1974 was the end of the blacktop for the first generation Dodge Challenger, and the rest of the muscle car market wasn’t faring very well by this time either, thanks to the oil crisis of ’73 and skyrocketing insurance premiums for performance-oriented vehicles. If the Challenger had a fault, it’s that it got a later start in life than many of its counterparts, with 1970 being its inaugural and arguably finest year. By the time ’74 got here, Dodge only managed to sell 11,354 units, down more than half from the previous year. From simply a numbers point of view, 1974 is the rarest year for the first-gen Challenger, and while perhaps not the most desirable offering the demand for all E-Bodies regardless of pedigree is still very strong. If you’ve got high-level restoration skills and have been looking for one of these cars to take on as a project, this 1974 Dodge Challenger may be worth a look. It’s located in Kinistino, Saskatchewan, Canada, and can be spotted here on eBay. Barn Finds wishes to thank reader Jamie for the tip on this one!
So far, no one has placed the opening bid of 6,400 Canadian Dollars or $4,970.30 in U.S. currency. As you can see, just about everything regarding this Challenger is going to need some sort of attention. The seller says that when he purchased the car, he had pipe dreams of restoring it himself, but after giving his head a shake decided he doesn’t have the know-how or facilities to make it happen. He does seem to have an accommodating attitude should someone choose to make the purchase, as an offer is made to store the car for up to one year for the next owner once the funds have exchanged hands.
Long gone is the drivetrain, but things in the engine compartment are looking surprisingly solid. The seller mentions that this Challenger has been passed around as a project and parts car for decades, waiting for its day in the sun, and says he has quite a few parts for it in boxes and includes a few photos of some of these items. Some of the parts are stated to be useable, some not, and he also stresses that not all of the car’s parts are there. The car does come with the fender tag and Saskatchewan certificate of registration.
The interior is looking pretty barren, but the good news here it’s that the floorboards appear to be fairly solid. We don’t get any pictures from underneath, but the frame rails are also said to look solid, however, the trunk area has some rust issues. While this is not a project for the beginner or faint of heart, there may be some potential here if you’ve got the time, patience, and work ethic to see things through. There’s also an option to make the seller an offer, so if that person is you, perhaps you can make a decent deal on the car today. What are your thoughts on this 1974 Dodge Challenger?
Almost all of these were 318s. A good engine choice for a pleasant and reliable road car. I suspect that will not find its way into this, though. A 318 with a small CFM 4bbl carb, dual exhausts, a 3.23 rear end, and a 4 speed was a wonderful combo. If I had the skill I think I might tackle something like that, but alas, I am not quite that good and to hire it done would be crazy expensive and make no economic sense. Of course, I still have my 52 MG, my JD B, and my awesome Cessna. So do not cry for me.
5K US as it stands right now – not too bad for a project pony car when compared to other, rustier options.
True, but looks like it was stripped for parted years ago. Where will you find seats and dash parts? Some of this stuff is reproduced, but not all of it. You can buy seat covers, but frames? How about a console if you decide not to do the obvious thing, and go 4 speed? Too many headaches here.
Hard to get, but not impossible. Swap meets seem to have an endless amount of torn up seats and consoles for E body cars ; I’m sure a dashboard could be sourced- all it takes is a huge wallet !