- Seller: Michael B (Contact)
- Location: Hampton, New Hampshire
- Mileage: 100 Shown
- Chassis #: 1D34970C0L0
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 408 cui V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
The Dodge Aspen R/T had potential as a performance car; it was relatively light and had plenty of engine bay space for a powerful V8, but between emissions regulations and fuel prices, there wasn’t much hope for Mopar fans wanting a muscular Aspen. Thankfully, the previous owner of this 1976 Dodge Aspen R/T decided to see what could be done and gave it the kind of performance you could only have dreamt of in 1976. It’s now up for grabs here on Barn Finds in Hampton, New Hampshire, with a clean title and a $28,000 asking price.
The Aspen was based on Chrysler’s F-platform, which was designed to be more efficient and modern than the A-platform it replaced. It featured better aerodynamics, improved fuel efficiency, better visibility, and a new front suspension design. The R/T option didn’t include a more powerful engine; instead, it was limited to trim and a heavy-duty suspension.
The Aspen was offered with the slant-six, 318 V8, and the 360 V8. This car has a little more engine under the hood than the original. It’s bored, stroked, and displacing 408 cui. All 500 horsepower is routed through an 833 4-speed manual transmission and an 8.75″ rear end with 4.30 gearing. The seller states that it runs 12-second quarter miles! Slowing it down is handled by Wilwood disc brakes at all four wheels. It also has a Cal-Trac rear suspension, adjustable shocks, and a Borgeson PS box. As you can see, this is an incredibly clean build.
The inside still features its original interior, but with some performance upgrades. It’s very clean inside, with nice vinyl upholstery, clean door panels, and a crack-free dash. It’s equipped with a pistol shifter for the 4-speed and all the gauges you could ever need to keep an eye on what’s happening with that 408.
The seller states that the car is rust-free, and the underside photos seem to back that up. They also state that it’s not a car for the faint of heart. It looks like a fun machine, but could get a little out of hand if you aren’t careful. You really don’t see these cars often, most rusted away or were driven into the ground long ago. Whether you are looking for a drag car or a really well-built street machine, this Aspen could be the find for you! Take a closer look and make the seller an offer.
Too much power. The F bodies front ends were not designed for handling, they were for a smooth ride. Remember, the big car feel from a small car ads? Rebuild the 360, but what you have is too much, add in that silly rear end ratio, and you have a crummy highway experience. I like the 4sp, so much better than the OD unit you got in those days, plus not even available with the 360. Truly dislike the silly AAR style hood. Makes a good looking car seem low rent, low class, and low taste.
Obviously comes from a state that does not do emmisions testing. Sure could not do this in California. Of course, they do have pretty nice air.
My question, why sell this? Could it be he figured out he created something that is only good for one thing, and he no longer wants it?