The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T: Engine, Performance, and Design

The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T was a mid-size muscle car built during the peak of American performance vehicles. The "R/T" designation stood for "Road and Track," meaning it came equipped with a high-performance engine and suspension from the factory. The base R/T model used a 440-cubic-inch V8 engine producing 375 horsepower, while the optional 426 Hemi V8 generated 425 horsepower and became the most sought-after variant.

The 1968 model year was the Charger's second generation, and it introduced a more aggressive exterior design compared to the 1966–1967 models. The car featured a distinctive split front bumper, a hidden headlight design, and a fastback roofline that gave it a sleek, forward-leaning appearance. The R/T package added performance-focused details like a functional hood scoop, special badging, and upgraded braking and suspension components.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1968 Charger R/T came standard with a 440 V8 engine, with the 426 Hemi V8 available as an option for buyers seeking maximum power.
  • The R/T package included performance upgrades such as heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, and a functional hood scoop designed to feed cool air to the engine.
  • Production numbers for the 1968 Charger R/T totaled approximately 17,000 units, making it less common than standard Charger models.
  • The car's distinctive split front bumper and hidden headlights became iconic design elements that defined the second-generation Charger.
  • Original 1968 Charger R/T models, particularly those with the Hemi engine, have become highly valued by collectors and automotive enthusiasts.

Engine Options and Specifications

The standard R/T engine was the 440 Magnum, a large-displacement V8 that delivered strong acceleration and top-end power. This engine used a two-barrel carburetor and produced 375 horsepower at 4,600 RPM, with 480 pound-feet of torque. The 440 was paired with either a three-speed automatic transmission or an optional four-speed manual, giving buyers choices based on their driving preferences.

The 426 Hemi V8 was the performance crown jewel. This engine featured hemispherical combustion chambers, dual four-barrel carburetors, and produced 425 horsepower at 5,000 RPM with 490 pound-feet of torque. The Hemi was significantly more expensive than the 440 and required the four-speed manual transmission. Hemi-equipped Chargers could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds, making them among the fastest production cars of the era.

Both engines were designed to run on regular gasoline, though higher-octane fuel improved performance. The 440 achieved approximately 10 to 12 miles per gallon in typical driving, while the Hemi returned similar or slightly lower fuel economy due to its higher power output and the driving habits of owners who purchased such performance vehicles.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 1968 Charger R/T offered two transmission choices: the TorqueFlite three-speed automatic and a four-speed manual. The automatic transmission was the more common choice, accounting for the majority of R/T sales. It featured a torque converter and provided smooth, reliable power delivery suitable for both street driving and occasional performance use.

The four-speed manual transmission was a Chrysler A833 unit, a heavy-duty gearbox designed to handle the power of the 440 and Hemi engines. Manual transmission cars required more driver engagement but offered direct control and were preferred by enthusiasts who wanted to extract maximum performance. The manual was mandatory with the Hemi engine and optional with the 440.

All 1968 Charger R/T models used a solid rear axle with a 3.23:1 or 3.55:1 gear ratio, depending on engine and transmission selection. The higher-ratio gears (3.55:1) were typically paired with automatic transmissions for better acceleration, while lower ratios (3.23:1) were used with manuals to allow higher top speeds.

Suspension, Brakes, and Handling

The R/T package included a performance-oriented suspension setup that distinguished it from standard Charger models. The front suspension used independent A-arms with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear used a solid axle with leaf springs. The R/T added heavier-duty springs and shocks compared to non-R/T models, reducing body roll during cornering and improving overall stability.

Braking was handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, a common setup for 1968 muscle cars. The R/T featured larger brake components than the standard Charger, with 11-inch front discs and 10-inch rear drums. Power-assisted brakes were standard, reducing the pedal effort required to stop the heavy vehicle. Despite these upgrades, stopping distances were longer than modern vehicles, and brake fade was a concern during sustained hard driving.

The 1968 Charger R/T was not designed as a precision handling car. Its focus was straight-line acceleration and muscle car presence. The wide stance, low center of gravity, and performance suspension made it reasonably stable for a car of its size, but it required more driver input and attention than modern vehicles, particularly on winding roads or in emergency maneuvers.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 1968 Charger introduced a more aggressive design language than its predecessors. The split front bumper was divided into two sections that flanked a large grille opening, creating a distinctive face that became when ready recognizable. The hood featured a functional scoop that drew air toward the engine compartment, both for cooling and for the psychological impact of visible performance hardware.

