While this Dodge Magnum looks tough with its original, worn-off paint and wide wheels and tires, don’t get too excited: the rolling stock it sits on isn’t included in the sale. If your enthusiasm hasn’t been curbed too much by knowing it will be sold on plain-jane steel wheels, you may want to keep exploring the Magnum that wears factory paint with no rot-through anywhere on or in the body. There’s just two owners from new, too. Find it here on eBay with a $2,500 Buy-It-Now.
I feel like my enthusiasm for this Magnum would slide off considerably if I saw it parked on old steel wheels. The wider rubber and wheels really does make a difference here, but you’re still walking away with what I’m guessing is one of a very few Magnums left still wearing original paint. This is the lower-spec “XE” model, which trailed the GT edition in terms of performance hardware and features. Dare I say, the paint even appears shiny below the beltline?
At least it doesn’t have the base engine option, the lowly 318. Instead, it’s optioned with the 360ci V8, which the seller says did run, but currently does not. He blames any number of scenarios, ranging from a bad coil to the “…lean burn acting up.” These engines were not tremendously gratifying to try and sort, either, as the low power outputs reflected how neutered the American muscle car industry had become.
The seller purchased this Magnum from the daughter of the original owner, so you’ll be the third owner assuming his name isn’t on the paperwork. The interior is tired but not destroyed; black on red is a great color combination and the carpets look quite clean. I’ve always found the Magnum’s looks to be quite attractive, especially with those covered headlamp assemblies. Would you repaint this example or leave its perfectly-aged finish in place?
Neither. This car is pure junk.
I remember I found one at a used car dealership, but my father said no way. He was very smart.
Owned one brand new I was young and dumb. I sure someone will see a project here but not me.
Selling keeping the 2000 dollar rims leaves a 500 dollar non runner
Going back to the days of youth when I worked for a Dodge dealer and prepped these when new for sale after arrival. Didn’t care for them much then and that still remains the same.
Attitude about these seems to be that since they’re not Challengers, crush them all. But I happen to think they’re pretty cool. Smog-era cars look like custom coachwork compared to today’s shiny jellybeans.
Agreed, $500 car.
Tops!
You might find someone interested in this used up and beat to death rat trap on a Mopar forum, but even then, these were not well made and there’s no demand for them. It must have been nice when new with all those rare options, though. I had a 78 Chrysler Cordoba with less options, in much better shape than this one, and they’re just not well made. I think this poor Dodge is used up, spent.
quite a few became winter rats in new york state then ended up in boneyards….sad for a decent looking vehicle actually
Not bad, but the price is optimistic. I’d rather a Tbird from the same year…more gentleman like in its demeanor.
I happen to like these knew a co-worker in FLORIDA who had a silver Magnum he didn’t seem to have any problems with it, first thing I would do is get rid of lean burn system like I did with my St.Regis ,that is if mopar performance still has the older style electronic ignition system, then get a Holley spread bore 4barrel. But agree that way over priced ,even with wheels and tires ,at least in my book certainly without the wheels and tires $500 would be about right
I owned a ’79 Dodge Magnum GT for three years in 1980-1983. It took me decades the find this one with G.T., T-tops and E-58 Police package. Have something that is different and stands out at car shows……
Sweet!
Had a ‘78 Córdoba, Black with rich Red Corinthian “lather”. Headliner fell down on head. Sold to gardener for $500.
This one has lived beyond it’s usefulness. Pass.
I like the faded look with those nice aftermarket wheels, does have a certain swagger about it. Needs something more under the hood to back that look up.
I remember more than a few of these back in the eighties cruising around, same type of wheels same dark paint, they weren’t fast but I thought they were fair looking.
First impressions are never forgotten, many had bad ones when it came to these and other smog riddled cars of this era. Understand it completely.
Had a friend back the 80s who bought one with a 360. It was a dog and not very exciting style wise. He thought it was a real hot rod with the dual thrush glass packs!
I like the look of these a lot. Dodge nailed the long hood/short trunk balance, much like the 67 Eldorado, 70 Gran Prix & 72 Cutlass. The mid-70’s GM coupes didn’t have the look & Ford never got the proportion right. Not saying this is a deal, just that it would be way cool with decent 360 or a later Hemi 5.7 swap.
Lowly? 318 was a great engine, many of my power wagons and sno commanders had them, they were running great til frames cracked in half