Some classics raise as many questions as they answer. This 1973 Dodge Challenger perfectly demonstrates that trait. The seller listed it as an R/T, but such a beast didn’t exist during that model year. The paint shade is also a mystery. However, with a healthy V8 under the hood and 41,000 miles on the clock, it is a turnkey proposition with no apparent needs. The seller has listed the Challenger here on eBay in Tyler, Texas. The solitary bid of $30,000 is below the reserve as the auction heads into its final days.
The first mystery with this Dodge is its model designation. The seller listed it as an R/T, but we know that Dodge discontinued that badge at the end of 1971. Therefore, if this is the sporting variant, it must be a Challenger Rallye. It certainly carries the correct stripes and scoops, but adding those later to create a clone sometimes happens. It would be interesting to see some documentation or the Broadcast Sheet to establish this car’s credentials. The car’s paint shade raises further questions. There is nothing similar in that year’s color palette. It looks very similar to Citron Yella, although Dodge discontinued that color within the Challenger range at the end of 1971. That’s why I said that this classic raises more questions than it answers. However, the presentation is first-rate, with no apparent cosmetic shortcomings. The paint shines impressively, the panels are straight, and there is no mention or evidence of rust. The stripes are crisp, and with shiny trim and clear glass, this Dodge makes a positive visual impression.
The positive vibes continue inside this Challenger. Trimmed in White vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, and, I believe, air conditioning. I spotted a console-mounted LCD screen, which could be for a reversing camera. The trim looks pretty good for its age, though the image quality makes it hard to tell whether it is becoming dirty. This classic is screaming for an in-person inspection, and I would probably ask that question if I were considering pursuing the vehicle further. There are no engine bay shots, but we know that this Rallye features a 340ci V8, teamed with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. Generating 240hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque, it provided respectable performance for the period. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying the odometer reading, but the condition makes the figure plausible. The listing suggests it is a turnkey proposition that has accumulated its share of show silverware.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye. The seller’s information leaves us wanting more, and the paint shade is a mystery. It presents extremely well, and if the odometer reading is verifiable, it is well below average. The Challenger has attracted only one bid, and the listing statistics suggest that it hasn’t set the world alight. This listing is the seller’s second attempt to send the Dodge to a new home, with their last auction attracting no bids. Of course, it only takes two people who want a classic badly enough for the action to intensify. Do you think that will happen, or will the auction draw to a subdued conclusion?
Great looking Challenger but I agree that isn’t a 73 color, Rallye models came with Rallye gauges and this one doesn’t have that, also center caps are pre-73, bumper guards (all 73s had em) are missing and the AC vents look odd…ya got some ‘splainin to do Lucy…
When one removes the rear rubber bumper guards , and doesn’t replace the valence with an earlier one, there two ugly gaps left that were covered by the guards. The AC vents look like those from a Vintage Air unit, perhaps?! They definitely are not original. This car also has the woodgrain standard cluster, a step up from the basic black one, but not a Rallye. Lu-ceeee!!! LOL!!
Having owned a ’73 Barracuda, I think that removing the rubber bumper guards makes the car look “incomplete”.
I agree with everything said. The JS VIN designation for R/T and Rallye cars ended for the 1972 model year and all Challengers started with JH for 1973 and 1974.
The only way to prove if this is a Rallye car is if there is a fender tag or build sheet with the A57 code. All the other stuff can be added to make it look like a Rallye car but I do wonder why there is no Rallye gauges. The 5th digit on the VIN is an H so it does appear this was originally a 340 car from the factory.
I would think that a non-Rally 340 car is more rare than a Rally 340 car…it is a sharp looking car.
You are correct Philbo. I was wondering if the rallye instruments were an option on the Rallye (I know, sounds strange) like they were on the same year Cuda. But, they were mandatory when you ordered your Rallye with the A57 package.
Just another way that the Challenger was made to be more upmarket from the Barracuda. Hence, many Cudas came with 318, column shift and non-rallye instruments.
Man, went to a car show today and maybe 1/3 of the ‘Cudas and Challenger R/T cars were not ‘Cudas and Challenger R/Ts.
There was a beautiful 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible in B5 blue metallic and white top. 15” Rallye wheels, blue interior and even had factory cassette deck with microphone. I was like, “This car should be at Barrette-Jackson or something!” Then I look at the VIN. Started life as a 318 Barracuda convertible, which is still a cool car. But the car I intially saw was amazing, and still beautiful even though it was a factory Hemi ‘Cuda convertible.
This about the only Mopar I liked from this era (along with 2-door Chrysler and Imperial). It’s got great styling. And the mods make it look like the the first year Challenger. Would I pay what likely will be the selling price however? No.
70 sublime?
It’s not nearly green enough to be Sublime. They’ve correctly identified it as Citronyella, a one year only member of Chrysler’s High Impact paint color palette from 1971.
Nice Challenger!!
No engine pictures. Did he run out of film?
Steering wheel is upside down.
Hahahah!
“And yes… it’s REAL” expected quote from a know nothing know it all.