In those hazy hours of daydreaming (and there have been many in my lifetime), I’ll muse on random questions such as what I would have bought in 1967 if I were 25 years old, or what Cadillac I’d buy if I could choose any model from the 1950s. I’ve not spent a lot of time, however, on my choice of Chrysler’s big “fuselage” cars of 1969-1973; however, it appears as if I’ll have to start, because it might just be a sinister 1973 Dodge Monaco Wagon.
This California-based, 68,557-mile survivor wears not only black paint but a black vinyl interior, in addition to black wheels and cool dog dish hubcaps. The seller does say that it looks better in pictures than it does in person, having its fair share of cuts and bruises. In my opinion, that adds to the Monaco’s appeal, because you can use it as it was intended to be used: to tow things.
The Monaco’s original owner meant business: It has the tow package and a 280-horsepower 440 under the hood. With a dual-snorkle air cleaner painted orange, this big wagon emits that burly Mopar muscle car vibe, which fits the “dark side” persona provided by the color scheme.
You may have noticed the air conditioning compressor under the hood. It’s no surprise that a California car with black vinyl seats would have air conditioning; unfortunately, the ad doesn’t mention if it works or not. I hope it does for the sake of the new owner.
Speaking of that interior, it looks immaculate. The brochure calls this handsome seat a “split-back” front bench in “thigh-searing” vinyl. OK, I made up that last part, but it is an attractive package. This could be one of the best interiors of the ’70s: Uh-oh, that could be another topic for daydreaming.
Yes, the back seat is as clean as the front, and another nice touch by the Chrysler styling department is the woodgrain inserts on the door panels that vaguely mirror the faux woodgrain on the exterior.
This Monaco even has the penalty seat. Dodge made more Monaco wagons than I expected in 1973: 5,579 nine-passenger and 2,337 six-passenger models. The seller says that this one is rust-free and ready to drive, and potential buyers have responded. With over a day to go on the eBay auction, it currently has a high bid of $15,000, but it has not yet met reserve. What’s the value of a muscular hauler like this Monaco? We’ll soon find out.
My mother in law had one of these. About as big as you can get and still drive it on the street. With that big hood in the way parking it was like docking the Queen Mary.
A set of Chrysler Road Wheels with white wall tires would really make this long roof pop! GLWTA!! :-)
At least full wheel covers. Dog-dish hubcaps, blackwalls and the woodgrain package would’ve been a strange option load back in the day.
These were great looking, though the 71-72’s had a cleaner front end treatment. When growing up my mom drove a 1973 Chrysler Town and Country with a 440, like this, with the trailer towing package too. These were far from fast, but made for great highway cruisers.
This car was featured on this site in June when it was listed on Craigslist with an asking price of $26,500. The sellers reserve is likely in that neighborhood. It’s already made it’s rounds on enthusiast forums and even though wagons are in a still hot segment of the market, the price so far has been too high and probably still is.
Steve R
Looks like the seller is a fan of the 440 powered Mopars, judging by their username and the what looks to be a 1977 Monaco Police cruiser parked next to the wagon in their garage.
There’s a red one in the movie Pray for the wildcats, Howard should know this Andy Griffith/Capt. Kirk made for tv classic
Chrysler’s lumber mills were kept busy ripping down the old full size panels.
Wow this is loaded with options from the factory. I can’t tell this must be leather front power seats. Tilt and cruise! And record cassette player. I wonder if they still have the microphone? Love the drivetrain set up!! And rear AC this was not cheap back then somebody had money and knew what they wanted. I wouldn’t mind having this in my driveway! Good luck to the next owner. I will be jealous!! 😂….🐻🇺🇸
Definitely not leather…that’s vinyl.
I owned a 1977 Dodge Royal Monaco 9 passenger station wagon. I bought it used in 1985. I don’t remember the mileage. It was a beauty and not much rust for an 8 year old in Iowa. Biggest problem, a 440 with the lean burn system. In the 9 months of ownership, it spent more time in the shop then being driven.
Magnificent Monaco wow. 👌
Mopar guys need to quit with those ugly poverty caps, esp on something like this.
dont you love it when someone tells others what they need to do with there stuff? with some engine mods and some big meat on this wagon she would look mean.
Seems like a lot of appreciation for these big floaters but, you couldn’t give me any station wagon.
Beautiful Mopar wagon. I still can’t get over how long that rear quarter window is. Obviously all the options including telescoping wheel, power windows and rear air. The original owner didn’t even cheap out on the engine. Black would have been rare on this wagon. Let’s chuck the rolling stock for some proper wheels/covers and white stripe tires.
True , in this era, black was not a popular color on most Mopars except for 4 door Darts with a U.S. navy stencil on the door , but when you have 16 or so color choices I guess its not surprising. Id bet that most of these wagons were in some shade of green, brown , or gold as earth tones were the “in” thing .
Sold on eBay for $20,000.
This car looks like it should be in a blues brothers movie!
And it sold for $20,000.
Here’s a story, of a man named Brady 🎶🎵 …
The color is odd, as are the dog dish hubcaps on a car that would usually have whitewalls. I always thought the dual air conditioning was also an odd feature, as well; does it block the review mirror? Had a ’70 300 convert back in the day, and every once in awhile I’d get an uncomfortable feeling that it was really, really too big.