Some classics fail to make an impact when they hit the market. Others can’t help but draw attention, which is undoubtedly the case with this 1973 Dodge Charger SE. It is an original survivor with 15,000 miles on the clock. However, its 400ci V8 and Triple-Black paint and trim combination guarantee it will receive respect whenever the new owner ventures from their garage. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Kiwie49 for spotting this stunning survivor.
Dodge’s Third Generation Charger range received a cosmetic birthday in 1973. New panels helped it stand apart from its predecessor, while hidden headlamps were no longer an option. One notable feature of the SE was the triple narrow opera windows. The first owner ordered this Charger SE in Code X9 Black with a matching canopy-style vinyl top. It makes a bold visual statement, with the dark paint helping to accentuate the sparkling chrome. The seller confirms it is an unrestored survivor, and their description suggests the paint should be considered a “good 20-footer.” They admit a close inspection will reveal spider-webbing and minor chips, but these don’t detract from the overall shine. It would be a straightforward process for the buyer to perform a cosmetic refresh, although the arrow-straight panels and the car’s complete lack of rust means that preservation may prove irresistible. The vinyl is in excellent condition, the glass is crystal clear, and the wire hubcaps and narrow whitewalls add a further touch of class to the exterior.
Powering this Charger is the 2-barrel version of the company’s 400ci V8. It sends 170hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. Unsurprisingly, the new owner benefits from power assistance for the steering and brakes. The power and torque figures are relatively modest and are a sign of the impact made by emission regulations. It is also worth noting that manufacturers began quoting power and torque in Net terms in 1972, so performance losses weren’t as dramatic as the numbers suggest. The seller confirms this SE features a new fuel tank and radiator, but they have retained the factory components if the buyer wants them. It has a genuine 15,249 miles on the clock, and it appears they may hold verifying evidence in the significant collection of documentation. Otherwise, this Charger runs and drives well, and is ready for classic motoring fun with the new owner behind the wheel.
The Charger’s interior is all you might expect from a low-mile classic because there is little that warrants criticism. The first owner’s decision to order the car as a Triple-Black vehicle means it will tick the box for many people. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, as are the carpet, dash, and pad. The woodgrain trim hasn’t faded or lifted, and the plastic looks excellent. It is about more than good looks because this interior is nicely equipped by 1973 standards. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, bucket seats, a console, and what appears to be an AM/FM radio.
This 1973 Dodge Charger SE is a stunning car that leaves its new owner with decisions to make. It is ripe for a light cosmetic refresh, although its overall presentation would allow the buyer to preserve it as a genuine survivor. The seller listed the Charger here on Facebook Marketplace in beautiful Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Their price of $29,500 isn’t chicken feed, but it is probably justified if everything about this classic is verifiable. I admit I am unsure whether I would preserve or restore this Dodge because there are undoubted benefits in both approaches. Which would you choose?
400ci. 170HP. I think I’d keep it as it but do something about those hilarious engine numbers. I’ve had a 1.6L 4 pot that put out that HP figure, let alone a 7l V8. Looks in incredible nick and not too expensive. Probably gone already.
Age yourself without saying your age. ’70’s cars, especially early ones, were in the beginning of the malaise period where hp was down and emissions were on the way up. You can’t compare an engine from the ’70’s to modern drivetrains.
I was comparing it to pre-CAA motors with “hilarious”, because 170 is a joke before and after the oil crisis. It must be possible to swap a few parts and turn it into the kind of 400 cubes we got in the late 60s. But it’s all good. We’re all fans. I’d rather a choked engine in a beauty such as this than a 400HP monster in a rust bucket.
This Charger has plenty of “charge” –
A quick note on Horsepower numbers:
Beginning in 1972 and after ALL HP ratings were measured in “net” Vs “gross” or “bhp” – so, for example, a 1970 Cadillac might be rated at “400 hp but a 73 – with the same motor is “235hp” a giant difference – you can check it out – what I’m saying is that this SAE (society of Auto Engineers) difference in measuring HP – really messed with these numbers in 72 forward – at the same time emissions were coming to into play.
