1968 dodge charger
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| '68 dodge charger |
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The entire B-body lineup for the 1968 model year was redesigned and the Charger was further differentiated from the Dodge Coronet models. The first generation's efforts to look somewhat posh were abandoned in favor of designer Richard Sias' double-diamond coke bottle profile, with curves around the front fenders and rear quarter panels. Front and rear end sheet metal was designed by Harvey J. Winn. The rear end featured a "kick up" spoiler appearance, inspired by Group 7 racing vehicles. The fastback roof was gone, in favor of a "flying buttress" similar to that of the 1966-67 Pontiac GTO. The Charger retained its full-width hidden headlight grille, but a vacuum operated cover replaced the electric motor rotating headlights. The previous full-width taillights were replaced with dual circular units at the direction of Styling Vice President, Elwood P. Engel. Dual scallops were added to the doors and hood.
Inside, numerous "downscalings" were evident. A conventional fixed rear seat replaced the folding bucket seat design. The conventional trunk area included a vinyl mat, rather than the previous model's carpeted cargo area. The center console in the front remained, but there was no center armrest. The tachometer was now optional instead of standard and the electroluminescent gauges disappeared in favor of a conventional design.
Even the model's engine ended up reduced midyear, when the standard 318 cu in (5.2 L) 2-bbl V8, was replaced with Chrysler's basic 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-six. The 383-2 and 383-4 remained unchanged. A 440 Magnum powered Dodge Charger was used in the chase scene in the Film "Bullitt", in the film a black Dodge Charger can be seen chasing Steve Mcqueen's Ford Mustang jumping on the San Francisco slopes.
