It would have been a different show if Tom Selleck’s character, Thomas Magnum, had driven a brown (Sable Tan Sunfire Metallic) Dodge Magnum on Magnum P.I. rather than a red Ferrari 308. Ok, so maybe it wouldn’t have been quite as exotic now that I think about it. Still, there’s something interesting about this 1978 Dodge Magnum, not even considering that the seller has owned it since 1983. Thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip!
Those faded headlight covers may be my favorite feature, although not the faded part. I mean, the retractable, transparent headlight cover part. The headlight covers on the two-year-only Dodge Magnum are retractable when the headlights are turned on and they need help here, but they remind me of the 1965 Imperial headlight covers. We don’t know if the retractable feature still works on this car or not but I hope it does.
The Magnum was made for just two model years, ’78 and ’79 in this one body style only. Coincidentally, Tom Selleck is 79 years old. Enough with the Magnum P.I. references already, SG! Even though over 73,000 of these cars were made in those two years, they’re unusual to see today. The seller says this example has some “minor rust,” but don’t we all, after 46 years? I know I do. Unless I’m missing it, I don’t see any alarming rust, dings, or dents on the body of this brown beauty.
Optional leather seats are a welcome touch in any vehicle for most buyers, and these classic, puffy, almost-Maserati-Biturbo-like leather seats look good overall. As expected, the driver’s side is showing some wear, and we don’t really get to see the back seat, other than this photo showing the right Landau window, sagging headliner, and part of the rear seat. They say that this Magnum has 104,000 miles on it, so it isn’t a low-mile creampuff, but it looks nice to me.
The engine is Dodge’s 360-cu.in. OHV V8 would have had 175 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque when new. The seller has a ton of extra parts that go with the car, which they have posted here on craigslist in New Castle, Delaware. They’re asking a reasonable $4,000 or offer. Here is the original listing. This is another contender for the under-$5,000 series. Have any of you owned a 1978 or ’79 Dodge Magnum?
I too love those headlights. As much of a dog as it is the Charger built off this body style actually looks pretty interesting to me as well. Yes yes I know 175hp, Malaise era etc. I almost got one of these the pizza place on Staten Island we used to go to my dad was talking to the owner and he mentioned he had a 78 Magnum. Had no idea what it was but a 77 Firebird Formula caught my eye before I looked at it. GLWTA
Good find Mitchell, love these Nascar lookalikes. 🏁
I owned one , put a dodge direct connection distributor on it when the computer went out and bingo it was fast and smooth add duel exhaust very happy same color too with a center counsel too bad a drunk driver t boned me a took from me
Some polishing compound and a good wax would be a vast improvement. I’d be very surprised if the cruise control and A/C work, but depending on parts availability, you might be able to get one or both working. Seems reasonably priced, all it needs is some attention. The problem is, these cars will always need attention. I had a 77 and a 78 Cordoba, and they always needed something. 35 years ago, parts were available. Now, who knows? Check underneath for rot. Someone might just buy it and fix what’s needed and enjoy a nice riding car.
I’m not a fan of the lights, they look like the lights off a Peterbilt 377
Yep, I owned one. I bought a 79 in February of 80 for $4100, if I recall. My first new car was a leftover from 79, mainly because the one I had, and wanted, was plain Jane; I didn’t want power windows. a/c, and other accessories. A great car with a 318, same color exterior, and a corduroy type beige interior. And stupid me, I never took a picture of it. Wouldn’t mind having another.
I loved the stance of the Magnum when the suspension was raised to wear larger tires all around. It would give that Magnum a more aggressive look but that holds true for a number of Chrysler cars of this mold back then.