Photo: Peretti's Classics
When you hear about a 1968 Dodge Charger that is “the cheapest in the country“and that also runs and drives, you must tell yourself,”There must be a trick, right?“Well, two buyers certainly thought so, but they bought it anyway without seeing it. Now, when you snag a classic car like this, you expect a few bumps along the way. But add a Paul Teutul Sr. character to the scene who shamelessly pokes fun at the whole thing, and you have one hell of a fun show.
Before we get to the 1968 Dodge Charger in question, we can’t ignore the gorgeous driveway filled with classics that belongs to our two protagonists, Nikko and Sal.
The first vehicle that stands out is the 1969 Pontiac GTO, otherwise known as The Judge. However, it is not a true original, but a restomod, and is currently undergoing some work, such as a suspension upgrade, the installation of digital gauges, and a new set of wheels.
Right next door, there's a restomod 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS, followed by another beauty, the 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (M code), a 1968 Dodge Coronet Super Bee clone, and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS, among other gems.
Photo: Peretti's Classics
“And now, back to our regular programming,“as they used to say in the old golden days of radio and television. Driving in the rain from that grand museum of a driveway, they went to see the numbers that matched”the cheapest '68 Charger in the country” for the first time. Anyone looking at it could immediately see why it was inexpensive.
First, the roof was completely rusted out. About half of it was covered with a garbage bag taped shut to keep out the rain. Uncovering it revealed some pretty large holes you could stick your fingers into. The hood also wouldn't close, so some temporary “dad” work was needed to keep it from crashing into the windshield at high speed. A short rope tied around the front grille did the job, although it wasn't ideal.
It also needed a new water pump and the coolant was leaking, but at least the headlights worked. It had a very clean trunk, though, with a blown out spare tire. Hop into the passenger seat and you'll find a hole in the floor the size of your fist.
Sal and Nikko were only able to get their hands on this 1968 Dodge Charger because another potential buyer passed it up due to its poor condition. Even Sal admitted that this might have been one of the most difficult cars they've ever purchased. In other words, it's a long-term project car, not something you buy and drive across the state.
Photo: Peretti's Classics
At least the original 383ci (6.3L) 4-barrel V8 still runs strong and sounds like a dream. The wheels are also fine for a few laps around the block. However, it is a far cry from its former glory, when it made 330 horsepower and 425 ft-lb (576 Nm) of torque.
Legends say it could reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 6.7 seconds or 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.1 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 15 seconds flat. It supposedly maxed out at 126 miles per hour or 203 kilometers per hour.
He arrives “Faster,“Nikko's father. He reminded me of Paul Teutul Sr. from Orange County Choppers, but less menacing and without the muscles and tattoos; the beard is the same style, though. After watching him, the wholesome comedy started to pour out with excellently delivered lines like “The last and the curious” O “What the hell is this… Are you serious?!” and then something else about tetanus vaccines.
It's hard to put into words the comic genius behind those moments. You'll just have to see it for yourself starting at the 9:40 mark. Fasher nailed it at the 12:27 mark when he said, “It looks worse than a barn find. It looks like it was buried in the ground, then dug up and put in the barn.“
Photo: Peretti's Classics
“I wouldn't spend 8 bucks on that ******* thing,” he said ironically, even though he was the one who ultimately valued it at $25,000, a figure that still stands on their website.
I contacted them and asked how much they bought it for, but as expected, they kindly didn't divulge any information. After all, the good folks at Peretti's Classics YouTube channel are running a business.
So, after all the trials and tribulations, the case of the “The cheapest '68 Charger in the country” it's been fixed and is now in a better position or about to be if someone ends up paying $25,000 for it. The comments section, of course, is a comedy sketch in and of itself. Half the people cared enough to leave a comment praising it, while the other half said things like “7500, maybe 25,000, impossible, José,” OR “1500, my final offer.“
Fortunately, more moderate Chargers fans left a more positive note: “Considering the body condition, the frame and chassis actually look solid for a 68. Awesome project car and if you can do even half the work yourself and save a lot of money, this car could be beautiful for under 20k. Not as nice as Barrett-Jackson, but more than good enough.“
The offer is only valid for 10 days from its listing, but if Mr. Nikko Peretti is unable to sell it, he will keep it as a project car.”I'll offer it this time, and then I'll work on it and keep it,” he said.
