Dagmar over riders, faded “wood grain”, black on black – this 1973 Dodge Monaco wagon is nineteen feet of vintage nasty ready to cast a spell over Mopar fans. The Monaco was introduced in 1965, with the nameplate a result of a popular marketing custom: calling cars after swanky places to evoke luxury. This example belongs to the second generation, made when American manufacturers were busily out-competing each other for “fastest growing wheelbase”. Wagons could be ordered with two rows of seats or three – the “nine-passenger” version. Curb weight tipped the scales at over 4500 lbs – which is why buyers often opted for the 440 cu. in. V8. I get to write about this car and you get to read about it because numskal kindly found this tip for us – thanks!
The wedge engine was launched by Chrysler in 1958 as an adjunct to its Hemi series – the new construction was lighter and more compact, enabling a wider range of design opportunities. Decked with four-barrel carbs and sporting compression ratios in the 10:1 area, these potent V8s could generate prodigious horsepower. The 440 tucked into this wagon was good for about 225 hp under the new “net” measurements – not entirely comparable to previous numbers in the 300s because aside from the “net” ratings, engines were already being detuned for fuel efficiency and emissions controls. This wagon has a three-speed automatic, a Sure Grip rear end, and a brand new exhaust. The mileage is around 80k.
The cushy interior is made of acres of black vinyl relieved by a few strips of “faux wood paneling” on the doors and dash. The tailgate opens two ways, and yes, the rear seats fold down. Cubic square feet rival the average New York City apartment – it’s possible there are two zip codes in here. Underscoring the sheer spaciousness of this wagon is its dual air handling system – an option that supplied a separate set of fans installed in the rear roof.
The hideaway headlights – a styling craze that signaled “luxury” – work just fine. The 1970s were the waning years of this trend, though Lincoln kept it up through 1983. Dodge made only 5579 Monaco nine-passenger wagons in 1973. If you are keen to investigate this surviving example, it can be found here on craigslist, with an asking price of $26,500. According to the seller, the new owner can fly into Laguna Beach, California, and drive her home. What do you think about the seller’s asking price?
Mother in law had one of these. It’s like driving a big boat. No seeing the corners and looking over the hood is like looking over a corn field.
I love these land yachts, and have been wanting one for years. The black is a deal breaker – never liked black cars or interiors, but even if it were beige or green, the price is still about 10 over. If this thing is worth 26, then my ’64 440 wagon should go for 40 – and that’s not realistic.
It seems like every time a wagon comes along, it has a black interior. Not sure what’s up with that.
Nevertheless, I’m definitely in the market for one of these (or a Town & Country). Thanks for sharing it.
Concealed headlights lasted through 1993 with Chrysler. The New Yorkers and Imperials have them (my daily driver is a ’91 Imperial). Not sure if anyone still used them later than that, but I’ve always been a big fan of them.
“Dagmars”? Good heavens, not since the 1960 Lincoln, I believe was the last car with more accurately, conical shaped bumper guards. Some considered a disgrace against women, by the way. Big block wagons generally lived a rough life. Aside from the rigors of everyday life in the suburbs, they were the family truckster, and had a host of duties. If that didn’t kill them, they were a favorite at county fair demo derbies across the country. None survived that.
A point was made, by me, about gas mileage of these types of cars, and a good point was made, collector cars generally aren’t driven a lot, so as to offset the poor mileage, and hearing what other countries, not so far away are paying for gas, and don’t think it won’t happen here, at $6/gal., even short trips in a gas hog will be unattainable for folks in the future, spelling the end to any interest left.
I do not think this and other classics are daily drivers and MPG would already be considered.
My Torino is dead on at
7 mpg, last 400 city miles only (3.91 gear), and my daily driver gets 20 mpg last 6,000.
Guess which one I enjoy driving more.
MPG moot point in a rarely driven classic.
This big wagon is pretty nice, but that color will keep you very busy keeping it nice!
These wagons are up and coming. The price is a little steep . There’s a couple reasons for them becoming popular. Some ppl grew up with them and want to revisit their childhood and some of the younger motorheads like them. Suv’s and cross overs or whatever ya wanna call them just not the same thing. Open the hood and wow ! Ya can see the motor ! Amazing! No computer and plastic covers crap . Simple and easy to work on and make it yours.
$26,500? Uh, no thanks.
Well, it does have about all the toys one could order. I wonder if they have the mic for the cassette recorder. Still, it is Dodge’s top of the line, not Chrysler – I am not seeing $26k+ for this car unless someone out there wants exactly what this car is and is willing to pay a premium for it.
As I’ve mentioned many times before; ya can ask what you will. If you get it, bully for you. Since I have no interest in making an offer for this slightly smaller version of the HMS Queen Mary; my opinion about the price is irrelevant. BJ Fever has been rampant in the hobby for quite a few years now. That ain’t changing anytime soon. Fortunately, if you’re willing to take a deep dive looking for a collector car one can still score a good deal. This is not one of them. Overpriced by twice IMO.
Never seen a black one before.