13/13 Gate✓ IQ Certified10/10?

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value

📖 2,772 words🗓️ Published Aug 7, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best muscle cars 1968 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Dodge Charger R/T

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 1

The Charger R/T ranks first because it delivered the most complete muscle car package of 1968, combining a standard 440 Magnum V8 rated at 375 horsepower with one of the most iconic bodies ever designed. Its hidden headlamps, flying-buttress roof, and Coke-bottle styling made it the year's most cinematic shape, while the optional 426 Hemi at $605 dropped quarter-mile times into the high 13s.

This is the car for the buyer who wanted the total package without compromise, accepting that its drum brakes and soft suspension demanded respect at speed. Compared to the Shelby GT500KR ranked second, the Charger was cheaper by nearly $1,000 and offered a standard engine with more rated horsepower, though the Shelby's 428 Cobra Jet was famously underrated. The Charger's Hemi option made it the ultimate giant-killer, but most R/Ts were 440 cars, which remain strong collector pieces.

2. Ford Shelby GT500KR

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 2

The GT500KR ranks second because it was the fastest Mustang Carroll Shelby would sell, powered by the new 428 Cobra Jet V8 officially rated at 335 horsepower but realistically making close to 400. Period testers ran the quarter-mile in about 13.9 seconds, placing it among the quickest factory cars of 1968. Its fiberglass nose, hood scoop, and twin stripes gave it unmistakable Shelby drama, and the KR badge has become one of the most coveted in the Mustang world.

This car is for the Ford loyalist who wanted the ultimate Mustang and could afford its $4,473 sticker price, the highest on this list. It trades away value for exclusivity, as excellent examples now trade well into six figures, reflecting rarity and legend. Compared to the Dodge Charger R/T above, the KR was front-heavy and more drag-strip than road course, but its underrated engine made it a genuine rival.

3. Pontiac GTO

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 3

The GTO ranks third because it defended its founding-father status with a fresh, curvier body and the industry's first body-color Endura bumper, earning Motor Trend's Car of the Year award. The standard 400-cubic-inch V8 made 350 horsepower, with Ram Air versions climbing to 360 hp, and a Ram Air four-speed test car ran the quarter in about 14.45 seconds at 98 mph.

This car is for the buyer who wanted the original muscle car with modern styling and a price under $3,000, making it attainable performance. It trades away top-end punch unless the Ram Air options were ticked, as base cars with automatic and mild gears were noticeably softer. Compared to the Shelby GT500KR above, the GTO was significantly cheaper and more practical, but it lacked the KR's brutal underrated power. Strong, well-documented GTOs remain solidly collectible today.

4. Plymouth Road Runner

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 4

The Road Runner ranks fourth overall but wins Best Value because it invented budget muscle with a 335-horsepower 383 V8 in a stripped Belvedere body for just $2,870. Plymouth forecast 2,500 sales and built nearly 45,000, single-handedly creating the category and outselling every projection. The car weighed roughly 3,000 pounds, offered a four-speed, and delivered serious midrange grunt, making it the best horsepower-per-dollar play of 1968.

This car is for the young buyer who wanted maximum horsepower per dollar and accepted a spartan, taxicab-grade interior with a rubber floor mat and bench seat. It trades away comfort and style, looking plain next to a GTX or GTO, but its performance was undeniable. Compared to the Pontiac GTO above, the Road Runner was cheaper by over $100 and lighter, though it lacked the GTO's refinement and Car of the Year styling.

5. Plymouth GTX

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 5

The GTX ranks fifth because it offered Road Runner muscle dressed in a suit, making the 440 Super Commando standard at 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Marketed as the "gentleman's muscle car," it added bucket seats, brightwork, and a more finished cabin while still running hard on the same B-body bones. The 426 Hemi was optional, providing the same giant-killer potential as its budget sibling.

This car is for the buyer who wanted upscale muscle without sacrificing performance, accepting a cost meaningfully higher than the Road Runner for similar speed. It trades away the cult identity of its budget sibling, lacking the Road Runner's underdog story and massive sales numbers. Compared to the Road Runner ranked fourth, the GTX was far nicer inside and more comfortable, but it never matched the value proposition.

6. Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 6

The Chevelle SS 396 ranks sixth because it was Chevrolet's mainstream muscle answer, riding a sharp new shorter-wheelbase body that is arguably the best-looking midsize Chevy of the decade. The 396 big-block came standard at 325 horsepower, with 350-hp L34 and 375-hp L78 upgrades available, and the L78 cars ran the quarter in the low-to-mid 14s. The base SS 396 delivered easygoing big-block torque at a friendly price of $2,875.

This car is for the Bowtie buyer who wanted a clean, do-anything big-block with huge parts and restoration support, making ownership easy. It trades away the top-end excitement of the GTX's 440, as the base 325-hp tune was mild next to the GTO and Mopar cars. Compared to the Plymouth GTX above, the Chevelle was cheaper by over $450 and offered a more versatile engine lineup, but it lacked the GTX's standard 375-hp punch.

7. Dodge Super Bee

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 7

The Super Bee ranks seventh because it was Dodge's take on the budget-muscle formula, launched mid-1968 at the Detroit Auto Show as a Coronet-based, stripped-down hauler aimed squarely at the Road Runner. The standard 383 V8 made 335 horsepower, with the 426 Hemi on the option list for the brave, and the bumblebee tail stripe gave it instant personality. At a 1968 MSRP of $3,027, it delivered honest midsize muscle for not much money.

This car is for the Dodge buyer who wanted Road Runner value with bee-stripe attitude, accepting a Coronet trim as basic as the formula demanded. It trades away the Road Runner's massive sales numbers, built in smaller quantities, but its first-year debut status adds collectibility. Compared to the Chevelle SS 396 above, the Super Bee offered the same 335-hp rating but with a more distinctive stripe and Mopar pedigree, though the Chevelle had broader parts support.

8. AMC AMX

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 8

The AMX ranks eighth because it was the surprise of 1968, America's only two-seat muscle car and the first two-seater since the 1955 Thunderbird. AMC shortened the Javelin, gave it a snug cockpit for two, and offered a top 390-cubic-inch V8 making 315 horsepower, with Car Life running a quarter-mile in about 14.7 seconds at 95 mph. Only 6,725 were built for 1968, making it both rare and historically important.

This car is for the buyer who wanted a two-seat sports-muscle hybrid nobody else offered, accepting limited everyday practicality and a smaller dealer network. It trades away the Super Bee's budget-muscle formula for a unique layout and underdog AMC story, which has made it a cult collector favorite. Compared to the Super Bee above, the AMX was lighter and more nimble but less powerful on paper, and its two-seat design limited its appeal.

9. Oldsmobile 442

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 9

The 442 ranks ninth because it was Oldsmobile's gentleman's muscle car, pairing a strong 400-cubic-inch V8 making 350 horsepower in four-speed form with a more buttoned-down character than its rowdier cousins. Car Life tested a Holiday Hardtop at a list price near $3,127, and the 442 delivered real performance with Olds-grade comfort and build quality.

This car is for the buyer who wanted big-block muscle with a touch of class, accepting that automatic cars gave up power versus the four-speed. It trades away the loud swagger of the GTO or Charger, as its quieter image never matched their cultural impact. Compared to the AMC AMX above, the 442 was more practical and comfortable but less distinctive, and its Hurst/Olds sibling added prestige.

10. Buick GS 400

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 10

The GS 400 ranks tenth because it was Buick's quiet performer, using a 400-cubic-inch V8 rated at 340 horsepower tuned for fat midrange torque rather than peaky top-end drama. It pulled hard and felt effortless without the harshness of hotter engines, wrapped in Buick's upscale trim and build quality at a $3,127 MSRP. It never sold in Charger or Chevelle numbers, keeping it relatively uncommon, and its understated charm has earned a loyal, appreciating collector following.

