Hard Charger – WIN THIS CAR
In classic car circles, the second-generation Dodge Charger really needs no introduction. From its role in Bullitt’s iconic car chase, to being the ride of choice for some “good old boys, never meanin’ no harm,” and the sole example of Americana in the Jap import fest that was the original The Fast and the Furious, the Charger is a star.
That star status has driven up values over the years, making good examples expensive and hard to find. So, the opportunity to pick up a classic Dodge Charger for just $25 is too good to pass up, right?
The 1968 Dodge Charger pictured is the latest classic to be raffled by the Young Veterans charity that supports former Australian servicemen and women.
Hugely successful raffles for a restomod ’67 Ford Mustang, an ‘Eleanor’ clone ’68 Shelby Mustang and restomod ’68 Pontiac Firebird in the past 12 months made another muscle car a no-brainer for the latest fundraiser for Young Veterans. And the charity couldn’t have picked a better car…
New Look, New Success
The 1968 Dodge Charger was one of the best-looking cars of its era. And thanks to the aforementioned movie and TV appearances, it’s one of the most recognised, even to this day.
What had started as a large, GT-style fastback coupe for 1966 morphed into a muscular two-door hardtop for ‘68, with a full width grille, hidden headlamps, Coke bottle profile and flying buttress rear pillars. Looking tough from any angle, the restyled Charger looked fast, too. And with engine options including the almighty 426 Hemi V8, it could absolutely go as fast as it looked!
Hemi-equipped Chargers were a rarity, though, with most examples that rolled out of the factory for ’68 carrying the standard 318 V8 and a 3-speed manual. The Hemi was at the top of an engine options list that included 383 and 440 V8s, with a 225 Slant 6 also introduced midway through the model year. Transmission options were a 4-speed manual and 3-speed Torqueflite auto, as fitted to this car.
Seat belts became mandatory for the first time in ’68, but there was a whole lot of kit on the options list, including high performance axles, a Sure-Grip diff, heavy duty suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, 8-track stereo, power steering and vinyl roof trim, to name a few. Hard to believe now, but disc brakes were still an option back then – even if you chose the Hemi.
Charger Redux
The Charger offered by Young Veterans looks the goods, thanks to around four months’ work from a team of mechanics, panel beaters, trimmers and auto electricians.
Improvements to the specification and condition it came to Australia in started with a full rebuild of the 318 engine and 3-speed auto transmission. Next, the suspension was lowered and the factory drum brakes replaced with discs all round. BMV Engineering were active in this area before the car was passed on to Totally Classic Restoration for panel work and fresh paint.
Previously finished in Cherry Red, the Charger now wears a sharp and shiny black suit that’s complemented by 20-inch American Racing alloys that have been powdercoated in satin black and fitted with fresh BF Goodrich rubber. Matte grey calipers keep the monochrome theme going, as does the subtle, Charger R/T-inspired matte black ‘bumble bee’ stripe on the rear quarters, applied by Wrap Masters. All new exterior badging was sourced, too, including R/T badges. Yeah, it’s not a genuine R/T, but the chance to create an homage to that mean black Charger R/T from Bullitt was just too good to pass up!
Next stop on this car’s transformation was Northcoast Customs, where the daggy – and decrepit – white vinyl interior was replaced with fresh black leather for the seats and door cards, with new door and window rubbers, new carpets and a new hoodlining also fitted.
Mixing old and new, a vintage Mopar steering wheel and modern Kenwood stereo was also added by Northcoast Customs. There’s air con for cool cruising and completely refurbished electrics, too, while an anti-theft tracker was an important addition for a car this desirable.
Finally, Sunshine Coast Auto Detailing gave the car a nose-to-tail detailing job, including Opti-Coat paint protection.
$269K for $25
Following its rebuild, respray, interior refurbishment and other improvements, this car is now valued at $269,000. That makes it a hell of a buy for $25. Yep, that’s right; this car could be yours for just $25.
The Young Veterans 1968 Dodge Charger Raffle is now open and runs to 11 October, 2020.
Tickets for your chance to win this car are $25 each and you can enter as many times as you like, with all funds raised going to Young Veterans. (NOTE: Terms and Conditions apply. Competition is not open to SA and WA residents)
The winning ticket holder will receive the Charger, delivered to their nominated address, with transfer duty, 12 months’ registration and 12 months’ comprehensive insurance included.
If two wheels is more your style, second prize is a customised 1985 BMW R80 motorcycle, valued at $41,000.
To enter, and for full terms and conditions, go to: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=twvmz&sref=nw95f8re
About Young Veterans
Young Veterans Australia was born from the lack of support for our recent veterans – Australian heroes who have served our country in both peace and war. Run entirely by volunteers, Young Veterans seeks to empower former ADF personnel and enable those suffering from anxiety, PTSD and depression to transition back to everyday life.
Since 2012, the charity has set out to enrich the lives of Australia’s military veterans, reconnecting them with their communities through active and social events. Created by Young Veterans, these events and programmes have inspired former ADF personnel to think outside the box of what is possible in civilian life, re-engage with society and participate in positive events that both challenge and rehabilitate.
To donate, volunteer and find out more about the important work that Young Veterans Australia does, go to: http://www.youngveterans.com.au/
Credit:
Photos: Courtesy of Classics for a Cause
