With all the exciting muscle cars that were available just a decade earlier, by 1980, extra trim and additional cosmetic pieces were more of the defining norm instead of hefty powerplants. The Aspen typically fell into the category of an economical or family car, but thankfully, the team at Dodge did see fit to craft an R/T model and include it in the lineup. Unfortunately, this 1980 model here on Craigslist has seen better days, and the seller is aware that this would be a very ambitious undertaking. Still, just 285 were produced during this final year, so it’d be great if someone out there has the skills needed to save this one. This Mopar is in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and will set you back $1,795, or a close, reasonable offer.
Until now, I didn’t realize that the Slant 6 was one of the engines available in the 1980 R/T, as my guess would have been that the 318 was the entry-level offering. Fortunately, the six was known for its durability, but not so much as a high performer. This one hasn’t made any power at all since 1993, as that was the last year the car was driven, but the seller does mention that the motor will still turn over. A positive note here is that this Aspen is equipped with a manual transmission and a Hurst shifter, both components that came from the factory.
With the tires sitting this far into the ground, it doesn’t appear that the car has moved from this spot in quite some time, and the seller clearly states that the floorboards and front frame rails are shot. There are also a handful of visible dents along the body, plus a crumbled rear spoiler and some rust visible in the quarters. Some of the other panels don’t look too bad from the photos, so maybe a few of these could be salvaged during a restoration, or perhaps removed and used for parts on a different auto.
Taking a peek inside, there’s nothing to get too excited about, at least regarding the overall condition. It might not require quite as much effort to save the interior area, but plenty of work will be needed in here before this one would be considered presentable. However, based on the rarity alone, I hope someone with the time, patience, and funds will decide to repair this 1980 Dodge Aspen R/T, but it’s no joke that that’s a very lofty goal. Are you seeing much hope for a rewarding project here?
Junk. Chrysler used the Aspen name later on an SUV, I had no idea these were RWD. If the frame wasn’t rotted and it had a title I could see it maybe.
To answer the last question at the end of the write-up: NOPE! Numbers-wise, it may be ‘rare’, but it’s way too far gone to even attempt. Especially with a slant-six. Part it out & call the hook.
I’m seeing parts car in this heavily re-styled Dodge Dart, which is what the Aspen really was. The R/T? Just an appearance package. The days of fire-breathing R/T’s had long since passed.
Tell us that you have no experience with the Volare/Aspen without telling us that you have no experience with them. With the exception of the carryover powertrain components, the F-body had nothing in common with its A-body predecessors, which is why Chrysler didn’t call them A-bodies.
I never thought i would see an RT with a 6 cyl b4 i saw a ’69 RS Camaro with a 6 cyl.
Parts car AT BEST. And only at half the asking price or less. And only if you live nearby, And only if you have an F-body with a TorqueFlite and you wish it had a stick. So it might be worth $500 to about 4 people.
Wow, if it wasn’t so rough and 15 hour drive away. I wouldn’t mind getting it. I had a 1976 Dodge Aspen wagon. Great car that had the 225 slant six and the OD4 trans.
To answer your question in the tagline , NO I personally don’t think it’s worth fixing better parts or just crush it like it is begging for someone to do
hey seller how about putting some tires on it so at least you can roll it you stand a better chance of somebody feeling sorry for you and buying it.
If I had the means it would get concours restored solely to tick off all the auction show car guys who say they like cars but really just like popular cars. That and I’m one of five people who think these are sharp.
Not performance in the general sense but if this was the 2bbl super six then a few more horses and 20+ mpg was it’s claim to fame. Probably not going to be restored but as TimS said it would be a good finger in the eye of the gallery.
NO
M-ade
O-f
P-utty
A-nd
R-ust
This is a perfect parts car for an older Dart or Valiant. The front spindles and disc brakes bolt right on, the bell housing and transmission bolt right on. And the rear diff might need leaf spring perches moved, but fits under the body work of the older cars. Then, you now have 5×4.5″bolt circle wheel pattern (getting rid of the 5×4″ bolt pattern) that makes for just about any cool wheel you desire. The 3+OD (4 speed with the last gear being overdrive) transmissions are starting to be hard to find. A neighbor had a ’63 Valiant that installed this transmission along with the rear differential from an A100 that had 3.91 gears. That little Valiant with the slant six hauled pretty well and the fuel mileage barely changed.
As, I say, use this car to UPGRADE an older Dart it Valiant.
Stephens call 📞 1-800-the-hook 🛻🪝
These cars weren’t worth fixing when they were brand new. I know because I had one.