The Dodge Charger’s best sales year was not 1968, as most people might think (92,590 units). Instead, it was midway through the third generation in 1973 (119,318). Something in the minor restyling must have struck a positive chord, because the cars were no longer the performance powerhouses they could have been in the prior decade. This ’73 Charger SE is an unfinished project left behind by the seller’s late husband. Located in a garage in Bridgeport, Washington, this rough Mopar is available here on craigslist for $6,500.
Chrysler’s B-body products received an extreme makeover in 1971, with the tunnel back rooflines of 1968-70 becoming a thing of the past. A slight uptick in the form of a rear spoiler was added. A refresh came in 1973, which featured new quarter windows that were more prominent than before. A popular engine choice was a 400 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, which the VIN provided by the seller says was in the seller’s car when it left the assembly line.
We’re told that a freshly redone 440 V8 is ready to go into this ’73 Charger SE (fanciest model), which has been a WIP for some time before the owner passed away. We assume the TorqueFlite automatic transmission is still around and is functional. The interior is ready for new carpeting and a headliner to be installed; then the seats can go back in (condition?). The seller says the paint color was black, but it’s in a prep stage now.
The Charger SE comprised more than half of the marque’s sales in 1973, so buyers still wanted their Chargers to have flair. This car is one of many projects the seller’s husband left unfinished, and she hasn’t got the time or energy to bring them to fruition. So, if you like projects that may require more work than you realize, check out this Dodge. Kudos to “Curvette” for the tip.
This may not have the “provenance” of the ‘71 Super Bee you wrote of earlier this week, Russ, but for 1/2 the cost and twice the car this is a steal. Sheet metal appears to be rust free vs the previous rust bucket, this one’s actually got an engine and all the glass showing and though it too is shown via photos in the sellers garage it looks like it’s all there.
Provided this is legit, it’s a far better deal than the other.
It’s also got the correct front bumper.