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32k Mile Survivor: 1973 Dodge Charger SE

The first Charger was a 1964 show car that evolved into the Charger II concept auto in 1965. That design would roll over into the production car that debuted the following year. The 1973 model year would be the Charger’s most successful year, with nearly 120,000 copies being built. This Charger SE in the top-of-the-line Brougham trim has emerged from 30 years of storage with a stated 32,000 original miles. It can be found in Chaplin, Connecticut, and here on eBay where the bidding has reached $21,600.

Third-generation Chargers (1971-74) would take on fuselage-type styling that followed along the lines of the full-size Chryslers. Demand would perk up for the intermediate sporty coupes, due in part to the elimination of the Coronet series in the Dodge lineup. Midway through the cycle, the Chargers received new sheet metal in 1973, which resulted in decidedly different-looking C-Pillars. SE models, like the seller’s car, took the roof treatment one step further by adding “triple opera windows” surrounded by a canopy-style vinyl top. Hidden headlights, a Charger staple for several years, were no longer part of the equation.

The seller’s ’73 Charger SE Brougham is triple-black in color from head to toe. It has been out of circulation for the past three decades, stuck away in a garage since the 1990s. Why this was the case is unknown, but we’re told the car starts, runs, shifts, and stops as it should with no mention if any work was required to make that happen. It’s a numbers-matching machine, meaning the Hi-Performance 440 cubic inch V8 under the hood is original to the car, along with its TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The Cragar wheels were obviously added later, with a wider profile in the back. We don’t know if the tires are 30 years or elder.

This Charger looks to have just about everything that Chrysler could throw at the car in 1973. That includes power windows, leather upholstery, factory air conditioning, and a factory sunroof, which was not a common option in those days. The seller found the original build sheet under the back seat. We’re told the Dodge is not perfect for being in storage so long but doesn’t go into details as to what potential buyers should be on the lookout for. There is no title for this car, so a Connecticut Bill of Sale will have to suffice to seal the deal.

Hagerty pegs top dollar for a 1973 Charger to be in the low $20,000s, but one like this with all sorts of gizmos plus an original 440 engine is likely to go for more. Current bidding has already reached this threshold, so hopefully, the quality of the automobile holds up after being off the road for so long.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Steve R

    Connecticut does not require titles for vehicles over 20 years old. A bill of sale will do.

    The information is easily accessed on the states website.

    Steve R

    Like 11
    • Avatar photo Gary Bienkowski

      Although Connecticut does not require a title for vehicles over 20 years old.They do require an old registration from the previous owner along with the bill of sale

      Like 0
    • Avatar photo Steve R

      Chester, at least I didn’t take the opportunity to take a cheap shot at the seller without even trying to look up what the DMV requires. Somehow I don’t see you changing since you’ve been doing that sort of stuff on this site for years.

      Steve R

      Like 4
    • Avatar photo Bluetec320 Member

      Oh surprise! More name calling and insulting BF members! That really seems to be your thing Chester…

      Like 4
  2. Avatar photo Vance

    This body style gets so much flak, yes the 68-70 Chargers were nice, but so are these. I think the move to a long hood short trunk lid, was a move everyone was going to. The hidden headlights weren’t done away with, they were optional, and yes, I personally would have included them. This is how I would have ordered this car to a T. I love this car because the tire and wheel set up is how it was done in the 70’s. Luxury was creeping in as power was creeping out. I don’t know how the exhaust is set up, but headers and flowmasters would seal the deal. Great car.

    Like 7
    • Avatar photo Don Eladio

      Hideaway headlights were not an option in 1973 or 1974. Do your research.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar photo OIL SLICK

    Ever heard of a vacuum cleaner?????????

    Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Joe Sewell

    I’d be looking around for stock size tires/rallye wheels. I’ve never understood why Chrysler went from powered moonroof option to manual moonroof option on these B bodies. I see cloth and vinyl seating, not leather. A shame it wasn’t cleaned up better. I’m inclined to think much of the basic maintenance/repairs has been lacking – lovely car from an interesting era otherwise.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar photo Don Eladio

    Zero hijinks are present. I’m sure you’re not buying it anyway, regardless, so why even comment with such an uneducated statement?

    Like 6
  6. Avatar photo Don Eladio

    This is one, very rare, very cool car…if someone is looking for a car that will double, or triple, in value over the next few years…here you go.

    There were 1,627 Charger SE’s built in 1973 with the 440HP (E86) engine. There were 713 Charger Rallye’s built in 1973 with the 440HP (E86) engine.

    Out of those, only a few were produced with factory sunroofs. This is a VERY rare car and, in many people’s opinion, the best looking of any year Chargers ever produced. I would venture to say that, with the options this car has, it is a one of one car or, very close to it.

    Like 5
  7. Avatar photo Kevin

    Don,and Chester, take a breath,relax,despite the title status,this is a solid, cool car,and somebody is going to be hopefully enjoying soon.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar photo Pete

    How can a car with a bill of sale get titled in a state that requires proof of previous ownership to then get a title ?

    Like 2
  9. Avatar photo PRA4SNW

    What Steve R says is true – you don’t have to live in the state to do a simple Internet search to see what the rules in that state are.

    I’m sure that the owner could procure a title if the buyer deems it absolutely necessary, and maybe they should have done that beforehand like I did when selling a car with no title here in NH.

    That would have kept the no title bitching from non buyers here down to a minimum.

    Like 3
  10. Avatar photo Gary Rhodes

    I had a super nice 85 Caravan I towed in and got for the tow bill that was from New York and only had a registration card, not a title. Kinda weird but I took it to the DMV and had zero issues getting a Ohio title.

    Like 1

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