With interest in pony cars dwindling, the first generation Dodge Challenger didn’t even make it through its final year of production, getting the axe in April of 1974. That’s a shame, as it was still scoring very high in the appearance department, although the plethora of engine sizes that could be had in the early models had gone down to two. If there is a positive about the ’74 cars, it’s that these get the glory for the lowest production number during the first-gen run, an honorable mention in terms of rarity. This 1974 Dodge Challenger here on eBay is one of the last, manufactured on April 29, and it seems like a solid example overall. The E-Body is in League City, Texas, with the seller hoping for $20,000 but he’s also accepting offers.
The 5 MPH bumper law had been enacted by this time, so buyers got those mandatory protruding guards on both ends. However, from the sides, the car still retained those sweet looks from its earlier days. We aren’t provided with much history regarding this one, other than the seller telling us it’s a Texas car and mentioning that a previous owner spot-repaired some lower body areas, then touching them up. While the panels may not be quite perfect, the exterior still looks decent here for the most part.
A 318 with a 2-barrel was the entry-level engine for 1974, and although the car retains its born-with powerplant, it’s had a mild cam inserted and a pair of headers added, with the seller claiming a horsepower number of 210 plus. Recent attention under the hood includes a tune-up, a new fuel pump, a fresh carburetor, and an oversized Mopar radiator to help keep things cool in the bay. An automatic transmission is in charge of the shifting duties.
Inside, the door panels and console are showing the kind of surface I’d expect from a car that’s spent decades in Texas, with the dash pad cracked from all that exposure to the sun. However, the buckets and rear seat still look pretty good, with the carpet stated as new. There’s also a recent AAW wiring harness under the dash.
One area where this car excels is the undercarriage. We get to view 9 photos from down below, all of which seem to show a solid platform all the way around, giving this one some extra points in the structural integrity department. I understand this may not be one of the more desirable Challengers, but the positives still seem to outweigh the negatives here, and I’m a bit surprised this one hasn’t exchanged hands yet, especially with the option to submit an offer for consideration. What are your thoughts?
Wow. I always learn something new on Barnfinds. I didnt know that Chrysler cut the build year short for the Challenger. I have always been a little more attracted to the overall styling, especially the front and rear end a little over the Barracuda and the Cuda. It looks pretty solid with good bones
in the pictures.
I think little interest because no big motor available. Look how sales of the pontiac t/a increased in the ’70s.
There are signs of hidden rust and sketchy repairs on the lower rear quarter panels. However, they nailed the stance and the 1970’s wheels look great. The green 72 340 Challenger featured the other day wishes it sat as well as this one, of course with the rear wing removed.
Steve R
Those wheels have always been horrible IMO so many other choices.
For 20K, I think that this is a good buy.
The undercarriage looks very good, compared to how these normally look. And yes, there will be some rusty body panels to repair, Seller is honest and says that some spot repairs were made.
I had one of these in the same color except it was 2 tone white due to the factory sh@#$y paint job. The dealer finally agreed to repaint it after the factory rep told him to after I threatened to drive it thru the showroom window. That was a mistake. It came back to me worse than when it went in.
Although the performance wasn’t there, it was a comfortable car to drive. It wasn’t that great in the snow either.
Not much worry about snow driving here in Texas. 😁
I knew a girl who had a 69 Chevelle with the same wheels only 8’s on front and deep dish 10’s on back. actually looked really sharp. I’m guessing with some polish these would look better but this style was a love ’em or hate ’em. there was no in-between. Personally, I’ve seen worse like the steel slotted chrome wannabees. If you want the slotted chrome then you should buy the original aluminum slotted mags. I’m a huge fan of this car and if my house sells soon enough it is going in my new driveway.
I own a 1974 Challenger. So easy to put in a 440 engine – there are tons of them out there – I did, and make this into a bonafide muscle car. I upped mine with a six pack. The 5 mph bumper inserts can be removed, or it is very inexpensive to buy new bumpers without them. All parts for this car are readily available. Those not overly familiar with the Challenger differences over the lifespan of this model (1970-4) wouldn’t care what year it was – just that it was a Challenger. A decent buy for the money.
Pretty clean floor boards on this vehicle.There is some lower rear quarter panel rust/repair but I could deal with that compared to some of the recent rusty cars seen in the past few months.Still a very nice car with A/C