This third-generation Dodge Charger SE might be the nicest example out there. That’s no doubt the seller’s assumption as the car is priced accordingly. But there are a lot of automobiles here for the money, with a prior restoration and some build sheet data that reflects low production numbers. Located in Reno, Nevada, this white-over-blue Mopar beauty is available here on craigslist and offered at $75,000. What a cool tip found by Tony Primo!
With a redesign in 1971, the Charger attempted to repeat some of the sales success it had in the late 1960s (approaching 100,000 units a couple of times). From a low of 58,500 copies in 1971 to 119,000 in 1973, Dodge saw some ups and downs. The latter increase was attributed in part due to a lack of a 2-door in the Coronet series, leaving the Charger as the only mid-size choice in that body style. For 1974, an off year in auto production due to the OPEC oil embargo, just under 75,000 Chargers walked out the door.
The seller has done some homework on this car and has its broadcast sheet to back it up. We’re told that just 2,272 Charger SEs were produced with the P-code 400 cubic-inch Hi-Power V8. A smaller number of those were ordered with the same blue paint on this Dodge and the Y-95 finish code that supposedly was reserved for show cars and other limited-use Mopars. The seller quotes a source saying this is the kind of car that you should “jump up and down with joy” over without citing the source.
This Dodge has “low” mileage, according to the seller, although I don’t find 80,000 to be low. The car has been a part of a private collection for the past two decades and treated with kid gloves during that time. Everything is said to be numbers-matching and mostly original although the paint was redone (and well) a quarter of a century ago. No rust exists now nor was it found then, either. The drivetrain was rebuilt only 500 miles ago.
Parts that have been replaced have been retained and the seller has a second set of wheels and tires to use with the car. While some might say this vehicle is priced in Hemi territory (if one was even available in ’74), restoring a car like this that was in fair-to-poor condition could easily reach the number the seller is looking for. And buying one in this condition already gives you more time to show it than work on it.
Can we please quit with nicest one left question? Just saying
I happen to like it. When you’re talking about something that statistically no one put away, it’s an appropriate question. Plus it’s less annoying than the listings that use “iconic” like a comma.
The same care was not extended to the original paint on this car? – i have seen some GM cars from the ’70s with orig paint that look new & with over 200k miles!, but always garaged & covered when sitting, & no sitting in the sun or bad weather exposure.
For what this car is, all stops should have been pulled to keep & rebuild the OEM a/c compressor & recharge with still available R12 refrigerant.
At least the low compression 400(if not 440 as well) should have been avail for Challenger & Cuda in ’72-74.
Were they In short supply? – Chrysler is 1 of the big 3, for cryin out loud – not AMC! & yet you could get a 401 in the Javelin those years.
Go figure.
Nicest one left or not, it’s not $75K worth of nice. Even if it is exactly the Charger I’d want.
That’s a lot of bucks
Remember when a car like this went for about $18K? Me too. Because it was just 4 or 5 yrs ago. That being said, 250 hp in 1974 was a BIG deal. But nothing makes this beautiful design look worse than tiny front tires like those
1974…. By this time GM and Ford were two years into hanging low impact bumpers almost a foot off both ends of their products. Does anyone know how Chrysler avoided it?
They had two rubber bumperettes that extended past the bumper about 5 inch or so total, Or I heard that’s what the gov okayed.
I don’t see any rubber bumperettes on this car or any other 1974 Chargers.
Jus’ sayn’
I’ve seen one of these at car shows on Long Island, N.Y. Still with the original owner. He ordered it with every option, including the 440, buckets and console, power windows, and a factory sunroof. It might even be the same color as this one. It has less mileage than this one, and is in just as good shape as this one. Yes, he knows what he’s got, too.
And this one shows a Dana, didn’t know and never heard of one that was an option in any passenger car after 1971, because a Dana was only factory in hemi, six pack or six-barrel cars, and that option ended in 1971. So, something seems amiss on this story.
Talking about mopar cars after 71, not talking about ford or gm using a dana after 1971 in cars, maybe they did, not sure.
Ugly opera windows make me want to puke.
Not worth what they are asking because it is a nothing-special car.
So the “nicest one left” question is inappropriate and the opera windows make another reader want to vomit.
It’s getting harder and harder to please people..
Overall looks nice, i’m seeing a lot of a/c compressors like this one that seem to be replacing the oem stuff. I’m guessing they’re more efficient with modern r134.
not really more efficient unless a total system conversion was done, but r12 is hideously expensive and hard to come by so conversion to r134a keeps happening.
Now all he has to do is find somebody who loves it more than he does, GLWTS!
