There is a lot to like about this 1978 Dodge Magnum XE. Its Triple-Black paint and trim combination will appeal to many, while its leather interior gives it a luxurious feel. However, many will find the 360ci V8 under the hood very appealing. However, it could be the seller’s affordable price that will win favor among potential buyers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Magnum listed here on Craigslist in Chesapeake, Virginia. The seller set their price at $8,950 for a classic that appears to be a turnkey proposition.
The First Generation Magnum enjoyed a very brief production run, gracing showroom floors from 1978 to 1979. It was the final vehicle produced on Chrysler’s B-Platform, which it shared with the Charger and the Chrysler Cordoba. This first-year Magnum XE was ordered by its original owner in Code TX9 Black with a matching Landau-style vinyl top. It was 1-of-14 paint shades available during that model year, with buyers also able to select from eight vinyl top colors. This beauty is saved from looking oppressive by the contrasting Red stripes, which help the paint to really “pop.” Scrutinizing the photos seems to reveal a few minor chips and imperfections, but if considered purely as a survivor-grade classic, it remains very presentable. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the Magnum rolls on factory forged aluminum wheels.
The broad range of choices offered to 1978 Magnum buyers continued with the interior trim material. They could choose from cloth, vinyl, or a combination of both. However, those seeking a touch of luxury could splash a few extra dollars on the leather found inside this beauty. It also features splashes of wood grain, air conditioning, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio with an 8-track player. The interior looks extremely tidy for a vehicle of this vintage, with the leather showing the wrinkles that can rightly be associated with elegant aging. The timber trim hasn’t worn or faded, and the only visible aftermarket addition is the wheel cover. The carpet isn’t worn, but it does show signs of fading. Replacing it would lift the appearance, but doing so would be at the buyer’s discretion and would depend on their desire for perfection.
The Magnum was V8-only territory, but Dodge offered a relatively broad assortment of powerplants from which to choose. Capacity ranged from the entry-level 318ci V8 to the range-topping 400. The mid-range option was the 360ci motor found in this car. However, since the seller doesn’t elaborate on which of the two available versions this is, we can only speculate on its power and torque figures. Engines equipped with a two-barrel carburetor delivered 155hp and 270 ft/lb, while those featuring a four-barrel carburetor lifted the power to 170hp, while torque remained unchanged. The only available transmission was the venerable three-speed TorqueFlite, with this car also featuring power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller isn’t particularly forthcoming with their information beyond claiming that this Dodge has a genuine 71,000 miles showing on its odometer. It runs and drives, and would appear to be a turnkey proposition.
Dodge’s production statistics for 1978 make interesting reading and demonstrate that the Magnum XE made a valuable contribution. The company produced 224,275 passenger cars with a V8 under the hood during that model year, with the Magnum contributing a healthy 47,827 vehicles to that tally. The bubble would effectively burst for the Magnum in 1979, with only 25,367 buyers taking one home. This one looks like a beauty, although it is worth noting that while it fits within the affordable category, the price sits towards the top end of the market. However, with so much to like and so little deserving criticism, it might be justified. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?
Nice, no VERY nice. You DO know what this car was,,this was the car that young punk in the ’69 RoadRunner, the one with the bald tires, loud exhaust and Kraco 8 track stereo, that landed a good job at the trucking outfit, seen here. They shelled out just over $5500 bucks for this car,( with 8 track still) on par with other Gentlemen or Countess Cruisers, ( T-bird $5400, Monte Carlo $5200 and so on) and made quite an impression with the boss ( his dad or more importantly, her dad) . Got him( or her) a seat in that new 500hp Corn Binder 6 axle dump truck coming in. While I don’t care for the all black, it’s exactly what I would expect a truck driver to drive. A cushy relaxing ride home after a day in a tin can. This won’t be here long.
Question for Jim R. who lives in VA. I’ve never seen 5 axle straight dump trucks. Most we had in the Badger were quad axles, not including steering. I don’t think a quad axles could go 80K, is that so these can haul 80K? If so, that’s a lot of weight on a straight truck.
Beauty Magnum. Comfy cruising coupes w that V8 sound and torque.
Howard a truck that big sounds like a mostly off road duty unit ? Must have a pretty low top speed.
This. Is tempting. Those seats make me want to climb right in. Chrysler always made the most comfortable seats in my opinion. Surprised it doesn’t have a floor shifter for the automatic though. I lived in Chesapeake for eleven years. You don’t see many rusty cars down there and they have State vehicle inspection too, and a property tax on cars which I always found real annoying. But hey taxes are low otherwise. You get what you pay for though.
This is a very clean Magnum and the price is good!!
As a kid I always loved the Magnums because I thought the retractable headlight covers were SO cool. LOL.
GLWTS.
I had a 78 Cordoba Triple Black also and it reminds of that Magnum beautiful cars, I had many cars that time in the early to mid 2000s and I gave it to a good friend of mine because his mom was a diabetic and they didn’t have a car and it was tough for them to go to the doctor every time so it went to good use and they were ecstatic 🤩 and when I saw 👀 this one it brings back fond memories of my Cordoba! Mine had a 360 in it just like this one, these small blocks other than changing the timing chain once in a while and a tuneup and oil change ran very well! Good luck to the new owner!
The Cardoba was the sister car to the magnum. Thats why it reminded you of it. Just switch the front and rear clip and its the same car.
Very close, fenders, doors and quarters were significantly different. My brother owned a triple black Cordoba with every option (Including a power sunroof!!) and I was the one who kept it clean. He let me use it to take my then girlfriend to her Junior Prom back in ’78…great memories!!!
Anyone notice the intentional “Cord” coffin-nose FE?
Reclining leather seats and roll up glass. I love the 70s.
Beautiful
I had a buddy that special ordered similar to this same colors but had a 400 t- tops and a console with black leather buckets he waited 3 months for delivery and the truck had an accident on an icy NJ road and was rear ended by a dump truck his car was on the back and sustained minor rear end damage they gave him a choice wait for a new one or they could fix his and knock $500 off so he said fix it when he got it finally the trunk emblem said charger instead of Magnum LOL it ended up being a cool looking car but was a rattle trap from the start
Overall looks very clean from the pics. Can’t go wrong with a southern car. That’s why I went to VA to buy my 84′ Daytona turbo z.
I’d go $6k if it was the 4 barrel version and still had the FACTORY spread bore carb on it, but I figure if it was a 4 barrel the seller would’ve mentioned it because it makes them way more desirable!
Beautiful Magnum 😎
This same car was featured here on BF on 6/17/25 by Scotty.
It was price at $9,850 at that time.
I liked it then, I like it a bit better now.