If there is any car that could be a symbol of the automotive art created during the first muscle car era, it has to be the 1968 Dodge Charger. The large body (built on Dodge’s B-body platform) and long sweeping lines coupled with its formidable engine options (not the least of which was the renowned first-gen Hemi) make it the quintessential representative of the muscle car movement of the ’60s and early ’70s. Yes, there was the Mustang and Camaro, but Mopar offerings were often different, with many being large and in charge. Large, absolutely, as the Charger was joined by other sizeable B-bodies such as the Road Runner, Coronet and Super Bee. As for in charge, well, with engine offerings such as the 383, 440, and ultimately the 426 street Hemi, these cars could definitely put one over on the aforementioned on any given Saturday night.
Verona, PA motorhead and hardcore Mopar enthusiast Jim Pranis happens to own a Charger that fits the above description, and it has been his labor of love for the past 34 years. “I have owned it and raced it since 1984,” tells Pranis proudly For Pranis, his love for the large, stylish (and very cool) offerings from Dodge started back in the early ’80s.
“A friend and I were out lapping go-carts at the local public track,” he explained. “And when we were done we walked out to the parking lot just as a blue 1968 Dodge Charger with white Bumble Bee stripes pulled up. Ever since that day I knew I wanted a 1968 Charger.”
Although his first few cars didn’t fulfill his want for that Charger specifically, Pranis was Mopar through and through. His first car, a 1967 Coronet RT, was unfortunately destroyed by a drunk driver. Luckily, Jim was not badly hurt in the crash, but… Read more of this article. Just click on the digital feature below this introduction.
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