The 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T 426 Hemi stands among the most powerful American muscle cars ever built. With its legendary Hemi V8, manual four-speed gearbox, and unmistakable design, it captured the raw spirit of late-1960s performance engineering.
Classic Design and Exterior Details
Finished from the factory in Yellow (SS1), the Coronet R/T was repainted during its restoration, keeping the same vivid tone that defined its era. Black rear bumblebee stripes highlight the car’s aggressive stance, while the R/T and Hemi badging underline its muscle pedigree.
The exterior features quad headlights, a bulged hood, dual mirrors, and chrome bumpers. Bright trim surrounds the windows and wheel arches, reflecting Dodge’s attention to both performance and style.
Rallye Suspension and Handling
The 1968 Coronet R/T rides on body-color 14-inch steel wheels with fratzog-logo hubcaps and red-line tires. Dodge equipped it with a Rallye suspension package that included heavy-duty shocks, stiffer springs, and torsion bars. The setup improved cornering and road feel while retaining classic muscle car comfort.
Front and rear drum brakes manage stopping duties, and both brakes and steering are unassisted, giving the driver a pure mechanical connection to the road.
Interior and Instrumentation
Inside, the cabin features low-back bucket seats in black vinyl with a matching rear bench. A center console separates the seats, while the dashboard hosts a collection of analog gauges that keep the driver informed at a glance.
Equipment includes a Dodge Solid State AM radio, tachometer, heater, and black carpeting. The three-spoke steering wheel with horn ring fronts a horizontal 150-mph speedometer, ammeter, and fuel and temperature gauges. The five-digit odometer reads 36,000 miles.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8 defines the Coronet R/T’s character. Featuring dual four-barrel carburetors, it was factory-rated at 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse made the car one of the quickest street machines of its day.
Power is routed through a four-speed manual transmission to a Sure Grip limited-slip differential, ensuring optimal traction under acceleration. The result is a car built to deliver unfiltered muscle and unmistakable sound at every shift.
Authenticity and Factory Details
The original fender tag confirms numerous factory features such as bucket seats, tachometer, and Rallye suspension. The Sure Grip rear axle carries a 3.54:1 ratio, providing balanced acceleration and cruising capability.
Other codes reveal details like the 26-inch radiator, special-order status, and Music Master AM radio, elements that together capture the essence of Dodge’s late-’60s craftsmanship.
Documentation and Provenance
A copy of the factory window sticker accompanies this car, showing delivery to Ed Pittard Dodge of Memphis, Tennessee. The total price was $4,309.75, an impressive sum at the time for a performance-built hardtop. This Coronet R/T is one of just 100 examples produced in 1968 with the Hemi and four-speed combination.
It comes with paperwork from Galen’s Registry and a clean Montana title, verifying its authenticity and historical importance among collectors.
Summary
The 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T 426 Hemi remains an enduring symbol of muscle car engineering. Its blend of raw power, bold design, and limited production make it a sought-after collector’s piece that continues to define the golden age of American performance.
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Source & Details: mecum.com
