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 That said, this car’s two-barrel has been replaced by an Edelbrock intake/four-barrel set-up, so it’s likely a bit faster than the average Aspen.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?
I’ve seen many of these, they were everywhere, and I never saw one with tilt wheel. Ever. Most of these rotted away the first time they got wet.
I had one for 14 years and 200+ k on it. And thst was in New England
Lucky!
My Mom had a 1976 with the Slant 6. Beautiful brown/gold with a full cream vinyl top. Really good looking car and I fully expected it to be my first by the early 80s. Sadly was not to be as by 1980 it had rusted so badly ( we lived on a barrier island in NJ) between high water and winter salted roads I doubt any car could have survived longer.
I would drive it if I had it
At this point, any Aspen (or Volare) not full of rust holes has lived a very pa.pered life. With the 318, this should be a pretty nice ride. ( Im assuming they got the smog equipment issues ironed out by 1977?). That interior is in great shape!
No, the Mopar engines ran poorly at least into the 80s with their smog pumps and later, the lean burn system. This car may have a 318 but it will be no tire-chirper.
My father wanted a Cadillac but couldn’t bring himself to spend the money. He bought a new Volare in these same colors. It was a dog and he traded it for a Coupe de Ville two years later, figuring what the heck, not waiting anymore.
nice but not at 10k.
Very nice condition , and $10K might seem high but go price just a paint job without any rust repair, no uphosltry work or carpet ,the $10 K resonable
What these really are is a heavily worked over and gussied up Valiant and Dart.
Not in my book. Completely different front suspension, crappie engine management system, BUT, improved brakes. (the ones where the brake drums were balanced correctly) Living in Northern Illinois was a prime place to watch the rust out race between AMCs cast of vehicles and the Aspen/Volare twins. I have upgraded earlier Darts and Valiants with discarded Aspen/Volare brake, differentials and 4 speed overdrive transmissions. Had a,couple of friends that bought one of the “twins'” with the 318 andc4 speed overdrive transmissions. Even though a promising vehicle size and option(s) package. Neither kept their cars very long.
It’s amazing to see one this old and in this condition. A friend of mine had 2 S.E.’s, hand me downs from his 2 brothers, and both were rusted out in 5 years.
A shame, because both of them were sharp looking coupes in the S.E. trim.
This is the most loaded Aspen I’ve seen other than in a brochure or test review. That steering wheel was exclusive to the tilt column, however the 3-spoke was much better looking.
I know the rules had changed and power was down but these cars were FUGLY and had nothing to do with new rules , it was simply a total failure from dodge/chrysler/chryco and the ugliness brought them to their knees and then came the uglier k cars and all
BUT the K-cars did save the company along with the caravans ! !!
Replacing that original carb is a BIG PLUS! The original in ’77 caused that 318 to be the worst cold-running car I’ve ever owned. Had to warm it up for 20 minutes before it was even drivable! Several mechanics told me it was the carb design at fault, so if that’s true there should be no problems with this one.