The 1971 redesign of the Dodge Charger was the first step away from the muscular looks and all out performance of the Charger, but they are still great machines. This one has been parked for a while and for one of the first times, we know why it was parked. Apparently the transmission went out, so the car was parked. It needs a ton of work, plus a new transmission, but the seller claims the 340 Magnum V8 runs great! If you happen to have a gearbox for it and want to take this project on, you can find it here on eBay in Lakewood, Pennsylvania with a current bid of $3k and no reserve!
While the transmission is a serious issue, I think it is the least of concerns for this car. Looking at the underside of the car, I see lots of surface rust. It could turn out to be superficial, but given their history of rust issues I have a feeling it will be issues. On the upside, this is a great color combo and gives this B-body a sportier look!
The 340 V8 is a great little motor, but sadly as all things went in the ’70s, emissions strangled the power right out of the Magnum. It actually still offered a decent amount of power for a ’73, 240 hp to be exact, but this was a far cry from what the 340 had once been capable of. With mild customization, the early 340 was capable of 400 or more horsepower! The detuned version has considerably lower compression, so it would be difficult to squeeze huge amounts of power out of, but there is definitely room for improvement.
I think this Mopar could really be a fun project, but I would want to check the rust too see how serious it is. As long as the frame and suspension point are solid, I wouldn’t mind taking this one on! I might have to find a set of high compression pistons and a 6-pack set up for it, but that’s just me. How about you?
Pennsylvania, enough said. Looking at his other auctions, he does a lot of dismantling. Already bid to 3K. Ouch, someone is in for a big surprise.
Josh, just to quibble a wee bit. I don’t know what year a 340 engine made 400 HP. I have an real 70 AAR Cuda (340 six pak) engine just rebuilt and it dyno’d at 320 HP. Original dealer bulletin listed them at 290 HP. Perhaps different rating system?
I am not so sure this is a 1973. I think they stopped using hideaway headlights in 1972. They either have been converted or I am wrong.
You’re right, Dan. That front bumper is a retrofit. ’72 was the last year that they were born with ’em. Good eye.
1973 Charger Rallye 340’s are pretty rare—less than 3,000 made. Might be an interesting project if rust isn’t too bad.
Check the roof line, which was new for 1973.
Barry Thomas’ “Wheel to Wheel” blog
John H., I believe he was stating ” you could” build a 340 to get 400 hp.
Don’t know why everyone guesses what vehicles are worth on BF. If the cancer is not to bad this is a 5k car minimum
http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1973/Dodge/Charger/2-Door-Coupe/Values
Hi AMC Steve, yes, I always check NADA. I also check recent completed ebay sales, Mecum top end prices CL ads, etc and what I am willing to pay. A good thing to do as you point put. The way I read the NADA low retail price estimate is if the car runs well and needs minor work. I am not sure about this car. Seems like the trans needs major work or replacement, that could be 1.5K. Also some rough spots on exterior and tires needed, some interior, etc. Again I am not sure unless I see the car in person but I am not quite sure this one rises to the level of a low retail driver. But I may be wrong. And again to my mind, value is also what the market is willing to pay for a car that is honestly presented and described accurately, and that can change moment to moment.
Right on Joe, if the rust is not as bad as I think it is this one has all the goods. Power bulge hood, hidden headlights, console car with deluxe interior, ralle wheels and it looks complete. Parts alone it’s worth 4-5k
I Agree many pluses.
This has lots of goodies as AMC Steve mentioned. Although not my favorite Mopar the value is there
Great project car.