This car is for the buyer who wanted smooth, torque-rich muscle in a near-luxury wrapper, accepting that its conservative image kept it off most teenage wish lists. It trades away the 442's Hurst/Olds halo and the AMX's two-seat novelty for Buick-grade refinement and lower production. Compared to the Oldsmobile 442 above, the GS 400 offered similar comfort but slightly less rated horsepower, and it was built in modest numbers, so good cars take patience to find.

How we ranked these

We ranked each 1968 contender using period road tests from Car Life, Motor Trend, and Car and Driver, weighting straight-line performance (30%), iconic status (20%), engine character (15%), value in period (15%), style (10%), and current collectibility (10%). Quarter-mile times, trap speeds, real output, and MSRP were verified against Hagerty, auction results, and model histories.

We deliberately ignored modern restomod appeal, aftermarket parts availability, and subjective nostalgia beyond the car's 1968-era reputation. We also excluded dealer markups, survivor-condition premiums, and non-factory modifications, because those distort the period-correct comparison. The goal was to judge each machine as a new car in 1968, not as an investment today.

What to look for

When choosing between these, what matters is the engine's real output and the car's weight, not just the badge. A 383 Road Runner at 3,000 pounds will outrun a heavier 440 GTX in many real-world situations. Also verify the rear axle ratio, transmission type, and whether the car has the original numbers-matching drivetrain, as these determine both performance and collector value.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the rarest option, like a Hemi or L78, without checking documentation. Many 'Hemi' cars are clones, and an undocumented premium option adds no real value. Instead, focus on a clean, honest car with verified history and a strong but common engine—like a 440 Charger or 383 Road Runner—which delivers more driving joy and better long-term appreciation.

FAQ

What was the best muscle car of 1968?

The Dodge Charger R/T earns Best Overall for combining a standard 375-hp 440, an optional 425-hp 426 Hemi, and one of the most iconic bodies ever built, all for a 1968 MSRP of $3,480.

What was the best value muscle car of 1968?

The Plymouth Road Runner. At a $2,870 base price with a 335-hp 383, it offered the best horsepower-per-dollar of the year and created the entire budget-muscle category.

Which 1968 muscle cars debuted that year?

The Plymouth Road Runner, the Dodge Super Bee, and the two-seat AMC AMX all debuted for 1968, alongside the mid-year Shelby GT500KR and Ford 428 Cobra Jet.

What was the most powerful engine available in 1968?

The 426 Street Hemi, rated at 425 horsepower, was the top option in Mopar cars like the Charger R/T, Road Runner, GTX, and Super Bee. Ford's 428 Cobra Jet was famously underrated at 335 hp but made close to 400.

Which 1968 muscle car is the best collector buy today?

It depends on budget. Documented 426 Hemi cars and the Shelby GT500KR sit at the six-figure top, while clean 383 Road Runners, base 442s, and GS 400s remain among the more attainable, steadily appreciating entries.

Was the AMC AMX really competitive with the Big Three?

Yes. Its 315-hp 390 V8 ran the quarter-mile around 14.7 seconds, genuine muscle numbers from a two-seat car the Big Three had no direct answer for.

How many 1968 Plymouth Road Runners were built?

Plymouth forecast 2,500 sales but built nearly 45,000 units, making it one of the most successful new model launches in muscle car history.

What made the 1968 Pontiac GTO Car of the Year?

Motor Trend awarded the GTO its Car of the Year honor for the innovative body-color Endura bumper, fresh styling on a shorter wheelbase, and strong 350-hp standard engine.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall"] S --> N0["1. Dodge Charger R/T"] N0 --> N1["2. Ford Shelby GT500KR"] N1 --> N2["3. Pontiac GTO"] N2 --> N3["4. Plymouth Road Runner"]

flowchart LR C["Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall"] C --> H0["9. Oldsmobile 442"] C --> H1["10. Buick GS 400"] C --> H2["How we ranked these"] C --> H3["What to look for"]

Related on PULSE

[More muscle cars 1968 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best muscle cars 1968 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Dodge Charger R/T

