During its earlier years, the Dodge Monaco spent much of its lifespan as the brand’s top model and was still a step above the Polara in the lineup for 1973. This full-size offering seemed to have all the right stuff to attract hoards of buyers, but less than 30,000 Monacos found homes during the ‘73 run, so they’re not as common as one might think. The seller here calls his sedan a neat blast from the past, and I can understand how this large relic would be a fun Mopar to cruise around in. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Barn Finds reader kaf for the tip!
This one’s said to be an all-original example, so assuming this includes the paint, the outside still presents decently overall for a 50-year-old survivor. The metal isn’t quite perfect, as there is at least one rusted-through area on the passenger side just beyond the rear door, and it’s sort of hard to tell how the lower extremities are holding up because of the trim pieces that extend for most of the car’s length. While I’m not a huge fan of those monstrous bumper guards up front, I do kind of dig the concealed headlights and cornering lamps on the fenders, both somewhat popular fixtures on luxurious cars from the seventies but seldom incorporated into modern designs.
In addition to the higher-trim level, another advantage in choosing a Monaco over a Polara in ‘73 was the base engine size, as the 360 V8 was standard equipment in the Dodge Monaco. For the Polara, it was optional, as a 318 was under the hood unless you upgraded. An even larger 400 along with the top-dog 440 were also available for both models, with some great news being that the latter can be found in the bay here. The seller says the big block runs extremely smooth and sounds fantastic!
We only get a couple of photos from the interior, neither of which include a shot of the gauges. The front seats are showing a few small tears, but the back bench appears better, and the rest of the visible inside components seem to still be satisfactory. This 1973 Dodge Monaco can be found here on Craigslist in Lanton, Missouri, and comes with an asking price of $5,500. The seller also mentions possible trades that aren’t projects, so maybe you two can work out a swap. Cash or exchange, is this a sedan you’d have any interest in pursuing?
My kind of car love it and with 440 to boot. A reasonable price if not scam car will be gone quickly. I am Plymouth Fury fan but this is just as good. Nice color! And love the flip lights. Wish it was closer I would buy in heartbeat 😎
💯 Har. Love it. 2.76 ring and pinion ⚙️ hit the gas ⛽️, drop the big boat’s Torq-flite into 2nd gear and pass 🛣 with style. 😎
those 440’s . i used to work at a beer garden, and every morning 2 detectives in a plain clothes unit would stop by for some fresh roasted peanuts for there down time…they would have there plymouth fury with a 440 intercepter all cammed up for chasing speeders down. ill tell you, you wounld not even think those cars would have that kind of power from the factory. boy i wish i could have had one of those…
That’s beautiful – nice one, Mike, and a nice find, kaf! It looks fairly rusty around the rear wheel wells but what a rare car, and a 440 with AC and power windows!
Absolutely my kind of a car. Love the condition and the color combination, and a 440 is perfect for moving this boat around. I wouldnt change a thing, just hit the key lean my foot into the throttle and enjoy that healthy burble coming from that 440. What a great car. I would consider covering the front seat to protect it from furthur damage or repair it if possible. But Id Absolutely preserve this Dodge as much as possible. Hope it goes to a great new home. Is that a late 50s Corvette wheel cover on the front? I might find the right the correct wheel covers, love the whitewalls too.
Very nice! Reminds of my grandparents 73 Polara 4dr….triple brown. Strange how you remember details…radio layout was different, liked Mopar distinctive starter sound and Mopar window crank handles were unique. My uncle went upscale with a Monaco. Grandparents from both sides of the family were diehard Mopar lovers….I don’t remember them driving anything else. My grandmother’s last car was a 4 Dr Dodge 400 “K car” downswing from a 4 Dr 1976 Chrysler Newport.
That distinctive starter sound all Mopars used from the sixties on is due to them using a gear-reduction starter. This not only pulls the engine over harder (but slower, thus the sound) but also allows for a smaller starter motor.
This car has the only engine in the big Dodges worth having, as the 360 and 400 were pretty much gutless gas hogs. At least with the 440, you get a return on your gas bill!
Would it be legal to remove the smog equipment to wake up a little more power?
Legal? Not really but depending on where a person lives, you can easily get away with doing it.
In Ohio you are not allowed to remove any anti smog equipment. After 30 years the government no longer checks. So anything older than 1994 your good. My 1993 F150 no smog equipment no cats passed the check last year. As I think about it, I think only some counties checked in the first place.
This must have been a Dandy when new. Good color and the best features. I like the sedan body. Little red run down from the base of the vinyl top.
My first car was a 69 Fury II – a green four door monster with a 383 in it. I drove the hell out of it, but it kept on going despite my teenage driving habits!
I would love to have a car like this, but I would swap in a 5.7 and 8 speed automatic (if physically possible). That way you’d have power, economy, and reliability for this land yacht.
I’ve a Monaco 440 wagon and among the other cars i’ve (’57 392 Imperial hemi and ’57 Mercury 368 ci Turnpike cruiser engine) it’s the least efficient. But the most fuel-hungry ….
Nice ride by the looks,kid in school had the big block, single wheel peel the length of the parking lot,huge inside also,same color also
would be nice if the rust wasn’t so bad on it, $5,500 is a little steep for it though