Regular readers will probably recognize this 1973 Dodge Charger because we’ve seen it before at Barn Finds. It is an exceptionally tidy survivor, and its first owner’s decision to order it with the Spring Special Package gives the car an extraordinarily tidy, classy look. It appears that the seller had no luck when listing the car in March and has dropped the price to help their cause. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Charger listed here on Craigslist in Coffey, Missouri. Previously offered for $23,950, it could be yours for $22,500.
The 1973 model year delivered ongoing changes to Dodge’s Third Generation Charger range. It was marginally larger than the previous year’s offering and featured new taillights, while the revised grille meant the company discontinued the hidden headlights option. As is often the case, Dodge added several option packages to boost sales. This Charger features the Spring Special Package, bringing a range of unique cosmetic enhancements. These included Aztec Gold paint, White side stripes, and a White vinyl top. It’s a classy combination, and this survivor presents beautifully. I can’t spot any cosmetic shortcomings. The paint shines richly, the panels are straight, and the vinyl looks flawless. The trim is so close to as-new condition that it doesn’t matter, and the glass is clear. A previous owner helped the Charger’s cause five decades ago by handing it to the fine folks at Ziebart to work their magic. Therefore, its rust-free status is unsurprising. When we previously featured this Charger, it rolled on Magnum 500 wheels. It has since received Rallye wheels that suit its personality, while the deal includes the factory 14″ steelies, whitewalls, and the correct hubcaps.
The cosmetic enhancements that formed the Spring Special Package continued inside the Charger, with cars receiving unique White vinyl and Aztec-print cloth trim. Once again, the presentation is first-rate. The interior carries the hallmarks of a car that has led a sheltered life. There is no significant wear, the White vinyl isn’t discolored, and the cloth is spotless. The Brown carpet shows no significant wear, and the dash and faux woodgrain haven’t deteriorated. It isn’t lavishly equipped, but the buyer will drive away in a classic featuring air conditioning, a pushbutton radio, and a remote driver’s mirror.
The cosmetic condition is just the start of the positive news, because this Charger is numbers-matching. It features the entry-level 318ci V8, a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, an 8¾” rear end with 2.71 gears, power steering, and power brakes. The 318’s power and torque figures of 150hp and 265 ft/lbs might sound feeble, but they are better than they seem. The motor has lost very little from its pre-emission figures of 230hp and 320 ft/lbs, but the shift to quoting outputs in Net rather than Gross terms makes life look worse than it was. The seller says that this Charger has a genuine 59,650 miles on the clock, and that the figure is documented. The deal also includes the original Broadcast Sheets, and potential buyers can consider the Dodge a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
We’ve previously seen this 1973 Dodge Charger featured in this excellent March article by Russ Dixon. It appears that little has changed in the past six months, although the car now rolls on different wheels. Its known history and original documentation, combined with the low odometer reading, add to its appeal. It isn’t the most potent classic on the planet, but it should deliver a relaxed driving experience and would attract admiring glances wherever it goes. Are those thoughts and the lower price enough to tempt you?
I love it. It’s almost just like the one I had back in my high school days. I converted it to a floor shifter complete with console and bucket seats. My ex-high school sweetheart was not happy because she couldn’t cozy in next to me. GLWTS.
This is a time machine. Kudos to those who have kept it so nice.
This is the second 3rd Gen Charger this week. Two very clean cars, I prefer the black one with the hide away head lights, but both are well preserved.