dreams about.
This Bright Blue Metallic Charger R/T is heading to Mecum’s Kissimmee auction in January 2027, where it’s scheduled to cross the block on January 14. It’s an exceptionally rare machine, even by classic Hemi standards.
Dodge built just 211 Hemi Charger R/Ts with four-speed manual transmissions for the 1968 model year. That’s a ridiculously small number considering more than 96,000 units of the redesigned Charger were sold that year.
Perhaps the most interesting detail is that this example is being offered without a reserve price. In other words, the highest bidder gets to take it home, regardless of where the bidding finishes.
A 426 Hemi And Four Speeds Of Muscle Car Heaven
Under the hood sits Chrysler’s legendary 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8, officially rated at 425 horsepower. With its hemispherical combustion chambers and dual Carter four-barrel carburetors, it’s one of the most recognizable engines of the muscle car era.
Power is sent through an A833 four-speed manual transmission to a Dana 60 rear axle with a Sure Grip limited-slip differential and 3.54 gears. It’s exactly the sort of drivetrain you’d want in a late-1960s Dodge built for serious straight-line performance.
There’s also a dual exhaust system, and the sound of a big Hemi probably makes the radio seem rather unnecessary.
Bright Blue Paint And Plenty Of Originality
The Charger wears Bright Blue Metallic paint with a matching Light Blue vinyl interior and contrasting white Bumblebee stripes. It’s an eye-catching combination that suits the second-generation Charger’s muscular styling.
Chrome five-spoke wheels and modern radial tires complete the exterior. Inside, you’ll find bucket seats, a center console, and a Music Master AM/FM radio.
Mecum also lists original sheet metal, the original broadcast sheet, and the original fender tag. Those documents are valuable when dealing with a rare Hemi-powered car, where confirming the factory specification is enormously important.
A Six-Figure Mopar With No Reserve
This isn’t the first time the blue Charger has appeared at auction. According to previous sales records cited by Autoevolution, it sold for $113,400 in 2018 and later brought $214,500 at Mecum Glendale in 2023.
We’ll just have to wait and see whether it beats that figure in Kissimmee. The no-reserve listing should certainly make the bidding interesting, especially with such a desirable engine and transmission combination.
Someone will leave the auction with a rare piece of Mopar history. Hopefully, whoever gets the keys won’t be afraid to let that Hemi stretch its legs occasionally.