We’d Pay a King’s Ransom for Rare & Restored 1968 Dodge Coronet 440
Often overlooked as a muscle car great, the 1968 Dodge Coronet 440 deserves all the respect for blazing trails and scorching asphalt.
When it comes to muscle cars, the Dodge Coronet is often not given its due. Some of the problems that the 1968 Dodge Coronet faced was due to bad timing. But it should be appreciated as a mighty force in Mopar domination. This 1968 Dodge Coronet 440 is on the docket this weekend at Barrett-Jackson. It does have some modifications that add a lot of oomph…and one that is a little more “oof.”
Going on the block this weekend, the 1968 Coronet 440 is being offered with no reserve. The 1968 Dodge coupe has been rebuilt, restored, and uses serious Mopar to make this beast howl.
Dodge Coronet was produced by Dodge, as both a trim and model. But it was the Coronet behind a lot of the firsts in muscle car and mopar performance. For example, it was the Coronet that was the first Dodge nameplate to use a Hemi: the 1954 Hemi Coronet.
Running for seven generations, the Coronet–which appropriately means “crown”–was in the middle of its fifth-generation in 1968. It was the fifth-generation (1965 – 1970) that kicked off the muscle era. While not the bulkiest, the 1968 Coronet ran a 440 ci (7.2 L) big-block Chrysler RB V8 that produced 375 horsepower.
In the mid-1969 models, Dodge updated the Coronet 440 with a 390 horsepower Six-Pak model with triple two-barrel carburetors. Coronet 440s were also available as 2-door coupes, 4-door sedans, or station wagons.
In the next several years, the muscle car market became gloriously crowded. Unfortunately, it also saw Dodge put the nameplate on the back burner. Coronet got lost in the shuffle alongside the Charger, Challenger, Super Bee. But it is always a quality muscle ride–and this one is especially tasty, mods and all.
Paint color is the most noticeable difference from stock. The color is a one-of-a-kind custom-mix Blue Hawaii Candy Blue Metallic. It isn’t awful, but the stock options of the era were some seriously sweet hues.
However, one mod that nails it is the high-performance stroked 451ci engine with a 6-pack 3×2-barrel. Having undergone an extensive and comprehensive restoration, a lot of attention went into making this classic icon pristine.
That eye for detail is evident in the engine. It features a custom chromed air cleaner with 451 decals that really stand out. Additional engine build specifications include: roller rockers, competition cam, polished aluminum radiator, genuine Mopar performance valve covers, huge aluminized dual exhaust with ceramic-coated headers and balanced rotating assembly.
Restoration work on this ’68 Dodge seamlessly incorporates old and new.
And this idea runs through the entire Coronet, and includes the interior. It now has restored seats, panels, headliner, carpet, dash, sill plates, and custom Coronet floor mats. Modern components added include a Bluetooth sound system, cleverly hidden with a hidden trunk setup and speakers hidden throughout the car. Having smart phone connectivity in a classic muscle car is admittedly awesome. Even a purist has to admit it.
Other modern options include the Dakota Digital dash, power steering, custom Mopar Tuff wood trim steering wheel, and Hella HID conversion headlights.
“Lowered slightly, it has an impressive Pro-Touring stance with braking power using 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes all around visible through the custom 20-inch wheel package,” says its posting. It also has Performance World Line Lock system.
Photo documentation of the restoration is included, with all receipts on the engine build.
If you are interested in owning this solid bite of American muscle, you can place your bids this weekend. Good luck!
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
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