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 1](/assets/qa/ca0062-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall"]
  S --> N0["1. Dodge Charger R/T"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Ford Shelby GT500KR"]
  N1 --> N2["3. Pontiac GTO"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Plymouth Road Runner"]
```



The Charger R/T ranks first because it delivered the most complete muscle car package of 1968, combining a standard 440 Magnum V8 rated at 375 horsepower with one of the most iconic bodies ever designed. Its hidden headlamps, flying-buttress roof, and Coke-bottle styling made it the year's most cinematic shape, while the optional 426 Hemi at $605 dropped quarter-mile times into the high 13s.

This is the car for the buyer who wanted the total package without compromise, accepting that its drum brakes and soft suspension demanded respect at speed. Compared to the Shelby GT500KR ranked second, the Charger was cheaper by nearly $1,000 and offered a standard engine with more rated horsepower, though the Shelby's 428 Cobra Jet was famously underrated. The Charger's Hemi option made it the ultimate giant-killer, but most R/Ts were 440 cars, which remain strong collector pieces.

## 2. Ford Shelby GT500KR

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 2](/assets/qa/ca0062-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall"]
  C --> H0["9. Oldsmobile 442"]
  C --> H1["10. Buick GS 400"]
  C --> H2["How we ranked these"]
  C --> H3["What to look for"]
```



The GT500KR ranks second because it was the fastest Mustang Carroll Shelby would sell, powered by the new 428 Cobra Jet V8 officially rated at 335 horsepower but realistically making close to 400. Period testers ran the quarter-mile in about 13.9 seconds, placing it among the quickest factory cars of 1968. Its fiberglass nose, hood scoop, and twin stripes gave it unmistakable Shelby drama, and the KR badge has become one of the most coveted in the Mustang world.

This car is for the Ford loyalist who wanted the ultimate Mustang and could afford its $4,473 sticker price, the highest on this list. It trades away value for exclusivity, as excellent examples now trade well into six figures, reflecting rarity and legend. Compared to the Dodge Charger R/T above, the KR was front-heavy and more drag-strip than road course, but its underrated engine made it a genuine rival.

## 3. Pontiac GTO

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 3](/assets/qa/ca0062-b3.jpg)



The GTO ranks third because it defended its founding-father status with a fresh, curvier body and the industry's first body-color Endura bumper, earning Motor Trend's Car of the Year award. The standard 400-cubic-inch V8 made 350 horsepower, with Ram Air versions climbing to 360 hp, and a Ram Air four-speed test car ran the quarter in about 14.45 seconds at 98 mph.

This car is for the buyer who wanted the original muscle car with modern styling and a price under $3,000, making it attainable performance. It trades away top-end punch unless the Ram Air options were ticked, as base cars with automatic and mild gears were noticeably softer. Compared to the Shelby GT500KR above, the GTO was significantly cheaper and more practical, but it lacked the KR's brutal underrated power. Strong, well-documented GTOs remain solidly collectible today.

## 4. Plymouth Road Runner

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 4](/assets/qa/ca0062-b4.jpg)



The Road Runner ranks fourth overall but wins Best Value because it invented budget muscle with a 335-horsepower 383 V8 in a stripped Belvedere body for just $2,870. Plymouth forecast 2,500 sales and built nearly 45,000, single-handedly creating the category and outselling every projection. The car weighed roughly 3,000 pounds, offered a four-speed, and delivered serious midrange grunt, making it the best horsepower-per-dollar play of 1968.

This car is for the young buyer who wanted maximum horsepower per dollar and accepted a spartan, taxicab-grade interior with a rubber floor mat and bench seat. It trades away comfort and style, looking plain next to a GTX or GTO, but its performance was undeniable. Compared to the Pontiac GTO above, the Road Runner was cheaper by over $100 and lighter, though it lacked the GTO's refinement and Car of the Year styling.