Hidden headlights were a signature feature, with the lights retracting behind the front fenders when not in use. This design reduced wind resistance and gave the car a cleaner appearance during the day. The fastback roofline flowed smoothly from the windshield to the rear deck, creating a sleek profile that emphasized speed even when the car was standing still.

The R/T package added specific badging on the front fenders and rear quarter panels, along with a blacked-out hood stripe that ran down the center of the hood scoop. The car sat on 14-inch wheels wrapped in wide performance tires, and the overall stance was lower and more aggressive than standard Charger models. Paint options included solid colors and two-tone combinations, with popular choices including Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy Purple, and Sublime Green.

Interior Features and Comfort

The 1968 Charger R/T interior reflected the era's approach to muscle car design: functional, straightforward, and focused on the driving experience rather than luxury. The dashboard featured a horizontal speedometer, a fuel gauge, and basic warning lights. An optional tachometer was available for drivers who wanted to monitor engine RPM, particularly those with manual transmissions.

Seating was a bench seat across the front, with a separate rear bench seat that could accommodate three passengers. Vinyl or cloth upholstery was standard, with optional leather available at higher cost. The steering wheel was a straightforward three-spoke design without power steering on base models, though power steering was a popular option that reduced driver fatigue during extended driving.

Air conditioning was available but not standard, and many 1968 Chargers were built without it due to cost and the belief among performance enthusiasts that it reduced engine power. Heating and defrosting were provided by a basic system that drew warm air from around the engine. Sound insulation was minimal, so engine and road noise were prominent features of the driving experience.

Production Numbers and Variants

Dodge produced approximately 96,000 Chargers in 1968 across all trim levels. The R/T variant accounted for roughly 17,000 of those units, making it a significant but minority portion of total Charger production. The 440 Magnum was the most common R/T engine, with the 426 Hemi accounting for approximately 600 to 700 units, making Hemi-equipped cars considerably rarer and more valuable today.

The R/T was available in two body styles: the fastback coupe and the hardtop. The fastback was the more common configuration and is the version most people associate with the 1968 Charger. Both styles shared the same mechanical components and performance capabilities, with the choice primarily a matter of personal preference regarding roof design and rear window shape.

Color availability was extensive, with Dodge offering numerous solid colors and two-tone combinations. Some colors, such as Hemi Orange and Plum Crazy Purple, have become iconic and are highly sought after by collectors. Original paint documentation and matching numbers (engine block casting numbers matching the car's build sheet) significantly increase a car's value in the collector market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower did the 1968 Charger R/T actually have?

The standard 440 Magnum produced 375 horsepower, while the optional 426 Hemi generated 425 horsepower. These were manufacturer ratings from the era, which used a different testing method than modern standards. Real-world performance varied based on fuel quality, maintenance, and driving conditions.

What is the difference between a 1968 Charger and a 1968 Charger R/T?

The R/T package included a larger engine (440 or 426 Hemi versus the base 318), upgraded suspension and brakes, a functional hood scoop, and specific badging. Standard Chargers were less expensive and used smaller engines, making them more economical but significantly less powerful.

How fast could a 1968 Charger R/T go?

A 440-equipped Charger could reach approximately 120 to 125 mph, while a Hemi model could exceed 130 mph. These speeds were achieved on open roads or test tracks; highway speed limits in 1968 were typically 55 to 70 mph depending on location.

Are 1968 Charger R/T models valuable today?

Yes, particularly those with original Hemi engines, matching numbers, and original paint. A well-maintained 440 R/T typically ranges from $35,000 to $60,000, while Hemi models can exceed $100,000 depending on condition and documentation. Prices vary based on the collector market and individual car condition.

What fuel economy should I expect from a 1968 Charger R/T?

Most owners report 10 to 12 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway driving potentially reaching 12 to 14 mpg. City driving and spirited acceleration reduce fuel economy significantly. These figures are considerably lower than modern vehicles due to the era's engine technology and lack of fuel injection.