132773 / 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T

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While a lot of guys are busy chasing Chargers and Daytonas, it's easy to overlook the Dodge Coronet R/T. Available with the same ground-pounding big blocks as its brothers, it was a reasonably-priced alternative for the guy who wanted big performance for not a lot of money. This particular 1968 Coronet R/T packs its original, numbers-matching 440 under the hood, and has been treated to a high-quality rotisserie restoration that pegs the wow meter thanks to a brilliant QQ1 Bright Blue Metallic paint job.

A lot of shops get the Bright Blue Metallic wrong, but the guys who sprayed this one nailed it. Not too light, not too dark, it is indeed vivid and bright as the name implies, and there's just enough metallic in it to make it glow without looking like some escapee from a mid-70s AutoRama. Restoration photos show a clean, solid original car in surprisingly good shape before the project started, and thorough examination of the body shows that the workmanship is first rate. Correct white bumble-bee sport stripes were applied around the tail, and their alignment is proof that the bodywork was exceptionally well done.

The engine is the original, numbers-matching 440 Magnum, which has been fully rebuilt and detailed to original specifications. The engine bay is extremely well finished, with beautiful paint and correct components, ranging from the black wrinkle finish on the original air cleaner, to the Mopar Turquoise engine paint, to the beautifully preserved exhaust manifolds. Proper decals and markings have been used where appropriate, and things like the ballast resistor and wiper motor are correct for the car's October 1967 production date. You'll also be pleased to find a reproduction red cap battery instead of some parts store generic piece, an oversight many restorers forget.

This Coronet was originally equipped with a 727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic, but during the restoration, a 4-speed manual was installed in its place. The conversion was correctly done, with a modified transmission tunnel to accommodate the transmission's side-mounted shift mechanism. Out back, there's a correct eight and three-quarter inch rear with 3.23 gears and a Sure Grip limited slip, as original. Everything is new, from the brake lines and hoses, to the gas tank, to the fresh dual exhaust system with the correct tips. New shock absorbers and fresh bushings have been installed at all four corners, so it will ride like a new car. The finishing touch are those gorgeous Magnum 500s wearing BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radials.

The interior has been restored to the same brilliant standards as the rest of the car, including the buckets with the unusual center seat that makes this a true 6-passenger automobile. All the soft parts, including the door panels, carpets, dash pad, headliner, and seat covers are brand new and correct in every way, right down to the 'Coronet R/T' emblems on the doors and dash. The gauges have all been restored with sharply detailed faces, including the tic-toc-tach. As I mentioned, the transmission tunnel was correctly modified for the 4-speed's shifter, which is a Hurst unit topped by a white cue ball knob. The trunk features a new mat, full-sized spare on a steel wheel, and a correct jack assembly.

With all the focus on the other members of the Dodge lineup in 1968, it's easy to overlook the Coronet. But that also means that the R/Ts like this one are screaming bargains, and still offer all the same performance and handsome good looks as their siblings. The way this car is priced, it's like paying for the restoration and getting the car for free and without the wait. The cruising season is here—take this one home and don't sit out another year waiting for the right car to come along. Call today!