1968 Dodge Charger III Concept

The 1968 Dodge Charger III Concept is an experimental two-seater only 42 inches high, 184 inches long, and 73 inches wide. Features include a jet-aircraft-type canopy, swing-away steering wheel, elevating bucket seats, and spoiler-type air brake flaps. Twin hood scoops supplement air entering the engine compartment through the grille. Side scoops ram cooling air to rear brakes.

Dodge Division's sporty experimental car, which contains many of the gauges and instruments found in the 1968 Charger passenger version, is on a tour of auto shows throughout the country. The low-slung "Candy Apple" red two-seater is only 3 1/2 feet high.

Charger III's spoiler-type air brake flaps are synchronized with the regular braking system. Twin quick-fill gas caps and stop lights, which supplement the full-width taillight, are located under flaps. With no rear window, pop-up mirror is used for rear, wide-angle vision. The switch console is located on the driver's left and includes controls for lights, temperature, radio, and wipers. Service hatch permits routine checks of battery, electrical fuses, oil, and water without raising the hood.

The space-age interior of Dodge Charger III contains specially contoured bucket seats with integral head restraints, resembling space capsule acceleration couches. Seats move forward and upward as the canopy raises and the steering wheel swings away. The center console houses the transmission selector lever, parking brake, and passenger assist handle. The recessed switch console at the driver's left includes controls for lights, radio, heater, etc.

It was presented at the Chicago Auto Show.

Source: Dodge Public Relations

Images: Dodge; www.motortrend.com - Matt Stone; www.hamtramck-historical.com