While it was largely unloved when it was new, the 1973 Dodge Challenger has been like many classics from that era in developing a strong following among enthusiasts as time has passed. A high percentage have undergone significant modifications over the years, so finding a nicely preserved and original example today can be challenging. That is what this ’73 Challenger Rallye would seem to represent. Not only does it look good, but it comes with a collection of documentation dating back to “day 1” for this beauty. The owner has decided that the time has come to part with the Challenger, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Rexburg, Idaho, and has a BIN of $33,500. If that seems a bit steep, then you also have the option to make an offer.
The Challenger seems to strike a nice balance between looking aggressive and having a touch of class. It was ordered with all of the features to provide it with a muscle car look. These include the original Rallye wheels, fender scoops, and strobe side stripes. You would normally expect to find a bright and vivid color on a car of this type. That makes the choice of Dark Silver an interesting one. However, I don’t think that’s a bad thing because it does impart a distinctive appearance to this classic. The listing suggests that the paint is original, and its condition appears to be well above average. There are no significant flaws, while the panels are extremely straight. The owner indicates that there might be some minor rust, but nothing is visible in the supplied photos. All of the lower extremities look clean, but we don’t get to see the area around the back window. This area would be worth a closer inspection because it can be a trouble spot. It is especially true if the car was ordered with a vinyl top, as this one was. The chrome and trim appear to be in good order, and I can’t spot any problems with the tinted glass.
The ’73 Challenger Rallye was offered with the 318ci or the 340ci V8. This one is fitted with the latter, which should be punching out 240hp. It was also ordered with a TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Performance figures weren’t bad for a car from this era, with the Challenger capable of launching through the ¼ mile in 15.7 seconds. The engine bay generally presents well for a vehicle of this age, but there are a couple of things to consider. Some of the hose clamps look rusty, and I would want to replace them before they failed. My biggest concern is the significant coolant staining on the top of the radiator. That isn’t normal, and it also looks like it has accumulated over a reasonably long period. I would want to get to the bottom of that because it may or may not indicate a prior or existing issue. The Challenger is said to run and drive well, but it hasn’t had a lot of use in recent years. The owner states that this is because he has been trying to preserve the car long-term. Included in the sale is all of the original dealership purchase documentation, along with the original Window Sticker.
This is one of only two photos that the owner supplies of the Dodge’s interior, and it is probably the better of the pair. It doesn’t tell us a lot, except that the Challenger is fitted with Rally gauges that feature a factory tach and that the original AM radio is still present. The owner does admit that the carpet has wear and that the dash has a crack. Beyond that, there isn’t much that we know. The Window Sticker indicates that the interior is upholstered in Black vinyl and that apart from the radio and center console, the Challenger was ordered with a remote exterior mirror and air conditioning.
The 1st Generation Dodge Challenger was launched in 1970, and it appeared that the company had a hit on its hand. Unfortunately, it was a model that peaked early, and sales figured dropped off a cliff in the following years. By the time our 1973 Challenger Rallye rolled off the production line, sales had dropped from a high of 76,935 cars in 1970 to a mere 27,930 in 1973. The company persevered for a further 12 months before dropping the Challenger from its range. Today, original examples are getting harder to find. Many have succumbed to a hard life on the road, while many more have been consumed by rust. This one looks like it has avoided both of these fates, and I suspect that someone will snap it up sooner rather than later.
I rescued one of these from a junkyard, got it running, drove it for a few years. Started downsizing and sold it a few years ago, after it having been parked for about ten years awaiting restoration. Realizing that I wasn’t going to “get R done”, I reluctantly let it go. Apparently, I should have held out for a few more years, as the prices have really escalated! Oh, well! :-)
This is probably one of the nicest ones left, plus it’s loaded with some desirable options and is fully documented. Yet it hasn’t sold and just received a 10% price reduction. The market definitely prefers the 70-71 models and is more than willing to pay up for those.
Steve R
Why would anyone post a pic of the data plate thats mostly covered? Looks nice but would need to see the trunk and underbelly. Good luck and stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
My first new car, bought right out of school. Like the one shown but “Petty” blue with a blue interior and no A/C. 4.10 (4.11?) gears made it quick off the line, but top speed sure suffered – I think it was something like 107 mph. Probably just as well because like many Chrysler muscle car products it was fine in a straight line but didn’t corner all that well at speed. Fun car, but a victim of higher gas and insurance costs. Should have stored it, I guess.
$179.00 option for the 340 vs the 318. My family has owned more than a dozen 318-powered vehicles over the years, loved them all and yet all I can say is Wow.
I think that color gives it a more sinister look. I like it.
Yes but adjusted for inflation, that is almost a grand, so it wasn’t all that cheap of an option. The standard 318 was a good buy, esp with a stick shift and the standard 3.23 rear end. No insurance nightmares and used standard gas in sips vs gulps.
’73s just don’t command big bucks, and this one needs some work. Add the cost of a decent repaint and this is a low 20’s car.
Wow, a true survivor…looks to be completely rust-free and original, for the most part. The only thing it’s lacking is the Sure-Grip Differential on the window sticker. That, and maybe a Pistol Grip 4-speed would’ve made this the ultimate ’73 Challenger.
Without that bumper, that front end would look a lot better. A few years ago, at Owl’s Head, a guy brought a green ’74 Challenger, with the 360 and 4 speed. He tried for two years to get more than about 35K for it, but it didn’t sell. It was in absolutely mint condition, with very low miles. However, with prices going crazy lately, I would assume he got his price, by now.
Wonder whatever happened to the ’73 Rallye Challenger used in season 7 of MANNIX? Lighter grey color, no strobes, no chases either.
Did I miss how many miles are on this ride? Looking at engine compartment pictures the battery cable ends have been replaced. For $33000.00 plus I would want OE Quality Battery cables not cables with cobbled ends. For the record Dodge stopped making the Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda in March of 1974 they decided to end production of these two models early.
Your right,
I definitely wouldn’t buy this car because it didn’t have the correct $20 battery cable either.
Maybe you can knock him down $5k because of it.
Reminds me of my 73 Challenger. B5 blue, black vinyl top and interior.
340 4spd but was originally an automatic (swapped by a previous owner). It was mostly original except for that and the Cragar SS wheels that were on it and headers. I bought the car in 1983 for about 10% of what they’re asking for this one.
Anybody got a time machine so I can go back to 1983? ☹️
I hear ya on the time machine, to the 80s,but sure don’t miss getting paid peanuts, to work for the “piece work”wages of the 80s,but I was way younger, obviously, and didn’t have the experience, or skills to get paid big wages…lol but alas, we mostly miss the good old days!
I am in the dark as to what is driving the prices on cars, especially in this category. As I have stated before, the price of admission will cause a general “malaise” that will coincide with a further reduction of the casual participant. Perhaps this is mere!y old man resistance to change? I think not. I have always been able to find a niche car that satisfied my aesthetic at a price I thought affordable. Lincoln Mark VIII, Fox body, Z31 300zx, TR6, Jaguar R models, etc, etc. Now even these are no longer under the radar. As the Glimmer Twins said ” what can a poor boy do”? I have the sneaking suspicion our hobby is at a breaking point. My son may be right. He has a bike and a bus pass.