The “Dodge Rebellion” was a late 1960s advertising campaign designed to position Dodge as the performance arm of Chrysler Corp. That included the Charger, which was new in 1966. By 1974, when the seller’s car was built, the muscle era had more or less run its course. Yet, a few Chargers could be had with Chrysler’s biggest engine of the day, the HP 440 cubic inch V8. This machine is one of 204 thought to have been so equipped, so it’s a rare find today. Located in Decatur, Illinois, this hot (sort of) Mopar is available here on eBay. The current bid is $20,000, with the seller’s reserve set north of that. Once again, “Curvette” comes through with a cool tip.
Though redesigned in 1971, a styling refresh in 1973-74 positioned the Charger as more of a luxury ride than a hot rod. Most of them were built with a 318 or 360 V8, but a handful in 1974 saw the 440 for the last time. With detuning and a change in the measuring stick, that engine was now rated at 275 hp SAE net rather than the 375 horses in 1971. These low-production cars could be identified by the U-code in the VIN, which is the case with this white-over-red Charger.
With loads of documentation, such as the car’s build sheet, this 1974 Charger SE seems like the real deal. Its numbers matching and has a TorqueFlite automatic transmission (which I think was the only choice with the 440). The seller says the car is all original, so we assume the red paint, white Landau roof covering, and black interior are all from the assembly process from 52 years ago. We’re told it’s rust-free and all the sheet metal is from the factory.
This is a well-equipped Charger, and all the accessories work properly, such as the factory A/C. The indicated mileage is 94,000, so you might suspect things are starting to get a little tired mechanically, though the seller says it runs and drives as it should, and a video is offered to support its condition. Charger sales were down by a third in 1974 over 1973, but the latter was a record year, and 1974 was when car buyers were feeling the pinch of the OPEC oil embargo.
Nice Charger , I always preferred these with the white interior when optioned with the white vinyl top.
As awful as most would say, never change an original car like this. However for me these chargers look so good painted black and magnum 500’s. I’d add a second snorkel to that air cleaner too.
The 440 was neutered in 1972-1978
Lower compression, weak camshaft,heads not built for power and smoother shifting transmission.
STILL these were tested at a 6.5 sec 0-60 spinning the tires in a cloud of smoke as noted by Motor trend back in the day,they said it could really spin the tires on take off (slowing times down).
The 1971 and older 440’s were a different animal not just net hp difference but a whole load of parts…. Thing is the older cars spun more and times were not much better on paper,but drive them side by side and you notice!!! Proper tires and know how to drive a 1971 440 Magnum with 3.23’s can run 4.1 0-60 and high 12’s low 13’s in the 1/4 mile easily…Some tuning and deep into the 12’s especially with 3.55’s!
Example a 1968 Chrysler Newport 383 TWO barrel ran 15 flat in the 1/4 as it hooked! The 4 barrel version quicker albeit tire slippage and the High Performance 383 4bbl was quicker yet with more tire slippage. Then the base 350 hp 440 with a tiny 595cfm 4bbl quicker yet…Then the hot 440 TNT with better heads,cam,car much quicker!
Love the stats you stated!
My Dad had a 68 Newport coupe 383 2bbl and that car flew for a full sz car. He traded for a 72 NYB 440 and it had more grunt off the line, and I took that speedo past the 120 mark once. The Sure-Grip rear caused so much wheel hop that I snapped the left rear shock absorber. That was the last time I got the keys to it. LOL
Those 1971 performance numbers seem a little inflated for a B body. High 12’s, low 13’s in stock trim? Please share your source.
looks good but what is the reserve? 40k+?
Great colors (interior would look better in white).
Even the detuned 440 was still a lot of motor in 1974.
Seller’s eBay description says power windows?
Nice car . But has a reserve…… seller fishing to see what his car will bid to.
The end is nigh. Next year you’d be driving a pseudo Cordoba. Life would never be the same.
Nice looking Mopar!!
I’m surprised, the 73-74 “high performance” 400-4 cars got a dual snorkel air filter, but the 440 did not?
I was thinking the same thing – a factory 440 with a flat hood. I’m not surprised this was a rarity. Seller claims 200 were made.
I attempted to buy this one the previous posting on ebay.
Folks, this car is selling for $90,000
Ya, i mean,, one of the ugliest cars (imo), in one of blingiest color combos, and its a uni-body with a big-block..
Yet, its a 440, its in exceptional condition, has power windows and AC annnd i think it hasnt been mentioned but is a big deal:
Its got a factory sunroof , AND vinyl top.
Since seemingly wealthy folks who love Mopar are willing to pay a mortgage for one, hear we are.
NO pwr windows, crank.
NO factory sunroof.
You previously attempted to buy this even though you consider it “one of the ugliest cars (imo)”? Sour grapes, much?
Woops ! your right, i mixed them up. There were two red with white top 440 Chargers for sale at the same time on ebay. One had white interior one black. It was the white interior car with all the goodies.
As for ‘sour grapes’ im not familiar with expression, but yes, i dont always buy cars i like.
Beautiful machine although not my favorite color. I bought a new ’74 Charger SE, white on white on white. Loved that car even though I did make the mistake of getting the 318. It was acceptable until I turned on the A/C and it fell flat on its face. I drove it 16 years.
I will say this it is clean and has a lot of pictures in the add.