Nicest one left!!
2.76 std ring and pinion ⚙️. 3.23 3.55 were more lively options.
Dude please quit say nicest one left, unless you have proof..
There is a question mark after it.
I agree with the price is Hemi territory so now all the seller needs to do is buy a crate motor to include with the car!
Absolutely a beautiful Charger, but missing a few things and doubt it’ll bring the asking price. It is missing the SE hood ornament and front & rear bumper guards (yea, many didn’t like these but to be worth top dollar it’s gotta be original) and placement of the door emblems is incorrect. I sold my triple black 73 SE (listed on Barnfinds a few yrs ago) for $32k and it was a MINT original paint, 66k mi car optioned just like this one…don’t think 73-74 B bodies have gone up THAT much in value… Good luck with the $75k asking price.
Where are the “machine gun” exhaust tips??
No I don’t think that the AP fits the car at all put a 426 Hemi and Four speed Manual in it and MAYBE you get that at Barrett-Jackson with the high rollers …being of the 74 and not a 71 puts this Charger in the $30-45 K range price wise ..as of late only factory Hemi cars with Manual Trans and factory suregrip Danas ane bringing that much cash in private sales
Just my opinion
I read in the comments that cars like this one selling for $18,000 about 5 years ago but I remember when you could buy one anywhere from ¢500.00 to $1500.00.
So then I would like to get $100,000.00 for my 72 roadrunner.
But that’s a pipe dream 💭
Hey, it’s a nice car. But if I’m spending $75K on a Charger it’s not going to be on a ’74, it’s going to be on a ’68, ’69 or maybe a ’70. Here’s what I mean…
https://barnfinds.com/rebuilt-383-v8-1969-plymouth-road-runner/
They have an article about a 69 roadrunner for $54,000.00 in todays posts
I bought one of these—Same color, same 400 engine/727 Trans.
For 2K in Norwich CT in 1978. Had about 25K on it.
I beat the hell out of it driving home from CT to Buffalo, traded it 2 years later and got 500 for it, and that was a gift.
I’d LOVE to get another.
And I think the seller is correct. If you found even a #3 and wanted to do it nice you’re approaching 70K.
BUT, one of the things I learned about restoration before I did cars and had Indian Motocyles. DO NOT restore a vehicle and expect to get out what you put in. Only a pea wit thinks that way. Watch the Auctions on TV if you need proof.
And, I don’t have a C note handy to fill the thing every 10 days or so.
not worth the $75,000.
Hey it’s a great looking car but no way would I think it’s worth 75k.
I bought one of these in Norwalk CT also paid $800 440 sebrougham closing headlights machine gun tips that was in 96 sold it in 2001 for $3600 this car is missing the chrome trim on the end of the hood lacks closing headlamps isn’t top power option worth high teens at best
I’m an old timer here. I love this Charger! But to me, it’s overpriced. There’s a Mopar Dealer about 25 minutes from my house who has a used red hellcat challenger with 19 thousand miles on it for a little less money. Clean car fax and no body work. Original tires. I think I would choose that, or a late model, high end Camaro, Mustang, Mopar, or Vette first. That’s a lot money for an average guy. Good luck with the sale.
Mine is a 1974 with 75,xxx original miles; nicer and more rare.
I had the twin to it in beautiful shape, back around 1978 or so, sold to family member in 79, it got wreaked sadly.
Yes Russ, Chrysler 426 Hemis are available in every year and model vehicle. Crate engines and engine swaps make it possible.
While I have come around to like this body style and this being a clean example and obviously loved, its overpriced by a longshot.
My solid lifter C2 coupe I found on barn finds ( august 2022) has been a kick in the pants for a considerably less entry fee!
A neat car…but it’s not even a Rallye, and would need to be a 4-speed to bring even half of what he was asking. If it was a Rallye,the 440 cars will bring north of $50K but, sadly, they weren’t available with a 4-speed.
Bottom line, ’73-’74 Chargers and Road Runners must be U-code cars to bring the bank…or, at the very least, 400HP 4-speed cars. Sadly, this one does not make the cut. It would be a cool first-time car though for someone, and would be a great ’70’s jacked-up hot rod with some period-correct wheels. tires, etc.
Anyone remember the chips episode where a gorgeous one like it, same color auto in floor? Well, it got totaled in that episode, kind of made me upset at the producers or those responsible.
You should watch the original 1974 “Gone in 60 seconds”.
1972 was the last year for Dana 60 I know of. He has put tens of thousands in this car because it was his “baby” and will never get that back. After 1972 I lose all interest in Chrysler cars but it sure is nice.