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Compact performance

1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23

Compact performance powered by Chrysler 426 Street Hemi V8.

Build pathway Factory Super Stock drag package developed by Chrysler and converted by Hurst
Production 80 LO23 Hemi Darts built in 1968, per Dodge and corroborating references
Engine identity Race-spec 426 Hemi with cross-ram dual four-barrel induction
Public boundary LO23 claims need VIN/package, Hurst-conversion traits, drivetrain agreement, and car-specific history
Not the same as 1968 Dart GSS 440 Mr. Norms, 1969 M-code Dart GTS 440, or a later Hemi-swapped Dart

Story

1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23

The 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 page treats the car as a factory Super Stock drag package, not as a street GTS option, not as a Mr. Norm's GSS 440, and not as a generic Hemi-swapped Dart. The public boundary is simple: an LO23 claim needs the Super Stock VIN/package identity, Hurst-conversion traits, drivetrain agreement, and car-specific history before an individual car should be called real.

Dodge's own heritage article records the core identity: 80 LO23 Super Stock Hemi Darts built in 1968, sold as-is without warranty, with the LO23 code identifying a Dodge Dart Super Stock two-door hardtop. The same source documents the Hamtramck build path, NHRA approval context, fiberglass and lightweight body work, A100 van seats, deleted comfort equipment, front disc brakes, Super Stock leaf springs, the 426 race Hemi, and the manual/automatic drivetrain split.

Mechanically, this page links the LO23 to the existing Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 entity and records both factory transmission paths: A833 four-speed cars with Dana 60 and 4.88 gears, and 727 TorqueFlite cars with an 8.75-inch rear and 4.86 gears. Paint, interior, trim, suspension, brakes, and authenticity markers are recorded as as-delivered checkpoints, with restored, raced, and tribute-car photos treated as context unless the individual car's paperwork proves otherwise.

Price history

Values

Nominal dollars from original price sheets, auction archives, and approved value references.

Original Price

  • Base MSRP $5,146

    1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 MSRP context (1968)

    Dodge reports MSRP of $5,146 plus destination charges for either TorqueFlite or four-speed cars, while also recording dealer-ad and invoice examples below that figure.
  • Other price $4,295

    Creveling Dodge advertised 1968 LO23 retail example (1968)

    Dodge cites a published Creveling Dodge ad at $4,295; treat as a period retail example, not universal MSRP.

Market Observations

  • Auction sale $302,500

    Jan 15, 2022 · Mecum Kissimmee 2022

    Low-mile automatic LO23 L023M8B297862 described as largely original and never raced, with Chrysler Registry report and disclosed period changes. · survivor · unknown Mecum records a $302,500 sale for VIN L023M8B297862. The archive describes 3,799 miles, never-raced history, a Chrysler Registry report, and largely original condition while explicitly disclosing Lemon Twist paint, a Dana rear installation, one replaced door, Hurst Line-Loc, auxiliary gauges, and other period-style changes. Survivor does not mean untouched in this record.
  • Auction sale $159,500

    Jan 13, 2018 · Mecum Kissimmee 2018

    Bob Lambeck-raced four-speed LO23 L023M8B297885 returned to period exterior appearance with known ownership history. · restored · unknown Mecum records a $159,500 sale for VIN L023M8B297885. The archive identifies its Bob Lambeck race history, 426 Hemi, four-speed, lightweight body panels, known ownership history from new, and a painstaking return to period exterior appearance with circa-1968 engine details and race-bred suspension changes.
  • High bid $200,000

    May 21, 2016 · Mecum Indy 2016

    Restored four-speed LO23 L023M8B297882 campaigned by Herb McCandless, with original Chrysler MSO and dealer bill of sale. · restored · unknown The $200,000 amount is Mecum's Bid Goes On high bid, not a completed sale. The archive identifies VIN L023M8B297882, its Herb McCandless race history, original MSO and bill of sale, 2005 restoration to circa-1968-69 race configuration, 426 Hemi, four-speed, Dana 60, and later NHRA competition through 2005.

Values move with paperwork, originality, options, condition, venue, and body style. High bids and guide values are labeled separately from completed sales.

Reference records

Options, Colors & Components

Source-backed details for trim, chassis, production, and authenticity.

Transmission

  • Factory transmission A833 four-speed manual Super Stock path with synchronizers removed, Hurst shifter, Dana 60 and 4.88 gears
  • Factory transmission 727 TorqueFlite automatic Super Stock path with Hurst shifter, 8.75-inch rear and 4.86 gears

Options

Identity source card for LO23 code meaning, 80-car production, and race-use boundary.Classic Muscle · Reference illustration

Authenticity

Engine source card for the race-spec 426 Hemi, cross-ram dual-four induction, oiling, pulleys, and ignition context.Classic Muscle · Reference illustration
1968 B2 Hemi Dart-themed custom photographed at the 2017 Motorama show; modern wheels, brakes, side exhaust, and engine presentation make it restoration/custom context only, not a stock LO23 reference or authenticity proof.Joe deSousa via Wikimedia Commons · CC0
  • VIN/package identity LO23 Super Stock identity, with L as Dodge Dart, O as Super Stock model, and 23 as two-door hardtop · VIN tag, title history, registry entry, factory/dealer paperwork, and period race records · fraud detection
  • As-is / no-warranty race boundary Sold as-is and intended for drag racing or supervised acceleration trials, not a normal street GTS warranty car · Factory disclaimer paperwork, dealer records, owner documentation, and period package references · fraud detection
  • Hurst conversion traits Fiberglass hood/fenders, thin Chemcor side glass, lightened doors, omitted comfort equipment, A100 seats, Hurst shifter, and package-specific body clearancing · Body inspection, restoration documentation, period photographs, and expert registry inspection · trim correctness
  • Drivetrain agreement 426 race Hemi, correct transmission path, axle family, gear ratio, brakes, battery placement, cooling, ignition, and race hardware should agree with the car's documented path · Engine records, transmission stamping/inspection, axle tag/build records, restoration file, race history, and registry evidence · numbers matching
  • Photo and video boundary Show, auction, and YouTube media are visual context unless tied to verified paperwork for the individual car shown · Image captions, video descriptions, owner documentation, registry notes, and decoded paperwork · fraud detection

Codes & names

Names & Engine Codes

Common names and codes are grouped so LS6 references point to the same engine, not separate pages.

Chassis source card for fiberglass panels, thin glass, front disc brakes, Super Stock springs, and body lightening.Classic Muscle · Reference illustration
426 Hemi Chrysler 426 Street Hemi V8
Chrysler 426 Hemi Chrysler 426 Street Hemi V8
426 CID Hemi V-8 Chrysler 426 Street Hemi V8
426 2X4 Hemi Chrysler 426 Street Hemi V8
8-cyl 426 ci 2X4-bbl, 425 hp Chrysler 426 Street Hemi V8

Photo and video gallery

Gallery

4 photos and videos

Sources & Documentation

Reader contributions

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