There was certainly drama between the car manufacturers who were racing each other’s products back in 1968, and this car is the direct result of the desire to win on Sunday in NASCAR. Showing a low, believed-original 200 miles on the odometer, this is the low-production, streamlined Dodge Charger 500. Moreover, this car is a true Hemi example, one of just 52 produced and one of 25 that came equipped with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Converted by Dodge subcontractor Creative Industries, each Charger 500 was “cleaned up” to make a package legal for superspeedway use, completed by adding a flush-mounted grille and fastback rear window to a premium assembly line-built Charger R/T. This very rare factory black-on-black color combination has benefited from a comprehensive restoration. Under the hood is the engine that went from those NASCAR tracks onto America’s streets, the legendary 426 CI Hemi V-8 engine, which features dual inline 4-barrel carburetors, large-port hemispherical cylinder heads and extreme-duty cooling pieces. The optioned driveline is the A32 Super Performance Axle Package, which meant an A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission and accompanying Dana 60 9.75-inch Sure Grip differential with 4.10 gears, as well as power brakes with front discs. The TX9 paint is accented by a red scat stripe, and the interior was decked out with the deluxe buddy seat, a column-mounted shifter, a sport dash with clock and 150 MPH speedometer, the A01 light group that included hood-mounted turn signal indicators, a three-spoke sport wheel, a Chrysler Solid State radio, pedal dress-ups, three-speed wipers and tinted glass. Further outside trim includes the R/T bright roof drip rail and belt moldings, a flip-open gas filler, dual chrome mirrors, special 500 identification trim, “HEMI” door tags and chrome exhaust tips. There is a redline spare and proper trunk mat in beneath the unique Charger 500 decklid, and this car rides on 15-inch steel wheels with small-diameter Fratzog-logo hubcaps and Goodyear redline tires. The legacy of the 500 was superseded when winning on Sunday was turned over to the slicker Charger Daytona, but this rare, aero-styled, Hemi, black beauty is a winner any day of the week.