GM used net figures starting in 1971 when they went to low compression in most of their engines.
Always been a sucker for this body style, having enjoyed a ‘72 for many years. This one is a find and one to be taken care of, though like Bob said above it might need a little massage under the hood in terms of better breathing etc. all of which could be reversed if needed..
Interesting how it has the correct wire wheel covers on the passenger side but either Ford or aftermarket spoked hubcaps on the drivers side. On both sides the “Charger” emblems are missing off the doors; maybe the sides were repainted? Beautiful interior…very nice car!!
Beautiful, and equipped right. But lose those K-Mart wire wheel covers! The worst $19.95 somebody spent on this car.
Actually they are FoMoCo often found on Granada’s….
And on my 75 Gran Torino Elite .
Seen em T birds with different centers too.
I had the same thought. Those wheel covers just don’t work. The right rims would add muscle to the classiness of this beauty.
This car would be great with a 4bbl dual exhaust and machine gun tips those aren’t Walmart hubcaps they’re factory would swap the rims for magnum 500’s and redline tires owned one of these
We so miss the hideaway headlights of earlier models, that would so make it right for us.
I used to sell these.Those hideaway headlights would freeze shut in Cleveland, Ohio.
Why would you need a new radiator and fuel tank at 15,000 miles?
Ever seen 51 year old gas and antifreeze?
I have to wonder how the heater core is doing if the radiator needed to be replaced.
👍🏻
Spot on.
I’d’ve Hit just the thumbs up button but it doesn’t seem to work for all of us all the time..
Nice car. Looks like something a dealer would order for showroom display. Of course, a dealer wouldn’t have displayed it with those cheap wheel covers on the driver’s side. Correct wire wheel covers are neither difficult to find nor expensive, so at this asking price, the seller would be wise to correct the problem.
Almost $30K for a car with K-mart wire hubcap on the left side (orig style on right side) is a bit steep. Maybe $15K – $20K too steep. And there is so much snake oil on those shiny seats that you’d better have your seat belt on tight if you go around a corner faster than 5 mph, or you’ll feel like your on an amusement park waterside. Way overpriced.
I think that this is worth the money all day. While I prefer the 1971-1972 over this, I can’t exactly go down to my local Dodge dealer and order it how I would like it.
I’d go “old school” with it. Put Cragars on it with N/50’s on the back, Rake it a little and act just like I did when I was 17!
Yep, my first thought was, “This car needs some Cragars.”
I had a 1972 and then a 1974 Charger that was an SE. Both 400 4 barrels. Loved the body style , this car brings back so many memories of days gone by.
29 K ??? I don’t think so , maybe 20K just to bring back those memories.
K-Mart wheel covers…bwahahaha! People, get a look at some of the period Chrysler brochures and see that these are the factory issue pieces. Simple and elegant. One of the better looking wire offerings of the day.
As for this car, I love it. When my parents got married they lived in Saint Clair Shores and dad apprenticed at Dodge Main after discharged from the Marine Corps. One of his best friends was a guy named Charlie Novak. My parents bought a farm and moved toward Lansing when the I-94 freeway went through the neighborhood. Charlie moved up the management ladder and he and his wife Joanne would pay us a visit now and then. Charlie had a red and black Charger like this. Loaded. I thought that car was the cats pajamas.
Or at least a set of magnum 500 wheels.
Magnum 500’s would look great on this car. Really.. anything except Crager SS. Those are the most boring wheel ever designed. To me.. it shows no imagination.. just being a follower.
The seller does not claim to be the original owner, but maybe they know the story behind the mis-matched wheel covers.
If I bought the car, I might just leave them on there so that I can also tell the story. Just a little something that adds to the character of a low-mileage original.
Friend of mine had a green one with a 318 back in 1990 during high school. We could hide a couple of 12 packs of beer in front of the radiator
The killer on this deal for me is the aged, spider-webbed paint.
Oh, well. Nice car, otherwise. A friend of mine had a beautiful gun metal grey 1973 Charger with a 440-4V, automatic, manual sunroof. Had decent pick up.
Not perfect, but a way better deal than the 77 Monte Carlo above!