Dodge rolled out the Aspen in 1976 as their replacement for the venerable Dart. That coincided with Plymouth’s badged-engineered Volare subbing for the compact Valiant. The cars were conceptually similar to their predecessors but soon collected a long list of recalls that can be largely traced to quality control (a trademark of 1970s U.S. automobile production). This first-year Aspen appears to be an R/T, which saw low sales in ’76 and ’77. It now sports Road Runner running gear and decals, making it a much hotter car. Located in Saugus, Massachusetts, this something of a 1 of 1 Mopar is available here on craigslist for $15,500. Once again, Rocco B. hits it out of the park in the tips department.
Since we see R/T emblems on the door panels, we’ll assume this Aspen is one of 6,253 assembled in ’76. An option on the standard model, the R/T came with Rallye wheels and wider tires, a special grille treatment, body stripes, and a few other odds and ends. Chrysler’s venerable Slant-Six engine was standard (hardly R/T stuff) with 318 and 360 cubic-inch V8s as extras. Whatever was in this machine to begin with, Road Runner hardware from 1971 resides here now. Besides a rebuilt 340 V8, a 4-speed manual transmission is now on board (Pistol-Grip shifter) along with posi-traction and “Beep Beep” rear springs.
We’re told the car’s mileage at 51,000 is legit and documented. The vehicle has been garage-kept for more than a dozen years, and the seller has maintained insurance with Hagerty to the tune of $25,000. The updates and upgrades on this Mopar include new steering and brakes. The seller says that only a few miscellaneous items still need attention, but we’re not told what they may be.
The body, paint, and interior all seem okay, though the photos could be better. The seller says the Dodge’s condition is “excellent,” and we hope that none of the recalls from 45 years ago are still lurking here. As a bit of trivia, the Aspen/Volare pair was named by Motor Trend as “Car of the Year” in 1976!
Seller calls it a sleeper ? Not w those decals. Remove them and w the 340, 4sp, and 3.55 rearend, that tall stance w cop car wheels, you would definitely surprise many 😲🏁
“Remove the decals”… and the Chevy hood.
Do people actually still drag race? I’m serious. Isn’t everything “drifting” and other silly stuff like that? Asking for an older friend. Who the heck under 60 would know what a “sleeper” is?
Yes, people still drag race. For about a dozen years about 25 Wednesday night a year the track would hold both drag racing and drifting events, drags on the track, drifting in the paddock. The drag races typically drew between 180-200 cars @ $25ea, drifting was limited to 50 @$50ea. The drifted attracted substantially more spectators, but they also needed more track workers and a substantial number of security. A few years ago the track got sick of dealing with the unruly crowds and problem participants and killed off the drifting part of the program.
Just like street racing, the vast majority of “drifters” never go to a track, just a deserted section of road somewhere.
Steve R
@SteveR- Thanks. When I see the term “sleeper” I immediately picture the street racing prevalent in the 1960’s when I was attempting to grow up. (Not quite there yet). Back then it didn’t take folks too long to figure out what was going on.
Remove the decals it’s not bad
Who cares about 51K actual miles? The engine and tranny are different. If he is bragging about the brakes or suspension, that’s bad because 49 years later, that all needs to be replaced. Overall, a good looking machine. I agree, the Chevy style hood isn’t great, but not a deal breaker. I would keep the 1970ish wedge decals, I always liked those. Lose the dog dish hub caps and get some nice Magnums. Maybe full chrome 1968 style. Being a sleeper makes no sense anymore. When was the last time you saw someone race at a street light? If you did that, would the cops leave you alone today?
Yeah I’m thinking you go thru the trouble of putting that hot 340 with cowl induction your probably running headers & no way someone isn’t hearing that 340s tune! So no sleeper
1of 1??? That’s laughable. Really nothing to seen here.
Was it a 6 cylinder Aspen that got a transplant? The ad doesn’t state what it was… But now, 340, 4 speed, 3:55’s, a great combination for a ton of fun. Just wonder what the rest of the car has for running gear. I agree with losing the callouts, make it a granny car with attitude. Probably a low 14 second car as it sits, so performance won’t win many races. But the sound and vibe will.
Can’t touch a 340 Duster with this combination for anywhere near this price. Nice car and write up.
I believe that 340 Wedge decal would be correct on a ’71 Duster 340, but not sure you could get it on an Aspen R/T.
You couldn’t.
I had an actual ’76 Aspen R/T, 360 4bbl E58 car (with moonroof even!) but it had a 340 in it. I got into a lot of trouble with that car in the short time I had it.
That is not a ’76, wrong tail lights.
Also, in ’76-’77, there were no “R/T” emblems on the door panels like that. Someone just stuck those on there from an earlier car. We should “assume” absolutely nothing about this car.
Moms 77 Volare wagon with slant 6 would to 0-60 in 2 days…………
I owned a 1976 Aspen R/T, bought it new, biggest POS i even had, sold it a few years later for a used 1978 Z28
NO MAS I just don’t feel it.
It doesn’t matter what’s under the hood. It was ugly then and it’s even uglier now.
I would much rather have this than a built Nova.