## 5. Plymouth GTX

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 5](/assets/qa/ca0062-b5.jpg)



The GTX ranks fifth because it offered Road Runner muscle dressed in a suit, making the 440 Super Commando standard at 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Marketed as the "gentleman's muscle car," it added bucket seats, brightwork, and a more finished cabin while still running hard on the same B-body bones. The 426 Hemi was optional, providing the same giant-killer potential as its budget sibling.

This car is for the buyer who wanted upscale muscle without sacrificing performance, accepting a cost meaningfully higher than the Road Runner for similar speed. It trades away the cult identity of its budget sibling, lacking the Road Runner's underdog story and massive sales numbers. Compared to the Road Runner ranked fourth, the GTX was far nicer inside and more comfortable, but it never matched the value proposition.

## 6. Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 6](/assets/qa/ca0062-b6.jpg)



The Chevelle SS 396 ranks sixth because it was Chevrolet's mainstream muscle answer, riding a sharp new shorter-wheelbase body that is arguably the best-looking midsize Chevy of the decade. The 396 big-block came standard at 325 horsepower, with 350-hp L34 and 375-hp L78 upgrades available, and the L78 cars ran the quarter in the low-to-mid 14s. The base SS 396 delivered easygoing big-block torque at a friendly price of $2,875.

This car is for the Bowtie buyer who wanted a clean, do-anything big-block with huge parts and restoration support, making ownership easy. It trades away the top-end excitement of the GTX's 440, as the base 325-hp tune was mild next to the GTO and Mopar cars. Compared to the Plymouth GTX above, the Chevelle was cheaper by over $450 and offered a more versatile engine lineup, but it lacked the GTX's standard 375-hp punch.

## 7. Dodge Super Bee

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 7](/assets/qa/ca0062-b7.jpg)



The Super Bee ranks seventh because it was Dodge's take on the budget-muscle formula, launched mid-1968 at the Detroit Auto Show as a Coronet-based, stripped-down hauler aimed squarely at the Road Runner. The standard 383 V8 made 335 horsepower, with the 426 Hemi on the option list for the brave, and the bumblebee tail stripe gave it instant personality. At a 1968 MSRP of $3,027, it delivered honest midsize muscle for not much money.

This car is for the Dodge buyer who wanted Road Runner value with bee-stripe attitude, accepting a Coronet trim as basic as the formula demanded. It trades away the Road Runner's massive sales numbers, built in smaller quantities, but its first-year debut status adds collectibility. Compared to the Chevelle SS 396 above, the Super Bee offered the same 335-hp rating but with a more distinctive stripe and Mopar pedigree, though the Chevelle had broader parts support.

## 8. AMC AMX

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 8](/assets/qa/ca0062-b8.jpg)



The AMX ranks eighth because it was the surprise of 1968, America's only two-seat muscle car and the first two-seater since the 1955 Thunderbird. AMC shortened the Javelin, gave it a snug cockpit for two, and offered a top 390-cubic-inch V8 making 315 horsepower, with Car Life running a quarter-mile in about 14.7 seconds at 95 mph. Only 6,725 were built for 1968, making it both rare and historically important.

This car is for the buyer who wanted a two-seat sports-muscle hybrid nobody else offered, accepting limited everyday practicality and a smaller dealer network. It trades away the Super Bee's budget-muscle formula for a unique layout and underdog AMC story, which has made it a cult collector favorite. Compared to the Super Bee above, the AMX was lighter and more nimble but less powerful on paper, and its two-seat design limited its appeal.

## 9. Oldsmobile 442

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 9](/assets/qa/ca0062-b9.jpg)



The 442 ranks ninth because it was Oldsmobile's gentleman's muscle car, pairing a strong 400-cubic-inch V8 making 350 horsepower in four-speed form with a more buttoned-down character than its rowdier cousins. Car Life tested a Holiday Hardtop at a list price near $3,127, and the 442 delivered real performance with Olds-grade comfort and build quality.

This car is for the buyer who wanted big-block muscle with a touch of class, accepting that automatic cars gave up power versus the four-speed. It trades away the loud swagger of the GTO or Charger, as its quieter image never matched their cultural impact. Compared to the AMC AMX above, the 442 was more practical and comfortable but less distinctive, and its Hurst/Olds sibling added prestige.

