In the late 1970s, Dodge needed a new product to keep Richard Petty in its NASCAR fold. The Magnum was introduced in 1978 and ran for two years, and may have disappeared after Richard didn’t win any points races with the car. The seller has a rusty 1979 edition in GT trim that runs but is showing its age. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it’s priced in Cheal Wheels territory at $2,000 here on Facebook Marketplace (with no apparent takers thus far). “Zappenduster” found this tip for us.
The Magnum was an extension of the B-body Charger, which had been redesigned in 1975. In 1978, Dodge sold both cars, but in 1979 only the Magnum was fielded. A 318 cubic inch V8 was standard, with a 360 optional (Police Interceptor at 195 hp). We don’t know which is in the seller’s ca,r as he doesn’t say and barely gets any of the engine in the photos provided. The GT was an option and not a separate series, coming with a heavy-duty suspension, a special axle, “GT” badging, and a fancier dashboard.
Sales of the Magnum were lackluster, 47,000 in 1978 and 25,000 in 1979. And then the Magnum was gone, although the name would turn up again in the next century. Whichever this car has, an automatic transmission is along for the ride. The seller says it runs well and may have only been driven 10 miles (since when?). The odometer reads 39,000, but the exterior of the car looks much more used.
The GT had side stripes that look a bit like those on the “Striped Tomato” 1974-76 Ford Torino driven in the TV show Starsky & Hutch. The red paint is quite faded, and most of the sheet metal is either dented or has rust-through corrosion. The radio and gadgets work, though we don’t know exactly what they are. The Dodge has a sunroof which may have been added later. The car will need a new driver’s side window as a storm recently blew it out.
At least it’s inexpensive.
Steve R
Horrible pictures, vague information = No buyers. Just let’s everyone know,it must not be worth the $2000 asking price!
Once again… I want to sell my car, but I want it to be a mystery and not tell you much. Certainly not show you much.
I’m inclined to believe that people think that is going to generate more contact and more interest. But that’s just stupid. It’s a strategy some realtors use for houses and it has success. But housing sales are way different animals. This strategy does not work for impulse buys like old fixer upper cars. In fact it does the exact opposite.
Gotta love the long video of his foot and the street, then numerous pictures of the rare sunroof, and nothing else at all. No idea what engine, since there’s only one lousy pic of part of it. Very nicely optioned car, all that’s missing is power windows and driver’s seat. Must’ve been nice before someone left it outside for decades. If it isn’t hopelessly rotted underneath, I hope it finds a good home, but that is probably too much to hope for.