Considering that Chrysler Corporation hovered around 15 percent market share back in the ’60s and ’70s, it’s always a bit surprising how many people call themselves “Mopar men” or “Mopar women.” There’s just something special about their products from the muscle car era: Road Runners, Chargers, ‘Cudas, and cars like this 1973 Challenger Rallye with a 340 small block. Yes, the 1973 model was two or three years removed from the peak of Mopar Muscle, but it still has the look and, in this case, the power to back it up. This ratty but solid Rallye has a rebuilt engine and a four speed with a pistol grip, and it’s being offered as a no-reserve auction on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. The seller says you can restore it or enjoy it as-is, and the high bid so far is $12,100.

It says a lot about 1973 in general that the 340 small block was the most potent engine option available in the Challenger, but the 340 was always underrated, at least by the factory. Like everything else on the market (Super Duty Firebirds notwithstanding), the 340 had suffered a little thanks to lowered compression and smaller intake valves, but it still made 240 horsepower (net). The 340 of 1968-1971 was rated at 275 horsepower gross, but almost everyone knew that that was most likely a net rating in itself, and considering the quarter-mile trap speed of a good 340, they were most likely right. The seller says that this 340 has been freshly rebuilt, and you can see that it has a set of headers to complement its natural performance inclinations. The Challenger also has power steering and brakes to add a bit of civility to the drive.

As important as the 340 was, a manual transmission can make a Challenger that much more fun, and this one has a four speed with a pistol grip shifter. With a new clutch, the car “goes through all gears very nice.” One thing that may or may not matter to you as a potential buyer is the fender tag; unless I’m reading it wrong, the transmission code appears to be “D13,” which indicates a three-speed manual with a floor shifter. Personally, I’d rather have the four speed anyway, even if there is something cool about a three-speed muscle car. The interior is ragged but not unusable, and a pair of “brand new blue door panels” will come with the car.

With a new exhaust system, a rebuilt engine, and a fairly solid body from what I can see (there’s a rusty spot on the passenger door), this could be a fun “beater” muscle car if the price is right, and it’s absolutely worth restoring if that is your preference. With seven days left on the auction, the price is certain to climb, but it will be fun to watch what kind of deal some lucky buyer gets on a neat late-muscle-era Challenger.