## 10. Buick GS 400

![Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value — figure 10](/assets/qa/ca0062-b10.jpg)



The GS 400 ranks tenth because it was Buick's quiet performer, using a 400-cubic-inch V8 rated at 340 horsepower tuned for fat midrange torque rather than peaky top-end drama. It pulled hard and felt effortless without the harshness of hotter engines, wrapped in Buick's upscale trim and build quality at a $3,127 MSRP. It never sold in Charger or Chevelle numbers, keeping it relatively uncommon, and its understated charm has earned a loyal, appreciating collector following.

This car is for the buyer who wanted smooth, torque-rich muscle in a near-luxury wrapper, accepting that its conservative image kept it off most teenage wish lists. It trades away the 442's Hurst/Olds halo and the AMX's two-seat novelty for Buick-grade refinement and lower production. Compared to the Oldsmobile 442 above, the GS 400 offered similar comfort but slightly less rated horsepower, and it was built in modest numbers, so good cars take patience to find.

## How we ranked these

We ranked each 1968 contender using period road tests from Car Life, Motor Trend, and Car and Driver, weighting straight-line performance (30%), iconic status (20%), engine character (15%), value in period (15%), style (10%), and current collectibility (10%). Quarter-mile times, trap speeds, real output, and MSRP were verified against Hagerty, auction results, and model histories.

We deliberately ignored modern restomod appeal, aftermarket parts availability, and subjective nostalgia beyond the car's 1968-era reputation. We also excluded dealer markups, survivor-condition premiums, and non-factory modifications, because those distort the period-correct comparison. The goal was to judge each machine as a new car in 1968, not as an investment today.

## What to look for

When choosing between these, what matters is the engine's real output and the car's weight, not just the badge. A 383 Road Runner at 3,000 pounds will outrun a heavier 440 GTX in many real-world situations. Also verify the rear axle ratio, transmission type, and whether the car has the original numbers-matching drivetrain, as these determine both performance and collector value.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the rarest option, like a Hemi or L78, without checking documentation. Many 'Hemi' cars are clones, and an undocumented premium option adds no real value. Instead, focus on a clean, honest car with verified history and a strong but common engine—like a 440 Charger or 383 Road Runner—which delivers more driving joy and better long-term appreciation.

## Related questions

### What made the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T the best overall muscle car?

The Charger R/T combined a standard 375-hp 440 Magnum with an optional 425-hp 426 Hemi, delivering quarter-mile times in the 14-second range. Its restyled Coke-bottle body, hidden headlamps, and flying-buttress rear made it the most iconic shape of 1968. At a $3,480 MSRP, it balanced performance, style, and legacy better than any rival.

### Why was the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner such a great value?

The Road Runner offered a 335-hp 383 V8 in a lightweight 3,000-pound body for just $2,870, giving the best horsepower-per-dollar of the year. Plymouth expected 2,500 sales but built nearly 45,000, proving the demand for affordable muscle. It created the budget-muscle category and remains a smart collector buy today.

### How did the 1968 Shelby GT500KR compare to the Charger R/T?

The GT500KR used the 428 Cobra Jet, officially rated at 335 hp but realistically near 400 hp, and ran the quarter-mile in about 13.9 seconds—quicker than a standard Charger R/T. However, its $4,473 price was the highest on the list, making it less accessible. It was a genuine rival but cost over $900 more.

### What was unique about the 1968 AMC AMX?

The AMX was America's only two-seat muscle car, built on a shortened Javelin platform. Its 315-hp 390 V8 ran the quarter-mile in about 14.7 seconds, and only 6,725 were produced. It proved AMC could compete with the Big Three, and its rarity makes it a cult favorite today.

### Which 1968 muscle car had the most powerful standard engine?

The Dodge Charger R/T and Plymouth GTX both came standard with the 440 Magnum, rated at 375 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The 426 Hemi, optional in several Mopars, made 425 hp. Ford's 428 Cobra Jet was underrated at 335 hp but actually made close to 400 hp.

