When I think of the iconic B-body Dodge Charger, a 1977 Limited Edition example such as today’s Clarksville, Iowa find, is not what immediately comes to mind. It seems that the Charger, at least in my memory bank, slipped away after the ’74 model year with the Magnum occupying the big two-door coupe slot. Well not quite, the Charger charged on as a fourth-gen model from ’75 to ’78 with the Magnum not holding court until the Charger’s final year. These last model big Chargers are not commonly encountered today but this one is available, on the cheap, here on eBay for a BIN price of $2,500.
The Charger was offered in two trims in ’77, the Special Edition (SE) and the two-tone Daytona. Mid-year saw the addition of the Limited Edition (LE) model and as the seller suggests, production numbers were low with about 2,400 copies being modified by Motortown, Inc. – that’s in addition to the approximate 41K SEs and Daytonas that found first-time buyers 47 long years ago.
The listing describes the LE differences as having a body-colored grille, painted outside mirrors, and a landau vinyl-covered roof cap. All-in-all, this $2,500 Dodge presents better than I would have thought. The finish is fair and that landau cap, something that I don’t think does this car any favors, still looks pretty good. Rust, unfortunately, has manifested itself in the lower passenger side quarter but the rest of the body shows as being sound and complete. Here’s a walk-around video for your review.
A 190 net HP, 400 CI V8 engine occupies this Charger’s engine room but sadly, it’s a non-runner. The seller believes the fuel delivery system is likely gummed up. The original lean-burn components have been removed and relegated to the trunk while a replacement carburetor has been installed. The mileage reading is 73K miles but there’s no authentication of that recording. Of note are the Moroso valve covers.
The interior, much like the exterior, is a surprise and presents rather well. The dash pad reveals a single crack and the white/parchment vinyl upholstery is typically discolored in places but still, no big complaints. Well, maybe one, the A/C is on the fritz but that’s expected – especially considering that this Charger is inoperative.
The seller tells us that he’s owned this Dodge for thirteen years and it hasn’t run in all that time. Fortunately, it has been garage-bound so that has helped on the preservation front. So, this Charger isn’t an uber collectible model as many of its predecessors are but it still possesses its own unique charms, wouldn’t you agree?
Interesting that it still have the round headlights and not stacked rectangular quads like the Coronets and others. Not a bad deal if everything else is whole and the engine can be brought back to life with a little fuel system cleaning. If it were closer I would have a look at it as a daily driver.
How the mighty have fallen…
Good write-up J.O, agree 👍
I think these are sharp cars, even if only relative to what’s on the roadways today. Someone with a little cash, time and garage space can have a car not often seen these days.
Not to mention that 400 engine is the last gasp of the venerable 383 big block in any mid size car on the planet!
Had a 76 Daytona with a 360. Was still going strong when wife 1 and I split in 1980.
Why does the rear right fender have rust rot and the left one doesn’t?
most likely a leak on that side. or stuff dropped down the quarter well to rattle around and rust. with the rust in front of the wheel as well as behind, i am more inclined to say leak.
Unique and interesting car that is guaranteed to be the only one of its kind at the show. Does another car have round headlights, louvered grille and tunnel back Landau roof? This is peak seventies style.
I had a 77 Charger Daytona. Not sure what the Daytona package offered over the regular charger other than body graphics and different wheels. Mine had the 2 tone tan and beige paint, 400 engine and t-tops. I remember with it’s massive horsepower it topped out at 111 mph and ran a 17.8 1/4 mile. Not one of my more exciting cars
It should’ve been named something else (Mirada?). They can call it a Charger all day long, but it’s still a rebadged Cordoba, and I for one, cannot get past that. One major difference, though: You could get them with manual transmissions. Not so for the ‘Doba.
this had a v8 , the Omni Charger was an anemic 4 banger .
Moroso valve covers made it go faster!