The mid 1970s brought a gas crisis and a deluge of regulations, whipsawing domestic auto makers already struggling with import competition. Corporate managements responded by hastily devising emissions controls, strangling performance to boost fuel economy, and downsizing across product line-ups. Malaise Era vehicles were detested by enthusiasts, who had just experienced ground-pounding muscle cars. But the passage of time has cast at least a faint glow on these stepchildren, with models like ’70s Lincolns, the Trans Am, and GM “colonnade” luxe-mobiles catching a bid. Representing a more obscure corner of the Malaise landscape is this survivor-quality 1977 Dodge Aspen SE, listed here on facebook Marketplace. Priced at $9400, the car is located in Somerset, Wisconsin. Thanks, T.J., for the great tip!
Dodge launched the Aspen and its twin, the Plymouth Volaré, in 1976 as part of its downsizing strategy. Sold as a “compact”, the model was essentially based on an intermediate-sized platform: American car makers simply couldn’t absorb the notion of a true compact in the manner of, say, the 2000 lb Datsun B210. This example is fitted with the mid-range 318 cu. in. V8 and a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic. Sixty mph arrived in about 11 seconds – about on a par with most of its economy-conscious contemporaries. That said, this car’s two-barrel has been replaced by an Edelbrock intake/four-barrel set-up, so it’s likely a bit faster than the average Aspen.
To assuage the sting of degraded performance, the Big Three layered in luxury accessories, like cruise control, cosy seats, stereos, plush carpet, and other niceties. This high-optioned Aspen has air conditioning (blows ice cold), a tilt steering wheel, and cruise control. All the gauges and lights work. The odometer reading of just under 36k miles is believable. The car even comes with its original sticker.
The tan-over-tan color scheme is quintessentially ’70s. The paint has faded here and there, but that’s where the hue does you a favor – it’s bland enough that you almost miss the flaw. I like the Magnum wheels … in fact, this Aspen is so emblematic of the era and so well-presented, that I like the whole car. Of course, the one to have is the Aspen R/T, but that will set you back at least $30k. I’m happy with the seller’s price for this SE; I sure wouldn’t push it out of my garage. What do you think?
Leave A Comment