After a redesign in 1971, the Dodge Charger was treated to a styling refresh in 1973 that helped to bolster sales by more than half. This ’73 was ordered with the Spring Special Package, which added Aztec Gold paint with a “matching” interior. This car is described as a survivor – original paint, interior, drivetrain – the works. The Mopar can be found with its third owner in Coffey, Missouri, and is available here on craigslist for $23,950. Kudos to Tony Primo for another great tip!
In 1971, Dodge differentiated hardtops from sedans by giving them contrasting sheet metal. And some product consolidation took place, so the Coronet 2-door hardtop was gone and the Charger took over as the sole Dodge B-body coupe for that generation (1971-74). The biggest change from 1972 to 1973 was in the roofline, which was a huge improvement (IMO). Dodge sold nearly 120,000 Chargers in ’73 instead of 75,000 as in ’72. It would be the car’s best sales year since its launch in 1966 in the personal luxury/performance segment of the market.
Though how many were built is unknown, this car left the factory with the A77 Spring Special Package, which was an appearance thing. The white vinyl roof, stripes, and interior layout make quite a statement with the special exterior color. The Dodge is wearing a set of Magnum 500 wheels, but will also come with its factory steel wheels and “turbine” wheel covers. The Charger has been babied as the odometer has yet to reach 60,000 miles after 53 years.
There’s nothing unusual mechanically here with a 318 cubic inch V8, TorqueFlite automatic, and an 8 ¾ rear end. Everything runs well, and the model year was before these cars were detuned to death. The first owner had it until 1981, and the second until 2021. One of them had the foresight to have the Dodge Ziebart protected four decades ago, which has likely helped keep rust and corrosion completely away from the machine.
Newer parts include belts and hoses, tires, and even a gas tank (why?). Two broadcast sheets were found under the back seat, and they have been retained to help document the classic automobile. This could be the nicest 3rd generation Charger out there, though the 2nd gen editions are the ones still commanding the big bucks.
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