340 Swan Song: 1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye

I was surprised at the number of 1973 Dodge Challengers that have been covered here on BF. They were on their way out by ’73 and generally, aren’t the most desirable examples to own. They sold OK with about 32K finding new owners but that’s a far cry from the half million plus that flew a significant drop from the 63K copies that rolled out of Dodge showrooms in its inaugural year of 1970. This one is quite original and gets points for being not messed with. Union, Missouri is where this Dodge pony car rests its half-century-old bones; let’s check it out.

Challenger came in two forms in ’73, Standard and Rallye. While not specifically stated, this example, with its faux fender and hood vents appears to be the Rallye version. The Dark Green Metallic finish is rather weathered but fortunately, there’s no sign of invasive rot. The front bumper with its extended guards is a new-for-’73 design that was developed to comply with the new five MPH federal bumper requirement and I’d suggest that Dodge handled it well. Other observations include a mismatched front driver’s side wheel and oddly placed hood pins. While not a condition issue, the rear plastic valance panel utilized this year is really cheap looking – ChryCo probably knew by this point that the Barracuda and Challenger E-body cars were on the way out so there was likely little incentive to spend money on aesthetics.

A 240 net HP, 340 CI V8 engine, attached to a four-speed manual transmission, provides the go factor and in spite of emission control detuning, these late 340 motors still packed a punch. The 83K mile mill is said to start right up and the seller further suggests, “It will need all the normal stuff gone through like brakes, fuel system, etc.” In all fairness, it appears that the carburetor and valve covers are not born-with pieces but those items are minor swaps. This would be the 340 “LA” engine’s last hurrah, for ’74 it was replaced by the 360.

This car’s black vinyl interior is in typically worn condition. The seating upholstery is split and the headliner is gravity bound but it is a stock and original environment. The dash pad has problems and has been patched with either electrical tape or black duct sticky – it should probably be replaced. The carpet has the usual fade going on – always most prominent with black, but fortunately, the original style pistol-grip shifter is still perched upon it and doing what it’s supposed to do.

When the redesigned 2008 Challenger arrived, I thought it was conceptually similar to its 1970-1974 predecessor but after owning a late model R/T for a bit, I realized, no, not really, they’re vastly different cars with the current edition possessing a retro suggestion of similarity. This sale candidate seems reasonable, perhaps because it doesn’t look like it has been thrashed or poorly modified. It seems when I find a Mopar of this era, it’s either a rust heap or an overly restored trailer queen – not the case here and that, in itself, is refreshing. Those with interest will find this Challenger Rallye here on eBay where it’s available for a current bid of $17,100 with the reserve not yet met. There is also a BIN price of $25,000.