While many classic car enthusiasts are passionate about meticulously restored or original survivors, there is a hardy group whose passions run equally deep but are willing to embrace modified cars for the enjoyment and performance potential that they offer. This 1973 Dodge Challenger is a prime example of a modified car that fits that mold. It would undoubtedly turn heads wherever it goes, but its engine bay is occupied by a V8 that is virtually guaranteed to bring a smile to its next owner’s face. If you want to be the person wearing that smile, you will find the Challenger located in Mineral Wells, Texas, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. Handing the owner $35,500 could see you driving away in this gem. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this beauty for us.

The photos that the seller supplies aren’t the greatest, but they manage to paint a positive picture. Dodge had a range of pretty subtle and subdued shades in their 1973 color palette, but I doubt anyone has used either of those words to describe Top Banana. It is a color that makes a bold statement, and when it shines as beautifully as it does on this car, it’s a statement that draws attention. There are no flaws or defects that are worth a mention and no evidence of previous touch-up work. The paint is perfectly complemented by a Black vinyl top that is in as-new condition. The panels are laser straight, and while the owner doesn’t indicate whether the car has spent its entire life in Texas, its rust-free status suggests that this could be a reality. The panels and paint appear to need nothing, while the trim, rear spoiler, glass, and Rally wheels continue this classic’s trend of spotless presentation.

Chrysler offered Challenger buyers in 1973 the choice of two V8s. The 318 produced 150hp, while the 340 pumped out 240hp. That second engine allowed the Challenger to slip below the 16-second mark down the ¼ mile, but 14-second passes were a distant memory. The owner of this Challenger wished to relive those glory days, meaning that a 440ci V8 nestles comfortably in the engine bay. Bolted to the back of that monster is a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, while the owner also blessed this Dodge with power brakes. The history and specifications of this 440 are unclear, but if it is close to those of the 440 the company offered in the 1970 model, there should be 375hp under the driver’s right foot. Suddenly, those 14-second passes that seemed consigned to history should, once again, be a reality. For potential buyers, there’s no bad news to spoil their fun. The owner states that there are no fluid leaks or issues and that the buyer can slip behind the wheel and drive this baby home once they’ve handed over the cash.

This seller is nothing if not consistent because his two interior shots are as poor as the rest that he supplies. It is hard to provide a detailed evaluation of the interior, but what we can see seems to gel with his claims. It looks like the trim and Black upholstery could be pretty new because there is no evidence of wear or physical damage. There are no apparent issues with the carpet, and the same seems true of the dash and pad. Apart from the bucket seats, I can spot a console and a floor shifter for the TorqueFlite, a factory sports wheel, and air conditioning. It isn’t clear whether the car features a factory radio or an aftermarket stereo, but I can see some additional gauges under the dash to help the driver monitor the health of the glorious V8 under the hood.

For purists seeking a spotless and numbers-matching survivor, this 1973 Dodge Challenger won’t tick the boxes for them. However, for an enthusiast seeking a classic that presents well, offers power to burn, and is a turn-key proposition, it must be a strong contender. The photos and listing text suggest that the buyer won’t need to spend a dime once they’ve handed the seller their cash, but they will be slipping behind the wheel of a vehicle that possesses the looks and performance of a genuine muscle car. It might not be 100% original, but sometimes that simply doesn’t matter.