Why I bought (and imported) a classic 1968 Dodge Charger manual

The classic Dodge is one of Jonny's project cars that always gets asked about, so here is a 'story so far' and detailed walk around of the 1968 Charger 4-speed. The car was bought on Ebay in 2008 and arrived from San Diego in July 2008, just in time to be dragged on a trailer to his wedding. A week later he went on honeymoon to California and ended up touring San Francisco, where this particular 1 of 259 spec car was originally supplied. One of 259 meaning it is the smallest of the big block engined cars (High output 4-barrel carb 383 cubic inch) with a 4-speed manual gearbox, no centre console, no power brakes or steering.

The suspension has been mildly upgraded to Hemi leaf springs at the rear and new torsion bars at the front. The shocks are KYB and the wheels are widened Wheel Vintiques cop car steels.

For its 50th birthday in 2018 (when this was filmed) Jonny gifted the Charger with a gold plated 'tooth' bumper overrider, to go with the characterful damaged front grille.

The Dodge is strictly a weekend and summer car, meaning it is the yang to his EV yin. Be sure to subscribe for future episodes including Jonny's ratty 1968 Charger muscle car.

1968 Dodge Charger factory tech spec.
Engine: 383 cubic inch (6276cc) 'High output' 4BBL
Power: 330hp @5000rpm
Torque: 425lbft @3200rpm
Transmission: A-833 4-speed manual
Brakes: Non servo drums
Steering: Manual
Kerb weight: 1678kg
0-60: 6.1 secs
Top speed: 128mph

Additions:
Pro Cool aluminium radiator
Pertronix electronic ignition
Edelbrock vac secondary 4 barrel carb
Edelbrock inlet manifold
Hemi Charger rear leaf springs
KYB Shocks
Wheel Vintiques banded cop car steel 15-inch wheels
Wortec active exhaust system
Gold plated bumper overrider

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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
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[fernweh]

That Charger is perfect. The best looking year, the right amount of rust, it's just so beautiful

[Mavthemeat]

Cars are meant for driving, no matter how valuable they are! Hell yes!

[howard]

I have to say you completely fooled me with the amount of bodywork it needed! To do all that and make it look like you did none of it.. spot on! 😁

[timharper]

So glad to see this grand ol’ relic plowing around the lanes of the UK! And kudos for going over all the paint and body info w/o ever saying “patina”!

[AndrewWilsonOz]

I got to drive one when I was 16 yrs old, here in Australia. It had been converted to right hand drive. Most amazing vehicle to drive. That was back in the early 80's.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[portnaluinge]

“Why I bought a “68 Charger” - why on earth wouldn’t you?!

[themorganator]

what a wonderful labour of love. You've done so much but retained the majesty of the original history. Superb Jonny!

[zapfanzapfan]

Just the right amount of patina, a colorful history and a bit of a bruised fighter with a front tooth missing. Perfect!

[gtf]

my NEW favorite Car Show !
I had one of these as a teenager, sold it for $1700 in 1983 and still have nightmares about it.

[blinkblink]

They are one of the great shapes even without Bullitt and Dukes of Hazard. I was after a nicely patinated import but they've all started to be restored, badly sometimes, so there is not a huge amount of choice. Yours is brilliant Johnny.

[russellmalone]

I absolutely love watching your videos. You only live up the road from me and I constantly look out for the Charger ❤

[scotti_wan_kenobi]

It's a beaut Johnny, I'm glad that you kept the little dings and dents, it shows that the car has lived.

[TheGreatest]

It’s my bloody dream car exactly how you’ve done it. Thanks for saving another of these amazing cars. 👍

[JustaQuad]

Have never really appreciated this car but this video has highlighted just how fantastic it is and the job you have done on it. So personal and cool

[FalloutUgglan]

The 1967 Mustang Fastback is absolutely legendary to me. The design is gorgeous and those taillights are to die for.
It's THE car that sparked my interest in cars, I didn't really care about cars at all before I saw the '67.

Thou the '68 Charger is a real beauty as well!

[IanRossDavies]

Not to state the obvious, but you’re rather good at this stuff, Smith...

[pauliboo]

More of the charger please, I’m not into American classics but I’m happy for you to educate me 😀

[coffeeguy]

Love it, you just can't beat the late 60s American muscle cars. You've done a lot of work on this beauty, Jonny, nice !! Would love to blag a ride in this with you ! Happily pay for fuel and get the coffees in ! Cheers, Daz, Leicester.

[Mike_Costello]

This video is why it's worth looking back through the video catalogue of your favourite channels. Stunning car mate. If you have it still please let it pop up in some newer videos.

[simontallboy]

Love the car!! I've got a 68 Impala SS coupe myself. I love driving it, nice and simple with no computers, plus it sounds great.