In its original guise, this 1973 Dodge Charger Rallye would have offered its owner performance that was pretty respectable. Today, this car pushes that up a notch or three thanks to the updated motor hiding under the hood. Its presentation is also impressive, which means that it seems to have all of the bases covered. The owner has decided to part with this immaculate Charger, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Millville, New Jersey, and some reasonably frantic bidding has pushed the price to $20,100. However, that figure remains short of the reserve. Barn Finder Larry D is developing a reputation for spotting some pretty incredible classics for us to feature, so thank you so much for referring the Charger to us, Larry.
Some people aren’t that taken by cars wearing shades of brown, but that’s a matter of taste. I respect this opinion, and these differing opinions are one of the wonderful characteristics of the classic car world. This Charger wears a color called Dark Gold, and it looks as rich as the metal after which it is named. The color and shine are almost deep enough to walk into, while the Phoenix reflective side graphics add a subtle contrast. I can’t spot any flaws with either the paint or panels, while the owner claims that the car is completely rust-free. He is so confident in its solid state and lack of Bondo that he suggests that it would easily pass the “magnet” test. The rear spoiler adds a touch of menace, and this impression is accentuated by a set of American Racing wheels with a relatively new set of Cooper tires. Those wheels won’t be to everyone’s taste, and while I tend to prefer originality, I think these suit the car’s character admirably.
When the Charger was shiny and new, its engine bay housed a 400ci V8 that produced a respectable 260hp. When combined with the 4-speed manual transmission, it allowed the car to burst through the ¼ mile in 15.4 seconds. The original owner also decided to equip this classic with power steering and power brakes, which should have made for an effortless driving experience. It seems that this car is now on its third engine. Today, we find a mighty 440ci unit that should get this Charger up and moving pretty effectively. If a buyer in ’73 had chosen the 440 (which was only offered with a TorqueFlite transmission), they would have found a motor producing 280hp. Thanks to a rebuild that included refreshed cylinder heads and a Howard camshaft, I expect that figure to be significantly higher. However, the owner didn’t stop there because he has recently installed new front brake discs, new tires, and a list of additional work as long as your arm. All of this hard work has been worth the effort because the owner says that the 440 feels strong and that the car drives perfectly. For those who are interested, he also holds the 400ci V8 that he pulled from the vehicle. It isn’t numbers-matching, but it seems that he is happy to throw that in with this deal.
If you have been waiting for some bad news with this Dodge, it seems that you could be waiting quite a while longer. When we turn our attention to its interior, we find further evidence of spotless presentation. The seats are upholstered in Tan vinyl, and this is in excellent condition. There is no visible wear and no physical damage to note, while the dash, pad, and console are in as-new condition. The owner has recently installed a new carpet set, and an upgraded retro-style stereo takes care of entertainment on the road. My favorite feature is the pistol-grip shifter for the 4-speed. It doesn’t matter how often I see them, it never seems to diminish my feeling that these are about the coolest shifters that any manufacturer fitted to a production model.
If potential buyers are looking for a 1973 Dodge Charger Rallye that is a 100% original and unmolested survivor, this won’t be the car for them. However, for anyone looking for a classic Mopar model that offers a combination of stunning overall condition, an imposing presence, and respectable performance, this car would seem to tick those boxes. I don’t need to tell you how great this car is because the forty-six bids that it has received to date speak louder than any words. With what you now know about this classic, are you tempted to become the forty-seventh bidder?
Suspiciously missing is a photo of the inside of the driver’s side door. Seems curious, and I wonder if anything is being hidden from bidders.
What a great looking car, and well equipped.
This is a very nice ride, I like the wheels, the engine upgrade, the whole enchilada. These models get so much flak because they are not the the 68-70 which everyone desires, to hell with that. These cars deserve their due, it was a good look with the the long hood and short deck lid. The Government was about to create the stupid bumper mandate,smog controlled detuned engine’s, and the greedy insurance companies were going to make you pay higher premiums ( ever notice that some of the largest buildings are owned by insurance companies)? This is a damn. nice car that I would be proud to own, even if it is brown.
I recall that somewhere in this time frame a few states were beginning to require insurance and something called “no fault insurance” was being forced on car owners. Insurance companies and casinos have similar business models.
Desmogging in ’73 wasn’t too bad yet, the worst being engines that were detuned a bit. The worst was yet to come starting with 1975’s unleaded fuel only mandate.
A Brown UPS car
If you are looking for the vehicle serial number plate and/or body code plate, they are on the eBay site for this car,
Good looking car in a color I like, I just wish it didn’t have the basket handle on the back.
440 and 4 speed. What not to like!
Different strokes for different folks. To many, including myself, examples like this as far as putrid color and ugly ardvark body design were always less that their predecessors. Was that way back in the late 1970s onward and surely is the same to this day. I am sure the engine in this raises value but with current prices must also reflect the theory that a rising tide lifts all boats and so values of other Mopar muscle cars are lifting up this ugly relative’s value.
Don’t you think that’s a little harsh? Different strokes and all that? It’s no 2nd Gen, for sure, but it is a great example of Gen 3s and it did do pretty well on the NASCAR tracks of the era. I like it but I truly love the 68-70 body style more.
To each their own. Even though I prefer the ’68-70 models,this is one classy machine. I like the brown myself and the only problem with owning this car in my area is being constantly asked”is it for sale”?
Don’t hate on the dark gold color. I had a ’71 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus in the same shade. It looks a LOT better in person than in pictures.
The later body style may not be to every Mopar lovers taste. But this is still a badass car and you won’t find many ’73’s this nice. For a clean 440 car with a factory pistol grip 4-speed I’d be willing to forgo originality!
For the ride,comfort ,style ,easier to work on,less troubles and price. Sure beats the new cars of today –anytime. Its a really nice car.
Hey Charger! Very nice. If only more pics of the interior were posted. One can never have too many pics when advertising a car for sale. Given its condition, I’d be willing to pay close to the asking price. If only I lived close to where the car is.
Just about anything with that iconic pistol grip shifter installed floats my boat.
Not many positive comments for Erik, car design has to evolve, they couldn’t make 68 -70 models forever. I love the older Chargers, but I think the following cars were very good looking, and had power for a while. The Cordoba was a great looking car, and very classy. But when they made them a Charger, and then the Aspen, it was a sad testament to a great vehicle. And the aardvark comparison was laughable, don’t be a hater my friend.
Back in 1979 a friend of mine showed up at my house with an original 1972 cars in this color , it had a quarter vinyl roof with slats,it was tan, it had a 400 Magnum engine in it? and a pistol grip 4 speed I have never heard of a 400 Magnum engine? But the car was totally original it had louvers from the factory on the back window and a wing, even had the chrome tip tailpipes with the red inserts in them, I remember seeing it and saying to myself, that I really didn’t think it was all that great looking compared to my buddies 70 red charger RT, now that I am 63 years old I absolutely love the color and the looks of this car it’s amazing the older you get how your taste will change, for the record I have a 69 Dodge GTS convertible that I will never sell, I am a Mopar guy down and dirty but I still have never heard of a 400 Magnum engine hahaha but what a great car he has there.
Great car. BUT missing the correct
round exhaust tips. The current tips look out of place with the splash pan that has round formations for the correct ones.
Other wise its superb
SOLD for $25,800.
The folks that sold this car are true sweethearts in every sense.
I am the current owner, if anyone would like to know about the car and the photos that I’m sitting in right now as I type this, feel free to drop me a line.