One of the most significant obstacles an enthusiast can face in any restoration is tackling significant rust issues. That is not a problem with this 1974 Dodge Challenger because the hard work is done. The seller has returned the body to a rust-free state, and it is now time for a new owner to place their mark on this classic. This extends beyond the choice of paint and trim and offers the opportunity to slot in the engine and transmission of their dreams. The buyer will only be limited by their imagination and the thickness of their wallet. Located in Everest, Kansas, you will find the Challenger listed for sale here on eBay. Healthy bidding has pushed the price to $8,500, although I’m not surprised that this remains short of the reserve. However, the owner offers a BIN option set at $15,700.

It appears that this Challenger rolled off the line wearing attractive Lucerne Blue paint. There are still traces visible in various areas around the car, but the owner has applied a coat of primer. He did so after addressing all of the car’s rust issues. He has installed new lower rear quarter panels and repaired any other problems. The result is that this car is now structurally sound and rust-free. Even prone areas like the frame rails, floors, and trunk pan, are rock solid, meaning that the buyer can ignore their grinder and welder when they tackle this restoration. He admits that the driver’s side front fender isn’t perfect, so the buyer can choose to repair or replace the offending panel. The trim appears to be respectable for a survivor-grade car, although a perfectionist may replace some parts. The glass also looks good, and it seems that the car rolls on a fresh set of Rally wheels. The exterior presentation is an area where the new owner could make their mark. They may choose to apply a fresh coat of the original color, while they may find another shade particularly attractive. With the car in its current state, such a change would be an easy task to undertake.

It appears that this Challenger’s interior is essentially complete except for its lack of carpet and a few minor components. Once again, it is a blank canvas for the new owner. Depending on the paint shade they apply to the exterior, they will have many choices for interior trim. They may opt for a faithful restoration, in which case a trim kit would be the obvious solution. However, it offers the scope for custom trim in its current state. The buyer may prefer cloth over vinyl or long for the luxury of leather. Regardless of which path they choose, the potential is there for this interior to look stunning once complete.

Lifting the hood reveals a lot of fresh air, and this is where the buyer can place their stamp on this Challenger. It isn’t clear what type of engine originally called this space home, but the motor and transmission are long gone. Determining what was there should not be difficult, and the buyer may choose to do this so they can perform a faithful restoration. Alternatively, they may slot something more potent or modern under the hood. This could extend from a 383 or 440ci V8 through to a Hemi. Following the restomod path with a fuel-injected engine would seem an attractive choice. This option would retain all of the charm and charisma of a classic Challenger with an engine that would be easy to live with and require minimal maintenance and tuning. If this were parked in my workshop, I know that I would find that idea tempting. It is a case of “horses for courses,” and your opinion may well be different from mine. Once again, the alternatives will depend on the buyer’s imagination and the thickness of their wallet.

Okay, this is the moment where you’re allowed to let your imagination run wild. What would be your approach if you were to buy this 1974 Challenger? Starting with the paint color, would you apply a fresh coat of the original color or opt for a different shade? What about the interior? Would you head down the path of a faithful restoration, or is the idea of custom trim too hard to resist. Now, the big one. What would you slot under the hood? Would a 383 or a 440 be your weapon of choice, or would a Hemi prove hard to resist? As you can see, the world is your oyster with this classic. Now that I have your creative juices flowing, are you tempted to make a play for this Challenger? If you do, I would love to see the finished product. I’m sure that we have plenty of readers who feel the same.