Declining sales led Chrysler to pull the plug on both the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger in 1974. The latter saw a production of little more than 11,000 copies before the end came in April, almost 10 years to the day that Ford launched what would become the hugely popular Mustang. Demand for performance cars declined year after year in the 1970s, and that spread to “ponies” like the Challenger. This patina-laden ’74 Dodge doesn’t look much like it did when new and the seller was planning on a restomod until a B-body project caught his/her eye. Currently a roller, it’s in Staunton, Virginia, and available here on eBay where bidding has reached $10,100. The seller hints that the reserve may be roughly twice that amount.
According to the seller, this Challenger was one of only 84 built with a vinyl top in 1974 (that sounds low). It originally wore Dark Moonstone Metallic paint, a white vinyl cover, and a black and white interior with a floor-shifted console. It had the basic 318 cubic-inch V8 with a 904 automatic transmission, front disc brakes (not power), power steering, and an 8 ¾ rear end. A tattered build sheet is said to back that up, which is good because the cowl tag has all but rusted away. We’re told the Dodge was dormant from 1983 until 2021 when the seller bought it, making this a two-owner vehicle.
The contents of the engine compartment are currently bare, but the seller is willing to help you fill that up by throwing in a period-correct 318 with a tranny from 1968. But the buyer doesn’t have to take these if other plans are in mind. The seller provides a thorough description of what comes with the car, new and used. Some work has already been done and we’re told the seller has about $21,000 in the project (the reserve?).
A shaker hood set-up may drive up interest in this car since only a Rallye 360 V8 would have been available that way. The seller was thinking of dropping in a 451 Stroker and a 4-speed but has made no further progress other than to alter where the shifter connection comes through the floorboard. The interior is set up for racing, including a roll-bar and the dashboard is no longer stock. Would you continue down the path the seller apparently was going or would you do something different?
Looks like quite a bit of nice work done. Just seems like the brittle crusty body should have been taken care of first.
Wow. Looks terrible in so many ways — but this is the type of car that should be cheap to buy, and the limited market for these beaters will shrink. Cheap – so anyone can have fun and actually drive and enjoy?
— Joe Dirt
I think the price has passed the cheap point already
I had a 73 but this car is basically destroyed, from what I see too much money for restore than what return would be! Unless you had this car in high school and had to have, go for it. Hope you live long enough to finish this major project.
The patina edition “that was driving as of Yesterday” has no drivetrain. The seller had the right idea in looking for another B body,
I don’t know but I think this has went down the same Road as one of my motorcycles.
It started out as a Honda XL 250 no engine, front forks,or rear wheel.
It’s first engine was a Suzuki RM 250 from a $25 basket case, used the forks&wheel also.
Beat that till the engine parted it’s ways sadly on a home track during practice.
Next I was given a PE 400 that was ridden very hard.took the front tubes and new tire wheel, Bars. The new Rings weren’t given enough room for the shot of Nitrous it got on a strait away,and too many R’s turned into 4th of July!
Next was a neighbor that had a built TRX 400 engine that was to go in the not yet built frame,and had gotten a 700 Raptor instead. So for $200 the High Horse 400 went in, But 1one Ride on that Thing and I said to Self after all the Thrashings, all changes, different part swaps, Engines, welding this bike is TOAST I NEED ANOTHER so I took out the TRX Engine and found a Solid XR 250, squished that 400 in changed the Bars and It Still tries to Kill Me each chance it gets!! And I Love it. ps my buddy got the “thing” and still rides it with I believe is eng # 7. Thanks
I think I see a rear sway bar on this thing, would that be a rallye challenger if factory?
It’s an aftermarket sway bar.
Did I mention a 1971 Corvette with a LS5 454, 4 speed , header side pipes, A/C for 26,000 dollars ! The bargain Rat that got away! This car makes me laugh then cry.
I love it, looks like the clapped out junk I drove in the 80s. The 4 speed hump appears to be from a 71-74 bench seat B body which would bring the shifter out under the dash so it would have to go.
That dash has to go
Maybe. If it had an engine, this could be worth $15-20k. Tops. Sorry but this car will never be worth what is needed to make it “Show Quality”. Not even museum quality- just cars and coffee quality. I know a lot of people think that these crazy prices will just keep going up. Uh huh , just like the stock market and housing market too. No, someone will lose their shirt trying to reach a dream that is unattainable. Good luck though – nice article.