This year on August 15th and 16th, Moparfest proudly marks its 45th anniversary—a remarkable milestone for a show with such a long and storied history. The organizers are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s event one of the most memorable yet.
There’s no question that unpredictable weather and the challenges of the pandemic have made things tougher in recent years—especially when it comes to finding enough volunteers to help run an event that regularly draws around 1,500 vehicles. Pulling off Moparfest at that scale takes an incredible amount of dedication and behind‑the‑scenes effort.
One of the long‑standing traditions that set Moparfest apart was its famous giveaway car. Yes—an actual car you could win simply by attending the show. There were no tickets to buy; all you had to do was pre-register your show vehicle, and you were automatically entered. The draw took place on Sunday, and as long as you were on the grounds with your registered car, your name could be called. The only requirement was that the vehicle had to be at least 25 years old.
Here’s how the famous Moparfest giveaway worked: once your name was called, you made your way to the stage to join nine other hopeful participants. Each person drew a key from a bucket, then headed down to the giveaway car parked beside the stage. One by one, everyone tried their luck. The person whose key actually started the engine took home the car. Now that’s what you call the ultimate door prize.
From 1992 through 2017, Moparfest awarded an impressive 25 giveaway cars, with the final one—a 1973 Dodge Dart—marking the end of that era.
As every car enthusiast knows, vehicle prices have skyrocketed in recent years, and the Moparfest committee found it increasingly difficult to secure a suitable giveaway car without blowing the budget. Quality cars were harder to come by, and the asking prices often made the idea impractical. In response, the team shifted to a cash-prize format, offering a $10,000 giveaway split into $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third.
This year marks an exciting change as the giveaway car makes its comeback! The Moparfest committee has decided to lift the age restriction, allowing any year of pre-registered show vehicle to win, but it must be registered by July 10, 2026, to be eligible for the draw for the 45th anniversary car. We’re thrilled to give you the exclusive first look at this year’s featured vehicle: a classic 1968 Dodge Dart GT convertible, a delightful piece of Mopar history.
This 1968 Dodge Dart GT was built on March 31, 1968, at the Hamtramck plant in Detroit, Michigan. This Dart originally rolled off the line in light blue metallic. Under the hood sat Chrysler’s dependable 225‑cubic‑inch Slant Six, paired with a 3‑speed automatic transmission and 2.71 rear gears.
The GT served as the top trim level, and convertible models were equipped with a power-operated top. For 1968, the parking and turn signal lamps in the grille were repositioned slightly inward and redesigned with a round shape. To meet new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, side marker lights were added to the front fenders and rear quarter panels.
Production numbers for the Dart GT convertible remain on the scarce side, and reliable sources don’t always agree on exact totals. What is documented, however, is that Dodge built roughly 10,900 six‑cylinder GT models across both hardtop and convertible body styles, while V8‑equipped GTs totaled 26,705. Within that group, only 2,226 GTs were produced with the 318 V8—an impressively small number that highlights just how uncommon these cars truly are.
This Dart GT was originally sold in Canada and spent most of its life in Northern Ontario. Unfortunately, no documentation from its early owners has survived. Eventually, the car made its way to a gentleman in Toronto, who later sold it to a buyer in Cottam, Ontario. Although he appreciated the Dart, it wasn’t the Mopar he truly wanted—his heart was set on an E‑body, specifically Denis Tomlin’s 1974 Plymouth Barracuda. When the opportunity finally presented itself, a deal was struck, and the two cars were traded in July 2024.
During the Dart’s restoration, the owner set out to preserve its original character while introducing a few well‑chosen upgrades. The factory Slant‑6 was removed, and in its place went the correct V8‑style K‑member. A 1988 318‑cubic‑inch V8 was then installed, paired with a swap from the original 3‑speed automatic to a 4‑speed manual. The result is a car that not only feels more spirited but also delivers a noticeable improvement in overall performance and drivability.
The 318 has been extensively rebuilt and upgraded in 2017 for both strength and performance. When refreshed, it was bored .030 over, giving the small‑block a bit more displacement and breathing room. At its foundation sits a Mopar Performance LA318 forged steel crankshaft, ensuring durability and balance under high load. The 318 has Keith Black hypereutectic pistons paired with aluminum Scat I-beam rods, a combination that enhances efficiency and resilience at higher RPMs.
A Cloyes timing set keeps everything synchronized, while Comp Cams solid roller lifters and Crane Cam rollers deliver precise valve action and crisp throttle response. Up top, Edelbrock aluminum heads and M/T black aftermarket valve covers not only boost performance but also lend a clean, purposeful look to the engine bay.
The 318 breathes through a 750‑cfm Proform double‑pumper carburetor, delivering a steady rush of air and fuel into an Edelbrock RPM dual‑plane Air‑Gap intake that sharpens throttle response and builds crisp, immediate power. Cooling duties are handled by a replacement radiator paired with a new heater core, ensuring reliability under spirited driving.
Exhaling through Hooker headers that feed into a 2½‑inch exhaust system with an X‑pipe and Magnaflow performance mufflers, the small‑block releases its voice with authority. The result is a rich, throaty soundtrack—a deep mechanical symphony that resonates through the tailpipes, equal parts muscle and refinement. Each pulse of exhaust note underscores the car’s balanced character, blending raw power with polished precision.
The interior remains remarkably original, with factory door panels and front and rear seat covers still in place. Only the carpet has been replaced, a small change that underscores just how carefully this car has been preserved over the years. The convertible top has been updated with an OEM‑style replacement, and it looks fantastic, especially contrasted against the vibrant red paint.
A tachometer rests on the steering column with 4 gauges under the dashboard with vital information. The Dart has an AM/FM CD radio for tunes.
As mentioned earlier, the car now runs a 4‑speed manual transmission, a choice that makes the driving experience far more engaging. Power feeds into an 8¼‑inch rear axle fitted with a Sure Grip differential and 3.91 gears, a setup that delivers quick launches and confident traction when you lean into the throttle.
Completing the package, the car rides on classic Magnum 500s. wheels wrapped in B.F. Goodrich 245/60R14 tires, giving it both the stance and the road feel worthy of a well‑sorted Mopar.
During the restoration, the car was refinished in a Mopar color that truly elevates its personality, which is Viper Red. It’s a bold, high‑energy shade originally associated with some of Chrysler’s most iconic performance machines, and it absolutely transforms the car.
The deep, vibrant red pops dramatically against the black roof, while the chrome trim pieces add just the right amount of sparkle to frame the body lines. The combination gives the car a modern edge without losing its classic soul, making it stand out instantly whether it’s cruising down the road or sitting still at a show.
If you’re thinking about adding another Mopar to your stable, make sure you pre-register your show vehicle by July 10, 2026—it’s your chance to take home a stunning 1968 Dart GT convertible. Just visit moparfest.com or call 1‑519‑342‑1284 to register your vehicle.
Picture it now: a warm summer day, the top down, the wind sweeping through your hair, the exhaust rumbling with that unmistakable Mopar attitude. It’s the kind of drive that feels like pure paradise.
