Stored 41 Years! 1973 Dodge Charger SE

The most popular Dodge Charger in terms of sales was not from the 1968-70 era as many enthusiasts might think. It was in 1973 when the Charger was in the third year of a dramatic restyle. Perhaps that was due to a growing interest in personal luxury cars, but it may also be that the corresponding Dodge Coronet no longer had a 2-door hardtop after 1970. This ’73 Charger SE has been sitting in a barn for 41 years, parked simply because it had developed a brake issue. Four decades later, it has emerged for a full restoration, and it may be a solid candidate. Located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, this forgotten Mopar is available here on eBay where the current bid is $3,450 (no reserve).

Nearly 120,000 Chargers were sold in 1973, up substantially from the 92,000 in 1969. More than half were the Special Edition (SE) which brought a higher level of trim to the car with the long snout. The mileage on this ’73 SE isn’t noted, but it was only in go-mode for a dozen years when it was put out to pasture in running (but not braking) condition. Everything about the Dodge is original, though worn or faded due to the passage of time and its location. The VIN plate, fender tag, and other verifications of authenticity are still in place.

This is not a fire-breathing Charger. It still has its original (we think) 318 cubic inch V8 with a TorqueFlite automatic. A plush interior (though quite worn out in the front) is flanked by the usual accessories like factory air conditioning. Though the car is finished in gold, the half vinyl roof was once black to contrast the rest of the package. After a tune-up and a gas can was connected, the seller got the old Mopar to fire right up!

Signs of corrosion appear to populate the lower extremities but may be minor. The rear section of the Dodge seems to sit lower than maybe it should. This car may need a lot of everything, maybe a little of this and that, or somewhere in the middle. Since the muscle car days of the Charger were done by 1973, this example may reflect the culture of the day when you were shopping at your Dodge dealer.