Hard to start when cold

So I have a 1968 dodge charger this car has a new 4bbl intake and the edlebrock factory design carb that is like the old Carter system. I have virtually all new components to this engine like new plugs,plug wires,coil,battery,distributor. The timing is retarded right now I am not entierly clear what the timing degree is however its set right now and it runs really well. I am curious because I do run normal premium unleaded and the heads do not have harden valve seats could this be the fuel evaporating from the carb over night? I do not have a choke set on it its electric however my father who is helping me work on this says that it still should be fine to run without a choke for the time being right now. Any feedback or tips would be appreciated thank you.
No choke doesn't help.. for my cars with no choke usually 2 pumps then crank and they fired right up.. BUT.. retarded timing makes a car a lot harder to start depending on how retarded. I would move it up just bit for testing and i would bet it fires up instantly...

Gas won't evaporate overnight btw... if you want to know for sure take off the air cleaner and pump the carb.. does it squirt? then it has gas in the carb..