This 1973 Dodge Challenger is a two-owner survivor that has been with the same family since around 1975. Powered by a 318 V8 paired with an automatic transmission and floor shifter, it remains running, registered, and mostly original, with its factory paint and interior still intact. While showing its age after decades of use, the car appears solid and comes with extra parts. It’s currently listed here on craigslist out of Sacramento, California. Thanks for the tip Tony Primo!

By 1973, the Dodge Challenger had already cemented its reputation as one of Mopar’s most stylish pony cars, though by this point the high-compression big-blocks were giving way to more insurance-friendly small-block options. The 318-powered Challenger wasn’t built for dragstrip domination, but it provided plenty of V8 character while remaining a practical, affordable daily driver for families—exactly how this one has been used for nearly 50 years.

The photos show a car that has aged naturally, with the kind of honest wear that comes from decades of regular use rather than neglect. The paint is original, and while it has dulled and shows light scratches and age-related fading, it presents as a true survivor rather than a restoration project covered in filler or cheap respray work. The body appears straight in photos, and there’s no mention of major rust issues, which is especially encouraging for a California car.

The interior is also original, described as lightly aged but complete. The seats, dash, and panels will likely need a good cleaning and some minor repairs to be presentable, but originality goes a long way for collectors who value unrestored cars. The factory floor-shifted automatic gives the Challenger a sportier feel than column-shifted models, even if the 318 wasn’t the most performance-oriented engine in the lineup.

Mechanically, the car is reported to run and drive, and it’s currently registered, which is a big plus for buyers who don’t want to start with a non-running project. The seller mentions that extra parts are included, though specifics aren’t given—those could be handy for anyone planning to freshen up the suspension or brakes.

While 318-powered Challengers are not as valuable as their R/T or 340 siblings, their affordability and solid aftermarket support make them excellent entry points into classic Mopar ownership. With its long-term ownership, original paint, and running condition, this one would make a great candidate for preservation, light restoration, or even a mild day-two-style build. Would you keep its survivor look or start building your own street machine?