What separates a good project candidate from a great one? That’s a loaded question because the answer varies depending on who you ask. However, when a vehicle retains its numbers-matching drivetrain and is a rock-solid classic with its original tags intact, it must be worth a close look. Such is the case with this 1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340. The new owner can enjoy this beauty immediately while they ponder whether to treat it to a cosmetic refresh. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a car that will tick the boxes for more than our Mopar-loving readers.
I sometimes look at classics where changes were made and puzzle over what motivated the person to undertake the modifications. That is undoubtedly the case with this Challenger. I don’t find the current Red and Black paint combination unattractive, especially with the Gold stripes for contrast. However, I feel that the already stylish E-Body Challenger would have been stunning in its original Dark Silver Metallic. It is unclear when the change occurred, but my instinct tells me the new owner will probably return the car to its original form. The process will be straightforward and won’t entail rust repairs. The exterior is clean, and the underside shots confirm this classic is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. The seller claims every inch of steel is original, and I can’t spot evidence of repairs that would contradict that belief. I would take the opportunity to ditch the existing wheels if I were the new owner. I know my view is subjective, but they don’t do the car any favors. The trim looks impressive for its age, and the glass is crystal clear.
The seller describes this Challenger’s interior as excellent, but I prefer to view it as above-average for a vehicle of this vintage. The photos reveal a developing split in the back seat, and the seatcovers are mismatched between it and the buckets. The remaining trim is in good order, the woodgrain is spotless, and the pad is uncracked. The interior also houses some desirable factory options, including air conditioning, a Rallye gauge cluster with the factory tachometer, a console, and the ultra-cool pistol grip shifter.
If the original, rust-free steel and the tidy interior haven’t grabbed your attention, this Challenger’s drivetrain might be the ace up its sleeve. It features a 340ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a Sure Grip rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The 340 would have produced 240hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque, making the Challenger a competent performer in an era when many cars were anything but. So far, then, so good. However, the seller confirms this Dodge is a numbers-matching classic, increasing its desirability to many. The news keeps improving because the car has only clocked 10,000 miles since the engine received a professional rebuild. The seller didn’t deviate from the factory specifications, meaning it should produce the figures I quoted. The icing on this rather tasty cake is that this Challenger runs and drives perfectly. Therefore, flying in and driving home is an idea many might entertain.
The seller listed this 1973 Challenger Rallye 340 here on Craigslist in Chicago, Illinois. The price of $33,000 means it isn’t a cheap option, and the figure might be optimistic in the current market. However, I have learned never to say “never,” and I won’t be surprised if someone hands over the cash to take it home. That makes it hypothetical time. Would you preserve or restore this Challenger if it found its way into your workshop? I would find reinstating the factory paint shade irresistible, but your opinion might differ. So, it’s over to you for some feedback and ideas.
Finally, a Challenger that’s not some monster big block. Fact is, this is far more representative of what Joe pump jockey/ punch press operator would have bought. I know I kvetch about the stick, but this car was made for this setup, and would provide all the thrills needed. I bet a blast to drive.
I read, a base’73 Challenger cost $3,010 new, the Rallye added $182 bucks. Big blocks and options probably pushed these closer to $4grand. Doesn’t sound like much, but poor Joe only made, on average, $13,000/year and a home was $32,000, so not for the family man. Still, almost 33,000 Challengers were sold in ’73, and I bet 95% were just like this. Looks like cop wheels, and I still marvel, it will cost someone 10 TIMES what it cost us. Man, I just don’t know about that.
No big block Challengers after 71.
Most likely, back in the day, you would see these with full wheel covers & whitewalls – even on many earlier hi po models & on many pony cars from the big 4 – yes even on ’69 camaros.
Yes, my 1972 Challenger Rallye 340 came with hubcaps and white sidewall tires.
A 318 3sp was the sweet spot for price. The 318 was base engine and 3sp standard. Of course the 340 4sp was nicer, but way more cost and increased insurance as well. I drove a 3sp 318 72 Duster, not a performance car, but I won my fair share of street light duels. A damned nice car. I special ordered it. Light blue, white buckets,AM/FM radio, and air. Everyone liked that car. Never had an urge for anything more. The fact that I went above a 198/225, to me was hedonistic, but the sin was so worth it!
A set of proper Mopar Rallye wheels would do wonders for this Chally
Yeah, the wheels on this don’t look right for the car. Due to the custom paint though, I was thinking Cragars or Keystones.
Keystones ftw
I’d go 15×7 slot mags, return it to stock height, then leave it alone. It’s dated looking, but represents what was being done with cars at that point in time. The price may be a bit high, especially if you want to restore it, but leaving it alone changes that dynamic considerably. I hope it finds a good home.
Steve R
Keystone mags, six inch in front, 10 inch Mickey Thompson’s in back with yellow traction bars and Gabriel air shocks in back, jacked up to clear the fender well, raised in front with raising blocks in front to level it out. Headers with purple horny mufflers underneath. Yes I had one 72 with these options.
You can buy a set of 4, 15 inchers in the full chrome 1968 variety without trim rings for half a grand. A good bargain if you ask me. They look great on everything, even some of the later 70s cars. Maybe he had these laying around. Prob. came with wheel covers, I would have left them and the standard wheels in place, then the buyer could decide what is best for them.
@HoA Agree…. In june 71 home from Army, i bought a 5k dealer demo 70 Barracuda Gran Coupe…. red/ white vinyl top… 318 column auto, A/C houndstooth buckets, NO console.. and the Rallye wheels shown in the brochure…. with 3 ring whitewalls. It was VERY sharp.
The Challenger has the 340 with a pistol grip shifter which effectively prevents the girlfriend sitting close….. at least it has A/C
It is ideal for your girlfriend sitting close!
I think the custom paint job is horrible. The cop wheels look okay, but a set of 68 ralleys would make her shine. Did the 72 340 use regular unleaded unlike the 70-71?
I believe so. 1972 and later cars had lower compression and hardened valve seats.
Interesting paint and fabric treatment. Would benefit from someone keystone klassics.
The ask, plus what I’d change, makes this impractical for me. I’d rather have original colors and fabrics. A paint job is out of the question given the buy-in, $ so gettin’ used to its current shade would be mandatory for me. I like the options. As is, it looks to be a great driver, minus 8k or 10k.
Nice car with an E body trunk bottom to die for…..having had a few……
Any musicians out there? Those gold lines on the sides look like the perfect place to lay out a jaunty tune.
The 72-73 340’s equipped with a 4speed still had the forged crank unlike the automatic that came with a cast crank,