Dodge was the last major player to offer a “pony car,” the Challenger, which debuted in 1970. It shared the new Chrysler E-body platform with the revitalized Plymouth Barracuda. The Challenger only lasted five years, as the genre had become saturated and muscle car versions were less in demand. This 1973 edition has a rebuilt 318 cubic inch V8 which has also been converted to electronic fuel injection (EFI) so – with a rebuilt 727 automatic transmission – it may run better than it did new. Located in Sparks, Nevada, this Challenger is available here on craigslist for $17,000.
The Challenger sold 77,000 copies in its first year, but production was down by two-thirds of that by 1973. Plymouth was having the same problem with the Barracuda, so Chrysler pulled the plug on both after 1974. Of 28,000 Challengers built in ’73, more than 19,000 came with the tried-and-true 318 small-block V8 that was rated at 230 hp from the factory. This edition has had the entire drivetrain rebuilt within the past 2,000 miles and the method of fuel delivery was switched to EFI. We don’t know how that may have helped performance, but it would certainly be more efficient.
We’re told the Dodge is blue, but what’s there now looks more like an old coat of grey primer. The interior, however, is blue and looks quite nice, including the seats and carpeting. Rust appears to have been held at bay, perhaps because of its life in Nevada, although its current registration in that state has expired. Since the drivetrain has been refreshed along with the suspension, exhaust system, wiring, tires, and a lot more, you should be able to tool around indefinitely before getting it into the paint shop.
In Good Condition, Hagerty estimates a ’73 Challenger to be worth $20,000, and top dollar is closer to $40,000. So, that leaves a good amount of room to fund a paint job. To present the car in a positive light, the seller has offered a couple of videos on a website devoted to this Challenger.
If this is indeed a ’73, then the bumper fillers and guards have been removed, and earlier bumper brackets used to “tuck” the bumpers. The dual exhaust was executed using an OEM valence and exhaust tips, a plus, as well as the EFI! Although I personally don’t care for the shifter, this appears to be a great starting point. I’d source a rallye instrument cluster, do the paint and cruise! GLWTS!! :-)
I know I’ll probably be alone on this, but I prefer the big instruments on the standard cluster. With decent ignition you really don’t need a tach at all.
As for the shifter, anything here other than the pistol grip is just wrong.
This one belongs on the set of Buck Rogers.
Not positive, but don’t think that the Pistol Grip was installed on the automatics
And, why is the steering wheel upside down? Looks strange.
Those holes are dangerous. My fingers used to get stuck in them.
Since you can’t see the front tires in the same pic, it could be just turned half way left or right.
@Jesse: True, but it takes a bit of thought to make sure that it is lined up exactly center like that, as if that is the position they prefer.
Just looks odd to someone who has owned one of these.
Its powder blue ; very common color for Mopars of this era
A somewhat reasonably priced Mopar, who would have thought it possible?
OMG, y’all! This is scaring the crap out of me. It’s literally up the street from where I live, I can afford it, and have time to go look at it TODAY! The ’70 is really my dream but this would do for a starter. Is she worth it? Do I go risk the temptation or not?!
You only live once…GO FOR IT & let us know the outcome!! :-)
@ChallengerChick: It would be a nice pairing with the one in your profile pic!
It certainly won’t hurt to have a look…..
Put 71 grille and tail lights in it, hot 340 with a four speed and suspension/brake workand leave the rest as is.
I’m guessing correct replacement blue dash & side panels & floor mats either were not preferred, or are unavailable, or are more expensive than black ones.
Not sure if those long mufflers are higher flowing “turbo” ones.