Describing any classic car as perfect is dangerous because a close inspection will often reveal a flaw or two. However, this 1973 Dodge Challenger may have fewer faults than most. The seller has turned their eye to every aspect of this car during the restoration process, and the result is a car that ticks the right boxes for anyone seeking an immaculate classic Mopar. After slaving away to create this stunning Challenger, they have decided to part with it. Located in Littleton, Colorado, you will find the Dodge listed for sale here on Craigslist. You could drive home in this beauty by handing the seller $35,000 OBO. A big thank you goes to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this gem for us.

I’ve always believed that the First Generation Challenger, based on Chrysler’s E-Body platform, was one of the best-looking cars to roll off any American production line during the 1970s. The company managed to get the styling close to perfect, with flowing lines and a muscular appearance. Even in its most basic form, a First Generation Challenger possesses a genuine presence that is hard to ignore. The seller has worked hard to transform this 1973 model into a stunning classic, commencing the process by stripping the entire body to bare metal before applying its original shade of Light Green Metallic paint over laser-straight panels. The paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of flaws or defects. It is complemented by a new White vinyl top that accentuates the lines of the Challenger. There are no dents or bruises and no signs of rust. The exterior trim shines as impressively as the paint, the glass appears flawless, and the Rallye wheels look right at home on this Dodge. Overall, first impressions seem pretty positive.

The positive vibes continue when we lift the Challenger’s hood and examine its mechanical configuration. The original owner ordered the car with a 318ci V8 producing 150hp. Shifting duties fall to an A-727 automatic transmission that sends the power to a 3.23 Sure Grip rear end. While this may not have been the most potent package Dodge offered in 1973, it was still sufficient to launch this classic through the ¼ mile in 17.3 seconds. It is a sad reality that cars like the current Toyota Camry can easily eclipse that figure, but this was about what potential buyers grew to expect during the early years of The Malaise Era. Sure, the Camry might be faster, but is it likely to be as desirable in fifty years? The owner states that this Dodge is numbers-matching, but that’s only the start of the good news. He sent the V8 off for a professional rebuild, and it has accumulated a mere 200 miles since finding its way back into the engine bay. Since receiving the same treatment, the transmission has covered 4,000 miles, while the original radiator and carburetor are also rebuilt. If any aspect of this car’s presentation disappoints me, the engine bay scores that dubious honor. There’s nothing horrendous happening under the hood, but the overspray off the engine onto the exhaust manifold would seem an avoidable error. The paint is also peeling off the booster, and there are a few areas dirtier than I might have expected given the Challenger’s recent history. The seller doesn’t supply specific information on how the car runs or drives, but following such a comprehensive mechanical refresh, you would have to think the news would be positive. The work has been thoroughly documented, and this information, along with the original Window Sticker and other paperwork, is included.

Apart from the door trims, console, and dash, this Challenger’s interior is new. The list of replacement parts is long, including seat upholstery, carpet, headliner, dash pad, and other minor items. Once again, the presentation is hard to fault. It looks like someone may have cut the carpet incorrectly to make way for the shifter, with the fault visible below the lower edge of the console. There are no further signs of wear or physical damage and no aftermarket additions beyond rubber mats to protect the new carpet. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury features, with the buyer receiving an AM radio, remote driver’s mirror, a rear defroster, and three-speed wipers.

Growing up in Australia meant that I was not exposed to cars like this Dodge Challenger when I was younger. It was only years later that I grew to appreciate and experience these classics. Mopar offerings were limited to passenger cars carrying the Valiant badge. Dodge models were predominantly commercial vehicles and the occasional locally-assembled Dodge Dart or Plymouth Fury III sold as the Phoenix. It makes me wonder how cars like this would have sold Down Under and allows me to appreciate how lucky the American buying public was to choose from such a diverse range of vehicles. There is no doubt that someone has the opportunity to slip behind the wheel of a beautifully restored Challenger, and it is a prospect that some people may find impossible to resist. Have you ever owned a Challenger from this era? Are you tempted to repeat the experience by approaching the owner about this classic? If you do, I admit that I will feel pangs of envy.