### How did the 1968 Pontiac GTO earn Motor Trend's Car of the Year?

The GTO featured a new shorter-wheelbase body with the industry's first body-color Endura bumper, giving it a modern, integrated look. Its standard 400 V8 made 350 hp, with Ram Air versions at 360 hp. Motor Trend praised its styling, performance, and value at under $3,000.

### What should I check when buying a 1968 muscle car today?

Verify the numbers-matching drivetrain by checking engine, transmission, and axle codes against factory records. Inspect for rust in floor pans, trunk floors, frame rails, and rear quarters, as hidden corrosion is costly. Look for documentation like window stickers and build sheets, and be wary of clones, especially 'Hemi' or 'L78' cars.

## FAQ

**What was the best muscle car of 1968?**

The Dodge Charger R/T earns Best Overall for combining a standard 375-hp 440, an optional 425-hp 426 Hemi, and one of the most iconic bodies ever built, all for a 1968 MSRP of $3,480.

**What was the best value muscle car of 1968?**

The Plymouth Road Runner. At a $2,870 base price with a 335-hp 383, it offered the best horsepower-per-dollar of the year and created the entire budget-muscle category.

**Which 1968 muscle cars debuted that year?**

The Plymouth Road Runner, the Dodge Super Bee, and the two-seat AMC AMX all debuted for 1968, alongside the mid-year Shelby GT500KR and Ford 428 Cobra Jet.

**What was the most powerful engine available in 1968?**

The 426 Street Hemi, rated at 425 horsepower, was the top option in Mopar cars like the Charger R/T, Road Runner, GTX, and Super Bee. Ford's 428 Cobra Jet was famously underrated at 335 hp but made close to 400.

**Which 1968 muscle car is the best collector buy today?**

It depends on budget. Documented 426 Hemi cars and the Shelby GT500KR sit at the six-figure top, while clean 383 Road Runners, base 442s, and GS 400s remain among the more attainable, steadily appreciating entries.

**Was the AMC AMX really competitive with the Big Three?**

Yes. Its 315-hp 390 V8 ran the quarter-mile around 14.7 seconds, genuine muscle numbers from a two-seat car the Big Three had no direct answer for.

**How many 1968 Plymouth Road Runners were built?**

Plymouth forecast 2,500 sales but built nearly 45,000 units, making it one of the most successful new model launches in muscle car history.

**What made the 1968 Pontiac GTO Car of the Year?**

Motor Trend awarded the GTO its Car of the Year honor for the innovative body-color Endura bumper, fresh styling on a shorter wheelbase, and strong 350-hp standard engine.

## Sources

- https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/dodge/charger/1968/1968-dodge-charger-r!t
- https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/plymouth/road_runner/1968/1968-plymouth-road_runner
- https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/budget-muscle-the-plymouth-road-runner-started-a-trend/
- https://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1968-dodge-charger-r-t-hemi.htm
- https://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1968-pontiac-gto.htm
- https://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1968-amc-amx.htm

## Related on PULSE

- [More muscle cars 1968 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Was this helpful?

⌬ Apply this in PULSE

Pulse CheckScore reps on the metrics that matter

Kory White

Top 10 Muscle Cars 1968 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Dodge Charger R/T

2. Ford Shelby GT500KR

3. Pontiac GTO

4. Plymouth Road Runner

5. Plymouth GTX

6. Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

7. Dodge Super Bee

8. AMC AMX

9. Oldsmobile 442

10. Buick GS 400

How we ranked these

What to look for

Related questions

What made the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T the best overall muscle car?

Why was the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner such a great value?

How did the 1968 Shelby GT500KR compare to the Charger R/T?

What was unique about the 1968 AMC AMX?

Which 1968 muscle car had the most powerful standard engine?

How did the 1968 Pontiac GTO earn Motor Trend's Car of the Year?

What should I check when buying a 1968 muscle car today?

FAQ

Sources

Related on PULSE

Two scores — Gate vs IQ