Take a trip down memory lane before the era of minivans, as we delve into the world of the 1968 Dodge Monaco Wagon. From 1965 to 1976, the Monaco held its position as the flagship model among Dodge’s full-size automobiles. The 1968 models retained much of the restyled design from the previous year, with the notable addition of small round side marker lights. Now seeking its fourth owner, this well-preserved ’68 Monaco wagon hails from Sidney, Nebraska, and is currently up for grabs on craigslist. Priced at $19,500 OBO, this Mopar gem captures a bygone era when station wagons reigned supreme. Special thanks to Gunter Kramer for sharing this remarkable find!
Introduced as the successor to the Custom 880, the Dodge Monaco took its name from the prestigious Principality of Monaco. Initially built on the full-size C-body platform, it later transitioned into a mid-size B-body nameplate in 1977. Similar to its counterparts from Ford and Chevrolet, the Monaco offered a variety of body styles, including wagons. In 1968, Dodge produced approximately 16,900 large wagons, split between the Polara and the more upscale Monaco models. Notably, many Monacos featured imitation body side paneling, which can be inferred from the remaining chrome trim on this particular Monaco.
According to the vehicle’s history, the Dodge Monaco was originally purchased in Washington State by its first owner. Subsequently, it made its way to South Dakota with the second owner before finally finding its current home in Nebraska with the seller, who is now the third owner. This cherished wagon has spent its entire life in a garage, showcasing its overall solid condition. However, there are some signs of rust starting to emerge in the rear rocker panels. While the car underwent a repaint in a Ford blue shade at some point, it originally sported a factory Medium Turquoise Metallic color, as indicated by the cowl tag.
Powering this classic wagon is Chrysler’s reliable 383 cubic inch V8 engine, mated to a 727 automatic transmission. While it’s uncertain if either of these components is original, the car runs smoothly and performs admirably. Although the odometer reading of 30,000 miles is not confirmed as original, a total of 130,000 miles appears to be a more realistic estimate. The interior showcases a unique combination of green and turquoise, with the front bench seat tastefully reupholstered to match. The wheels have been replaced and seem slightly wider than the stock counterparts, while the wagon rides on new tires. With several effortless 200-mile trips under its belt, this eye-catching Monaco wagon is sure to attract attention at events like Cars & Coffee, where muscle machines typically steal the spotlight.
