14-year-old paid $450 for 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 45 years later it’s a true love story
- Chris Lehuede purchased a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 when he was just 14
- 45 years have passed, and the car is still with him
- He took his wife Pauline on their first date in this car
Published on Sep 05, 2024 at 4:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Daksh Chaudhary
Last updated on Sep 05, 2024 at 8:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
There’s no specific age to be a car lover, and Chris Lehuede’s purchase of a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 when he was just 14 is a perfect example of that.
Today, 45 years later, this car is still with Chris and has become a part of his life.
The story takes us back to 1978 when Chris first spotted this classic gem.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say he fell head over heels for the car.
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Buying the classic 1968 Dodge Charger
The moment he looked at it, he knew he wanted it.
This true love story between Chris and his beloved 1968 Dodge Charger was even covered on YouTube by Lou Costabile.
Chris was just a kid and riding his bike, when he saw the classic car.
Curious, he approached the owner and inquired if the car was for sale.
Seeing the young kid’s eyes light up with excitement, the owner agreed to sell the car for just $450; however, it wasn’t running.
HIs father also agreed to pay the price, and this deal marked the beginning of Chris’ heartfelt journey with his car that he still drives with pride.
The car was then brought to its new home, and an extensive restoration project that lasted two years took place.
By 1980, the car was back in incredible shape, ready to zoom on the roads once again.
The car becomes a part of the family
The excitement of driving his 1968 Dodge Charger was so high that Chris quickly amassed a collection of speeding tickets.
However, a few fines were nothing compared to the happiness that Chris felt driving his childhood car.
Eventually, he had to drive a Chevrolet Nova temporarily, but he never lost his love for the Charger.
The story took even a more beautiful turn when this car became a connection between him and his wife Pauline – he took her on their first date in this car.
People like Chris and Allen Swift, who drove his car for 82 years, show that cars are more than just transportation – they’re parts of our lives.
