Finding a 1970s classic that wasn’t entirely strangled by emission regulations can be difficult. However, this 1974 Dodge Challenger Rallye coped better than most of its competition, with its range-topping 360ci V8 hitting a sweet spot with potential buyers. Its presentation is consistent with a driver-grade vehicle, and its few modifications are easily reversed if the buyer craves originality. The seller has listed the Rallye here on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. Bidding has scorched its way to $30,100, and with the auction in the home stretch, the seller’s decision to offer the Challenger with No Reserve has guaranteed it has attracted plenty of interest.

The history of this Challenger is slightly vague, although the seller believes that it once received a repaint in its original shade of Lucerne Blue. It is unclear when this occurred, but the vehicle’s overall condition and lack of significant deterioration support their claim that it has been garage-kept throughout its life. The panels are straight, the gaps are tight, and the lack of surface corrosion in the usual prone locations suggests that this Challenger is rust-free. The Black graphics won’t be original, but the Rallye wheels should be. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.

The days of the 440 and the Hemi had passed by the time this Challenger rolled off the line, with the 360ci V8 now the range-topping motor. It produces 245hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner selected that engine, teaming it with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. This classic should cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds, and while that figure is far short of the badge’s glory days, it was considered respectable in an era of dwindling engine power. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Challenger is numbers-matching. They state that the V8 runs well and sounds even better. That doesn’t surprise me and will allow the winning bidder to turn heads when they hit the road behind the wheel of this turnkey classic.

The Challenger’s interior is as tidy as its exterior. Trimmed in Blue vinyl, the buyer receives bucket seats, a console, the iconic Slap Stik shifter, Rallye gauges with a tachometer, air conditioning, and cruise control. The factory radio has made way for a more modern Pioneer unit with speakers in the rear parcel tray. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The vinyl shows no evidence of wear, the seat foam hasn’t collapsed, and the dash and pad are crack-free. The interior needs nothing, and swapping out the upgraded stereo would be easy if the winning bidder is focused on originality.

The 1974 model year marked the end of the line for the First Generation Challenger and sales volumes had slumped by a staggering 85% compared to the badge’s peak. However, these cars have become extremely desirable, as confirmed by the forty-eight bids submitted on this Rallye so far. There is only a day to go on this auction, leaving potential buyers little time to decide whether to pursue it further. Are you tempted?