The seller of this 1973 Dodge Charger SE proclaims, “This Is Definitely NOT A ‘BARN FIND’ CAR“. Nevertheless, the description given does make this car sound like a barn find and it certainly is unique so I’d say it qualifies to be featured here on the site. This 75k mile muscle car has been parked for a while in Freeland, Pennsylvania, and is listed here on eBay where bidding is currently at $10k with no reserve!
The Charger was down to three different models for ’73, Base – in both coupe and hardtop trim levels, Rallye, and SE, or Special Edition (such as our subject car). It’s immediately recognizable by its “slotted” fixed quarter windows. Like so many automotive designs, it’s not an unusual styling cue, just one that is subjective in nature. Opinions will always be mixed comparing the second-gen Charger (’68-’70) with this third-gen (’71-’74) version. Yes, they are different, no doubt, but the times were changing so the styling and target market changed right along with the times. Popular? Yes, Dodge moved about 119K Chargers in ’73, a notable 58% improvement over the similar ’72 version.
The seller of this Charger has owned it a while and is thinning out his collection as he states, “Selling car because of my age. Downsizing, I have other Cars I am driving for fun, and this car deserves to be driven“. Besides the aforementioned quarter window treatment, another standout feature of this Charger SE is its body-colored bumpers – something that doesn’t appear to be original. Hopefully, the refinishing was applied correctly and not just paint sprayed over chrome plating – that never holds up well. The finish is believed to be original and still shows quite well (though it has been photographed partially wet). The trunk lid is said to have a rust hole in the passenger side lip but a replacement lid is included in the sale. Overall this Charger is a looker.
I have a knack for reviewing cars that have no included listing image of the engine and this Dodge is no exception. It’s said to be a 170 net HP, 400 CI V8 driving through a typical TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. The seller adds, “Car will turn over and start with gas poured into carb but does not seem to be pumping gas by itself, Possibly Fuel Pump dried up, Or a rubber line got cracked or ruined sucking air from the newer Gas with 10% Alcohol“.
Onto the interior, feast your eyes on this custom upholstery job! The seller states, “I did the interior over to the way I liked it. Interior Is Very Very Nice, No Cracks or Tears anywhere, (DASH, SEATS, PANELS, HEADLINER, Console all Nice“. I would say that he did do it his way. It appears to be well done and in nice, clean condition – it’s just a matter of taste. According to the listing, the A/C system works but doesn’t blow too cold.
It is suggested that this Charger is not a show quality car, “but it is great for cruises or just for fun drives just the way it is now“. I can’t argue the first point but it sounds like it might need a little work before it can be enjoyed. Besides the custom touches and the seller’s insistence, this Charger does sort of sound like a barn find. Doesn’t it?
Pretty cars, but those vinyl quarter windows were the worst. Keep the nice big standard window for a cleaner look and better visibility. Also while the grumpy old man is ranting, does anyone else see fault in those (albeit standard) seats?
…”the A/C system works but doesn’t blow too cold…” How does the seller know this if the car doesn’t even run…the painted bumpers the interior makes it look like a circus car, IMHO…
Paint is much cheaper than chrome.
Circus car? I’m not sure about that. But you’re right, something about is weird looking. I hate that vinyl top and the white on red is possibly the worst combination that I can think of…
looks to me like someone tried to turn this car into some sort of starsky and hutch wannabe but it is their car so they could do that if they wish
I dunno it kind of grew on me painted bumpers and all..the paint actually looks pretty good
That Charger looks good. Only change would be putting on the 17″ version of those wheels.
A hood ornament does not belong on any charger, except maybe on the later Cordoba variant – tho the Charger name should not have been used later through today, IMO.
This is not a muscle car like the author suggests. And the painted bumpers and that gaudy white stripe ruins whatever appeal this car may have had.
This is not a muscle car as the author suggests. And that gaudy stripe and painted bumpers take away from whatever appeal this car may have had.
omg….yuk
Clown car?
SOLD for $13,601.