Remarkable 1968 Dodge Dart GTS For Sale: Awakened Barn Find
This 1968 Dodge Dart GTS is now awake and alive after being hidden in a building in the High Desert of California since 1987! If you’re searching for a classic 68 Dodge Dart Gts For Sale with a unique history, this car’s story is compelling. The former owner obviously planned to restore it – he bought parts and restoration items for it, but time got in the way, as it sometimes does. After his passing, the family sold us the car. Ever the optimist, we thought it might wake up and live – and sure enough, it did! It’s now offered by The Vault Classic Cars Dealership in Fullerton, CA.
The Barn Find Discovery
1968 Dodge Dart GTS as found in California barn
Here it is, as found. Thankfully, it was well stored, in a nice building with a concrete floor. If you’re going after a barn find, it’s nice to see it in this type of environment! And, it is a totally solid, rust-free, black license plate California car, with original paint on everything except the right front fender!
1968 Dodge Dart GTS 340 Barn Find
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You can find more mopars for sale with interesting histories on our site.
The Reawakening Process
Awakened 68 Dodge Dart GTS driving on the road
Here it is on the road after a significant wake-up effort! We did the full brakes, including booster, master cylinder, hoses, wheel cylinders, shoes, and drums turned. The power steering gearbox and pump were rebuilt, a rebuilt Carter AVS 4 Barrel carburetor was installed, and a new gas tank too. It received new radial tires and a new windshield. The result of all this work is a classic dodge dart gts for sale that successfully made a 70-mile round trip freeway drive to a Cars & Coffee event.
Features and Specifications
Front 3/4 view of the resurrected 1968 Dodge Dart GTS
This 68 Dodge Dart Gts For Sale is equipped with the 340 high-performance V-8, factory air conditioning, Sport steering wheel, Bucket Seats, Console shifter, Bumblebee stripes, Power drum brakes, and all of the GTS stuff like the unique hood and emblems.
Detailed Condition Assessment
Side view of 68 Dodge Dart GTS with bumblebee stripe
The body is nice and straight and, importantly for a classic, rust-free. This California car’s solid foundation is evident throughout.
Rear view showing trunk trim and original California black license plate
Another view showing the trunk trim, with the car’s original black license plate still in place – a true sign of its California heritage.
Rear quarter view of the 1968 Dodge Dart GTS
Ready to launch! This 68 dodge dart gts for sale has been mechanically sorted to be a reliable runner.
Front view of the 68 Dodge Dart GTS after reawakening
Diagonal front view of the restored 68 Dodge Dart GTS
Interior Condition
The interior features the Sport Steering wheel, bucket seats, and console. Everything is original except for the driver’s seat, which was re-upholstered with “Motor City Originals” upholstery material. The matching passenger and rear seat upholstery is also included with the car, ready for the next owner to complete the interior refresh.
Original rear seat upholstery in the 68 Dodge Dart GTS
Original rear upholstery.
Original Dodge Dart GTS door panel with emblem
Very nice original door panels, complete with the GTS emblem.
Right side original door panel in the 68 Dodge Dart GTS
Nice original door panel on the right side.
Motor City Originals upholstery included for the right side seat
Here’s the right side seat upholstery from Motor City Originals. The upper and lower rear seat upholstery is in the box too! You’ll need it to make progress on the interior.
Original but unusable carpeting in the 68 Dodge Dart GTS
The carpeting is original but, sadly, not useable!
Engine Details and Identification
Engine bay of the 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 340
The engine runs great! It has lots of power and is a good motor. The block is from 1972, so it was obviously a replacement block at some point in its history. However, the cylinder heads and manifolds are the original high-performance items from the 1968 340 engine. We’ll list their casting numbers here:
- Cylinder heads: 2531894 – Hi Po 2.02 intake valve head.
- Intake manifold: 2531915 ’68 only 4 barrel
- Left exhaust: 2863553, Right exhaust 2863549
Closeup of the cylinder head casting number 2531894
Cylinder head casting number.
Closeup of the intake manifold casting number 2531915
Intake manifold casting number.
Closeup of the left side exhaust manifold casting number 2863553
Left side exhaust manifold casting number. The right side is too close to the shock tower to get a photo, but a tracing was made to verify the number.
If you’re looking for old dodge muscle cars for sale, the Dart GTS is a prime example of Mopar performance in a compact package.
Matching Body Numbers
Body number stamped on the trunk lip E8L155105
In 1968, the hidden body numbers on the trunk lip, the radiator core support, and the trim tag all matched the build order, not the VIN #. As we’ll see, all three of these numbers match: E8L155105. This verification is key for enthusiasts seeking original specifications.
Closeup of the lower right body number 155105 on trunk lip
The lower right number, 155105.
Body number E8L155105 on the Radiator core support
E8L155105 on the Radiator core support.
Trim tag showing body number E8L155105
Trim tag showing E8L155105.
Undercarriage Condition
Undercarriage view showing solid floors and frame
Really nice and solid underneath. This is a California car since new, and it shows in the condition of the metalwork.
Closeup of the original solid floor pan
Wow – solid original floors.
Close up of the crisp lower right rear fender edge
Super crisp edge on that lower right rear fender.
Close up of the crisp lower left rear fender edge
Same on the left side.
View of the new gas tank and solid trunk pan underside
New gas tank and sending unit. And look how good the trunk pan is from the underside.
Top side view of the solid trunk pan
Here’s the top side of the trunk pan – wow! Dirty but really solid, with only a little bit of surface rust at the edges.
Another view showing the remarkably solid trunk floor
Amazingly nice and solid.
Incredible condition of the trunk floor area
Incredible! The overall condition of the metal is a major plus for this 1968 dodge dart gts for sale.
Damage and Included Parts
There is a scrape/crease on the right fender and into the door. Another fender is included with the sale, although this one could certainly be repaired.
Scrape and crease on the right front fender and door
Scrape / Crease on the right fender and into the door.
There are parts included with the car to aid in its restoration or preservation, such as an extra grille, good tail lights, headliner bows, step plates, and some of the interior roof trim.
Pile of included parts like grille, tail lights, trim
Parts included with the sale.
History and Final State
Original 1984 registration sticker on the windshield
It’s a time machine – look at that 1984 sticker. There are a couple of other sticker partials on top, but 1987 was the last time this car was on the road in California before its long slumber.
Front view of the 68 Dodge Dart GTS looking terrific
Terrific! This 1968 dodge dart gts for sale represents a unique opportunity.
Up, Running, and ready for the next owner to show as a preservation car and enjoy, or take it to the next level with a full restoration!
This awakened barn find is a truly exciting prospect for any Mopar enthusiast. To learn more about this or other classic vehicles, explore our listings for mopars for sale or contact us directly.
Offered by The Vault Classic Cars Dealership, Fullerton, CA, call us at 714-401-1047.
