This 1973 Dodge Challenger may not be a high-horsepower R/T, but it checks all the right boxes for a great Mopar project. Finished in factory blue over blue with a leather interior, this complete car features its original 318 V8 and automatic transmission, and it’s been tucked away in the seller’s garage for years. It’s now being offered with a bill of sale here on eBay by a longtime family owner in Texas.
According to the listing, the car has just 65,500 miles and presents as a complete, mostly original example. The blue leather interior is said to be in great shape with no rips—a rare claim for a 50-year-old car—especially for a Dodge that’s been off the road and sitting idle. The seller notes some rust around the vinyl top and at the bottom of the doors. That being sad, you can spot quite a bit of issues on the car from the pictures, so fixing it may just depend on your ability to tackle rust and damage.
The car is no longer running and will require some effort to get back on the road. The original gas tank has been removed and replaced with a fuel cell, and it’s been stored on blocks for years. That said, the seller seems upfront about the car’s condition and history, noting it’s been in the family and hoping it finds a good home. It’s always refreshing to see a listing that’s honest rather than overhyped—and one that acknowledges the imperfections with the right amount of sentimentality.
Challengers from the early 1970s continue to gain collector interest, especially in untouched, original form. While this one isn’t a big-block beast, it’s a numbers-matching, entry-level E-body that could make a great driver or full restoration candidate. And with its appealing color combo and relatively clean interior, it has a solid foundation.
Would you keep the sleeper 318 setup, or swap in a 440 and build your dream Mopar muscle car?
If the seats are truly leather, then it’s aftermarket, as leather was not a factory option. This car may have been stored on blocks inside, but there is evidence of moisture intrusion which shows on the steering column, gauge panel, and turn signal stalk. Remember with rust: “what you see, is a LOT less than what you get!” GLWTA!! :-)
Vinyl is the new leather.
That much corrosion inside a car is a scary sight, besides the damage it can cause, prolonged exposure to moisture often creates mold and its associated smell. Every soft part might need to be replaced.
Steve R
A 318 sleeper? Lol I’ve heard it all here now.
You can rebuild the 318 with 340 parts and it will run great! So, YES!, a sleeper with a 318.
In other words, no title, that means bonded title paperwork .For a nothing special Mopar rust bucket that’s a tall order, maybe a parts car for the right money but you need a freight car load of replacement sheet metal to do this correctly as usual.
In some states they don’t issue titles on cars this old IN NH If you have a title that’s good but they will not give you a title for a vehicle before a 2000
Not a bad price,,, thus far ~~
I like it. A MAN could fix all that rust shown fairly quickly. A 383 would be just fine and easier to build and use daily.
A 10mpg daily driver? Keep the 318 or even a six if you want a DD.
Yes it’s rough, but salvageable. Not much value in a restored vehicle, but would bake a bomb resto-mod. After you get the sheet metal/interior/electrical sorted out, drop in a honkin’ 5.7 or 6.1L HEMI & have at it!
You need a title in Texas, and A MAN with SKILLS is a $130 an hour+ to do the job correctly.
Sold on 7/6/25 for a high bid of $5,400.
Steve R