Could this 1974 Dodge Challenger be a remarkable find that’s held back by some less-than-great photos? It looks like it to me, as the seller notes this was their father’s race car that was put into the barn after his passing in the 80s. The description is limited not by the seller’s neglect but simply because they don’t know much about the car; fortunately, a sheet detailing the race-spec engine build is included in the photo gallery. The buyer will get not only the stock 440 but also the blueprinted 440 that features nitrous oxide and 727 automatic transmission, supposedly good for over 500 b.h.p. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $15,000 and no action yet.
Here’s a photo of the Challenger from its drag racing days when the opening in the hood allowed for the six-inch riser to snake through. The one-pager in the photo gallery outlines how the freshly built (at the time) drivetrain features a 3.57 Sure Grip rear end, two “Black Stallion” Carter carburetors, new radiator, chrome alternator and water pump, all new brakes, Monroe air shocks, three-point racing buckets and belts, new upper and lower control arms, dash-controlled exhaust and nitrous, and much more. Way back when, the original builder was asking $9,500 for the Challenger, and the listing noted it was a “….brand new car in every way.”
The Challenger certainly sounds like it was lavished with the good stuff when new, but who knows what grade of parts were used. The build seems detail-oriented, at least, and the listing of the new components and chromed pieces could speak to a former owner who wanted both show and go. The racing buckets are still installed, and it appears to have an aftermarket steering wheel as well. Are they high-end parts or Pep Boys specials? Someone who built these up as track cars way back in the day may recognize the parts inside the car and can paint a picture as to how high-end the previous owner went.
No reason is given as to the stock 440 going back under the hood, and it’s not confirmed whether this is a numbers-matching engine. The nitrous-fed 440 will be included with the sale, and the seller mentions that it needs some work. Perhaps this is the reason it was pulled in the first place, or it’s just a seller who doesn’t know about the included equipment and is covering his rear by saying, “Who knows what you’ll find?” Rust is limited to a few spots on the lower rear quarters, but otherwise, it looks like a solid car. What do you think – is there a goldmine here, or just a pile of aftermarket parts?
This old racer looks to be on the last leg of the race to me.
Have never understood why people are in such a hurry to sell cherished family history. I am guessing the son has no interest in racing, that is why it sat so long, but isn’t there someone else in the family who would be willing to take up the torch? Imagine how cool it would be for some young nephew (or great nephew) to be able to race something like this without any cost. Only stipulation, he has to put the family name on the side of the car. That is a win win for everyone, and all of us really, because it helps get young people back in the game and keeps our interests going. Some of us old timers need to take a financial hit and let some young people get back in the game, otherwise what we love is going to die on the vine.
Looks more like a late-70’s early-80’s Street machine than race car.
Steve R
There is a peg leg in the passenger seat lol
In 1974, the biggest engine in this car should have been a 360. Last year for the Challenger and Barracuda.
Neither 440 that comes with it is original. Dave is correct, there was no big block in 1974. If it was a race car, it was street racing on Saturday night. The “big buck” 440 racing engine apparently has problems, and the 440 that’s in there now is totally unknown, and not original.
Add to that it’s been sitting since the 1980’s and there’s thousands of dollars that needs to be spent on everything from tires to brakes to suspension to fuel tank and lines before it goes down a road, much less a race track.
The price isn’t terrible (by current standards) but you can expect more rust than you might imagine. The local MOPAR expert did the body work on my 65 Belvedere and I got a BIG education on where a good looking original car will look OK but eventually have problems.
Can anyone else feel like this should stay in the family with the prosthetic lower leg laying in the passenger seat? I’d be worried about putting this on the strip and having an unseen entity help it into a wall or something, just because you changed something they didn’t like. LOL. Creepy feeling about this car but maybe thats just me and my superstitious mind.beliefs
Didn’t that creepy seller in Christine have a broken arm or something too? Was it a prosthetic? You might be onto something here. I am going to watch that movie tonight to see if I can add anything to this conversation.
I think the movie with Kurt Russell chasing the 3 girls also had one with a prosthetic leg
“Death Proof”, I think it was.
As previously mentioned, 440 not stock. It also kinda looks like it might be sitting in the engine bay a little too high!? Another “black GM ” engine compartment rattle can paint job, a huge pet peeve of mine. Mopar engine compartment should be body color
Someone call Cousin Dougie. They’re throwing in a nice mannequin leg with this one!
Looks like the previous owner paid an arm and a leg for it.
I’m all of my Years of being a Mopar Fan, I have NEVER heard of a 3.57:1 Sure Grip rear axle. I’ve heard, seen and used a 3.55:1 in an 8-3/4” rear axle. These were also available in the 7-1/4” and 8-1/4” rear axles, while the Dana (Spicer) 60 used a 3.54:1 ratio.
I believe that Donald Huff is correct about the Big Blocks being unavailable in 1974. He’s also correct about the ability of the E-bodies of that era being extremely rust prone (my words).
But Ron Blaser tells us the key to this car, noting the black engine bay (Which were attributes of GM and Ford cars of the era).
This might be a very nice E-body. The price is lower than most E-bay Challengers and Barracudas/‘Cudas, but the evidence tends to point to an engine swap. That’s not necessarily bad. Just understand that it’s not original.
Anyone else notice the chain in the picture of the rear end ? What would that be for ?
It’s maybe the chain pulling it on the trailer.
Gary Sr died in the 80’s. Diabetes took his leg but he continued racing, one legged, til the end. His wife drove it to the cruise nights after he passed – that’s why the engine got swapped. I’m told the race engine needs checked for bent pushrods because Trudy flooded it and it backfired but I can’t confirm.
It’s been in the barn for at least 35 years. The barn is falling down and we have to move it, we don’t have anywhere to put it. So, out of love for the car and no family to pass it on to – we’ve decided to just let her go.
And yes the pictures are crap but my friend has an old phone but I suspect someone will be very pleasantly surprised.
If it doesn’t sell, I can tell my wife that I tried, and bring it home to my shop is in Orlando. But it will have to sit out in a carport. That’s the down-side.
My guess is it’s tied down to the (guessing) flippers’ trailer.
Ended: Jul 02, 2021 , 1:13PM
Starting bid:US $15,000.00
[ 0 bids ]
Item location:Long Beach, Mississippi