This 1979 Dodge Magnum sports an interesting look, with subtle wheel arch flares and moon-style hubcaps, combined with a rare T-top roof and floor-shift automatic. The Magnum is yet another car from the malaise era that promised big things with its imposing name and physique, but power output was limited from the factory due to changing emissions and fuel economy requirements. That said, it’s still one of the better designs of the 70s, in my opinion. Find it here on eBay for $5,999.
Surprisingly, the T-top option is, in fact, rare, with just over 3,000 1979 models optioned with them. The Magnum had a short-lived existence, which may explain why they’re so noticeable today when they pop up for sale. The transition to smaller cars made the Magnum a literal dinosaur quite quickly, and a short-lived career in NASCAR did nothing to help its chances.
When you think of T-Top roofs, it’s easy to recall various two-doors and two-seaters that left the factory with the, but not a land barge like the Magnum. Sure, it has two doors, but it’s not exactly a Datsun 280ZX or any other number of small performance cars that came with the paneled roof in the 70s and 80s. The red leather interior is the perfect combo, and the seller notes they just recovered the front seats.
The 360 V8 was good for just *under* 200 b.h.p., truly staggering for an engine this large. The seller notes that this example still has functioning A/C and recently received a brand-new vinyl top. While a Magnum will never be worth much, it’s a Mopar product with an actual connection to the Petty years of NASCAR that still looks pretty good despite its age (though it does need the cool headlights shields and replacement turn signals.) The Magnum is a car often overlooked by collectors, but is it time to pay attention?
Quite the Monaco you got there.
Cool car, you could double the horsepower pretty quickly needs loud twin exhaust
Nicely optioned car, but a bit rough for that much money. I’d be surprised if he gets an offer of $1500 or higher.
Sure, buy a car with the name of a condom.
Without the dealer added side moldings the look is so much more muscular. I remember when I was a kid working at the auto auction the GM was driving a lease return Magnum. It was a top of the line GT model with every option except vinyl top. It was arrest me red with a white leather interior. That was my absolute dream car back in the day. Nothing on the road at that time had the presence or class of that vehicle, at least in this teenager’s eyes.
For $6k please take off the gawdy wheel lip moldings, body side moldings and match up the tires. It wouldn’t take much to turn the RF tire in so there were blackwalls all the way around. Who does that? One whitewall…#SMH. Drives me nuts. But, I’m weird
Dang. At least peel off the auction stickers too. Right front fender looks pretty custom.
Believe it’s a GT with XE wheels…and those are cool aluminum discs with a turbine center Think it should have the police car wheels or it’s an XE with GT flares.
bought a 76 new for $5600 out the door with tax. The 360 always leaked out the front seal
I agree its a GT, making this car more of a value than on the surface. Mine is a GT also with T-tops and the coveted E-58 Police Package. Are you sick of seeing the “Belly Button” cars at car show then step up to the plate.
I normally don’t make comments directed at a person’s own car but Pete, I’ve got to tell you that I absolutely love your car! I’ve always been a fan of these!
Love your car Pete!
Very nice care Pete—thumbs way up!
My cousin had a Charger, same car in triple gray with 318 & lock-up torque converter. Gave decent gas mileage at the mandatory 55 speed limit. What a joke that was! Nobody drove 55 ! Great ride, looks, presents on the road. Good luck to the new owner!!