1968 Dodge Coronet: A Bold Evolution of the Intermediate
The 1968 Dodge Coronet marked a significant turning point for the marque's popular intermediate-sized offering. Shedding the more conservative styling of previous years, the '68 Coronet embraced a decidedly more aggressive and modern aesthetic, perfectly aligning with the burgeoning muscle car era. This year's redesign was a critical step in solidifying the Coronet's identity as a potent and stylish performer, capable of holding its own against the increasingly competitive landscape of American automotive design.
Key Design and Styling Changes:
The most striking departure for the 1968 Coronet was its completely new body shell. Dodge stylists, under the direction of Virgil Exner's "Forward Look" lineage, introduced a more sculpted and athletic profile.
- "Coke Bottle" Styling: The most defining characteristic was the adoption of the popular "coke bottle" or "hips" styling, featuring pronounced rear fenders that flared outwards before tapering back towards the taillights. This created a muscular and visually dynamic appearance.
- "Fuselage" Styling: Complementing the Coke Bottle lines, the new Coronet also featured a more integrated "fuselage" body style, where the fenders and doors flowed more seamlessly into one another, reducing sharp angles and creating a smoother, more integrated look.
- Hidden Headlights (Optional on R/T): While not standard across all models, the high-performance Coronet R/T offered the option of concealed, electrically operated headlights. These retracted behind vacuum-operated doors, contributing to a cleaner and more aerodynamic front-end appearance when not in use.
- Revised Grille: The grille received a significant update, often featuring a split-design element that was becoming a Dodge signature. Depending on the trim level, the grille could be chrome or blacked-out for a sportier look.
- Taillights: The rear was characterized by prominent, rectangular taillights that were often set into a textured panel, further enhancing the car's aggressive stance.
- Increased Dimensions: The 1968 Coronet saw a slight increase in overall length and width, contributing to its more substantial and imposing presence on the road.
Powertrain Options and Performance:
The 1968 Coronet offered a robust range of engines, catering to both everyday drivers and performance enthusiasts.
- Standard Six-Cylinder: The base engine was still the reliable 225 cubic inch Slant-Six, providing economical performance for everyday driving.
- V8 Engine Lineup: The V8 offerings began with the 318 cubic inch V8, a popular choice for its blend of power and efficiency. Moving up the scale, the 383 cubic inch V8 was available in various states of tune, including a two-barrel and a more potent four-barrel carburetor version, offering a significant bump in performance.
- The Coronet R/T: The Performance King: The undisputed star of the 1968 Coronet lineup was the R/T (Road/Track). This performance halo model came standard with the mighty 440 cubic inch Magnum V8, a high-performance engine known for its brute force. The R/T also offered the legendary 426 cubic inch HEMI as an optional engine, a legendary powerplant that cemented the Coronet's place in muscle car history.
- Transmissions: A variety of transmissions were available, including a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual (especially desirable with the performance engines), and Chrysler's TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Trim Levels and Body Styles:
The 1968 Coronet was available in a range of trim levels, each offering a different balance of features and performance.
- Coronet (Base): The entry-level model, offering a straightforward and economical option.
- Coronet Deluxe: A step up from the base, with added interior and exterior trim enhancements.
- Coronet 440: The mid-range offering, often coming with more standard features and available with a wider array of options.
- Coronet R/T: The performance-oriented model, distinguished by its unique badging, heavier-duty suspension, and the powerful engine options.
- Body Styles: The 1968 Coronet was offered in a variety of popular body styles:
- 2-Door Coupe: A classic sporty silhouette.
- 4-Door Sedan: A more practical choice for families.
- Station Wagon: The versatile Coronet wagon, catering to those needing cargo space.
- Convertible: The R/T model was also available as a stylish convertible, adding to its appeal.
Impact and Legacy:
The 1968 Dodge Coronet was a critical success for Dodge. Its bold new styling and potent performance options, particularly in R/T trim, firmly established it as a significant player in the muscle car market. The "Coke Bottle" styling became iconic, and the availability of the HEMI engine ensured its place in automotive legend. The '68 Coronet represented a confident evolution for Dodge, showcasing their commitment to performance and style, and remains a highly sought-after classic automobile for collectors and enthusiasts today.