Somewhere in the recesses of my memory, I suppose there’s a recollection that Dodge built a full-size station wagon in 1973, such as today’s Monaco discovery. Whatever the case, I had forgotten about such a model until I noticed today’s tip, courtesy of Patrick S. This is one wagon that makes a large visual statement, so let’s dig in and give it a proper review. Located in Melbourne, Florida, this very original, rarely seen today specimen of suburbia is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $21,000.
As stated here many times before, old, full-size station wagons are a hot commodity right now. The usual suspects that make the scene, however, are usually Chevies and Fords, with Mopar, and Dodge in particular, being well in the minority. Neither the Monaco (7,900 units) nor its wood-free sibling, the Polara (15,000), was assembled in large volumes, and they just don’t surface often today, 53 years after the fact. In the case of this car, the two-tone, above-the-beltline Dinoc wood appliques are definitely eye-catching; I don’t think I’ve ever encountered one of these in the wild. The seller states, “Nice, all original Dodge Monoco P series station wagon. Original paint. Excellent physical condition.” It certainly does present well. The Code DY2 Yellow finish still has depth, but the faux wood stick-ons are exhibiting the effects of time and exposure. The wheels are obviously not original, but the seller tells us that he has the originals and they’re included in the sale. One feature that separates the Monaco from the lesser Polara is the concealed headlight arrangement – I like it, it’s well integrated.
Powering this 4,500 lb., 230-inch long Whammer-jammer is a 185 net HP 400 CI V8 engine making the rear-wheel connection via a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. Despite 108K miles, the seller claims, “excellent operating condition.” The engine compartment is surprisingly clean, and of note is the modern Sanden-style A/C compressor.
The parchment vinyl upholstery is in surprisingly clean condition, and it, too, is claimed to be all original. The interior images aren’t highly detailed, but from what can be seen, no demerits need to be issued. It would be helpful to catch a glimpse of the wayback, the most abused part of a station wagon, but none are offered. What is evident, however, is the existence of a third seat – always a nice feature.
This Monaco is a fantastic find! It’s not only this model’s uncommon nature, but its overall condition is not to be denied. No, it’s not perfect, but it certainly is turn-key. Buy, drive, and enjoy, right?
Buy, change the wheels, drive and enjoy! Right.
Yup. I’d change those wheels right away!
That is one hellava wagon! I’d love to drive/own this!
This brand could have edged out Clarks family truckster for Vacation movie.
The old days of big long vehicles with no worries on MPG..
It is not the way back.
It’s called the “Back-b-Back” (Pronounced “Back buh Back”).
In what neighborhood do they pronounce it like that? LOL
No
Exactly. That’s what we called it. 🙂
There is a red one in the great made for tv movie Pray for the Wildcats,it’s on YouTube and stars a psycho Andy Griffith and Capt. Kirk..
It was for sale at the end of March 2023. https://barnfinds.com/one-owner-woody-1973-dodge-monaco-station-wagon/
And I think it still has the same rust on the rear crossmember. I saved the photos at the time (there are about a dozen, including the one of the rear crossmember).
drove one of these in the 80’s with the 440, brown with the fake wood, she was a runner. my brother and I buried the speedo at 120 going over the Hoen bridge in MKE!
$21K???? Not seein’ it! Just not seein’ it!
I luv those wheels!
Me too!
cool wagon lose the wheels
I posted a comment 3 hours ago, but it didn’t appear! I was saying that this Monaco wagon was already featured on Barnfinds at the end of March 2023. It hasn’t changed since then, so it must still have rust on the left-hand rear crossmember, just like mine! In 2023, there were about a dozen photos (which I saved), including one of this rear crossmember. That photo isn’t there now!
It got spammed and I had to release it. It’s uploaded now.
JO
I admit I don’t remember these, but I really do like it! If I bought it I wouldn’t do anything to change it. Listening to the comments about it, would be worth the price of admission.
I remember wagons so well and still really miss them among the sea of nondescript, characterless SUV’s inhabiting our world now. This certainly looks like rarity and overall looks in pretty decent shape, but more photos would really be needed to get a better idea of it’s overall condition. I’m no expert on what current vintage station wagon values are, but I’m not sure if it’s quite worth what they’re asking,
This wagon perfectly defines sunny ’70s affluence, just moments before the OPEC/Watergate cloud cover rolled in for the remainder of the decade (though the sun did burst through briefly for the Mark Fidrych/bicentennial summer!).
The very car I learned to drive on, albeit in metallic gold. I’m shocked that the woodgrain isn’t even more faded, based on the 73 that my parents had. And those concealed headlights, it’s unusual to see them closed since after a couple of years, they stopped working and had to be cranked permanently to the open position. The radiator was also grossly undersized, and the car was constantly prone to overheating. Oh, and did I mention that it got 6 miles per gallon around town, and 12 on the road? Dad always bought the biggest engine available, so we had the 440. Mom had a lead foot, and he blamed her for the cracked motor mounts, and I never told him that it was probably me doing 80 on a 2 lane winding road.
I have a ’73 Dodge Monaco wagon with the 440 engine! Regarding the woodgrain trim, I tracked down the second owner (his father bought the wagon in 1976), and the woodgrain was already faded after only three years! As for fuel consumption, I can confirm that even with a light foot, it’s difficult to get below 10 mpg….
But I don’t have any problems with the concealed headlights; they open and close properly, though the noise is rather loud.
I well remember these as my parents had one. My mother hated that to blow the horn you merely had to squeeze the steering wheel
I would have loved to hate the rim blow steering wheel, but alas, it no longer works on mine!
Like the one on The Mod Squad…