For so many reasons, not the least of which was that it featured a 1974 Dodge Monaco that Elwood told Jake was 440-powered, The Blues Brothers was one of those films that remained on my frequent watch list for decades. It’s just one of those movies that makes me laugh a lot, plus I love the music, especially getting to see John Lee Hooker performing on the streets of Chicago. This 1974 Dodge Monaco here on Facebook Marketplace certainly isn’t the first Mopar that’s been fixed up to emulate the famous Bluesmobile, but it’s a respectable effort for those seeking something that’s sure to draw attention everywhere you go. Priced at $13,500, this one is located in Oswego, Illinois, not far at all from The Windy City, and we’d like to thank reader Zappenduster for providing the tip here!
As far as attention to detail goes, this one scores pretty high, with the seller stating that it’s been aged outside to look dirty like an old, worn-out police car. Kudos are also owed to the owner for being forthcoming about some rust and body filler, and he states that if you want a pristine car, you’d better keep looking. On the other hand, police cruisers tend to live an abusive life, and I’m sure those in a climate like Chicago receive some exceptionally hard use during the winter months, so I’m thinking this one’s probably just about at the right funk-level outside to function as an ideal Bluesmobile.
In 1974, the 440 was still an option in the Monaco, and it’s reported that many of the various Bluesmobiles used in the movie were indeed equipped with this desirable engine. However, this one features a 400, which was the next size down, but it’s good that the seller states this is still the original V8 and that it runs well and starts right up. Unfortunately, the motor is burning a little oil, so don’t forget to check the dipstick periodically. It’s not mentioned whether or not the automatic transmission is still original.
While it’s said to have started out green, much of the interior has been turned tan, with its condition appearing more than acceptable for a Bluesmobile driver. Besides the fuel gauge and A/C, everything inside is stated to be functioning, so there’s probably not much to do here other than get behind the wheel wearing a black suit and dark shades. This one seems like a fun build, and I can also appreciate that the idea here is function, not perfection. Did the maker hit their mark with this 1974 Dodge Monaco?
It would a much better replica if it was a sedan instead of a hardtop.
Yes. I see this more frequently than I should, and it is especially irritating when it happens in TV/movies. Stuff shot today with plots from 20+ years ago routinely have mid to upper level trims/configurations used as pursuit/patrol vehicles. What happened to continuity?
Base models tend to live a shorter, harder life. Fleet cars, rentals etc. Whereas private owners buy more up-spec and these last longer. When it comes to revisiting the past the base models are therefore harder to source.
It’s a lot of money for something that’ll never be a fully correct Bluesmobile replica and is no longer feasible to change back to a green on green hardtop.
even better as a hard top.
Everyone whos gonna see it in the wild, who loves the Blue Brothers is gonna get the warm and fuzziez and be reminded and inspired. NOT like the obnoxious peanuts in this gallerly who find the most frivalous and shallow things to nit pick missing the forest for the trees.
as for those who heart is in the right place here :
THE BAND !!
Its got a cop motor, 440 cubic inch plant, its got cop tires, cop suspensions, and cop shocks.
YOU FORGOT TO ADD “IT’S A MODEL MADE BEFORE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, SO IT’LL RUN GOOD ON REGULAR GAS-WHAT DO YOU SAY, IT IS THE ‘NEW’ BLUESMOBILE OR WHAT.”.
It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses.”
— Elwood Blues
Those are all classic lines!!!
I’ll add mine….
Oh look, the new Oldsmobiles are in early this year…
Love that scene driving thru the mall… 😂
There was a big kerfuffle with that mall. It was the abandoned “Dixie Square Mall”, in Harvey, Ill. Apparently, the film crew destroyed the remnants, and simply left. They were supposed to clean up the place, but didn’t. The owner tried to sue Universal Pictures, but good luck there. It was demolished in 2012.
“Jake, I gotta pull over”
Hit it.
That Night Train’s a mean wine! You better get bright, pal! We’ve got a show to do!
Eh, so-so movie that was vulgar when it didn’t need to be.
Even the cigarette lighter works?
“I ran out of gas, had a flat tire, no money for a cab, tux didn’t come back from the cleaners, an old friend came into town, someone stole my car, there was an earthquake,,,a flood,,,locusts,,,it wasn’t my fault!!!” We shall never tire of BB references, it was that good of a movie. RIP, both of them,,
Ok, you made me look. Dan Aykroyd is still alive.
Boy….didja git my cheese wiz!
The C body folks seem to have a special place in hell for Bluesmobile builders. Right next to the derbiers.
I think that is a reference to John Belushi and Carrie Fisher who played his girlfriend in that scene
“the motor is burning a little oil,”
$13,500 – Yep, buyers are lining up for a fake 40 year old movie car that is about to blow. .
It’s a hard sell even if you’d knock off the last zero.
Pathetic attempt at a fake. Too bad somebody trashed what looks like it had been a decent cheap ride to cars-and-coffee. Never know about original paint but interior seems nice.
Now, worthless. Upside down.
At least there’s cruise for that right lane mpg.
I think that is a reference to John Belushi and Carrie Fisher who played his girlfriend in that scene
One of the movie cars is a few miles away from me over here in the east coast hills. Wv/va line, Dan has it in his sister’s barn.
JAKE: “WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CADILLAC WE USED TO OWN, THE BLUESMOBILE” ELWOOD: “I TRADED FOR A MICROPHONE” JAKE: “OK I CAN SEE THAT, BUT WHAT’S WITH CAR, THIS STUPID CAR?” ELWOOD: IT’S AN OLD MOUNT PROSPECT POLICE CAR I PICKED UP AT THE POLICE AUCTION LAST SPRING.THEY WERE PARTIALLY GIVING THEM AWAY” JAKE: “WELL THANK YOU PAL, THE DAY THAT I GET OUT OF PRISON, MY OWN BROTHER PICKS ME UP IN A ‘POLICE CAR”
A few years after the Blues Brothers movie came out I was walking through a local junk yard (Jerry’s Valley) near Willow Springs, IL and there had to be close to 10 of these mid to late seventies Dodge Squad cars. Very cool to see at the time.