Original 340 Project: 1973 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger was the last of the entries in the once lucrative “pony car” market. And, it also had the shortest run at five years (1970 to 1974). This 1973 example is a Rallye model with the 340 cubic inch V8 (in its last year). We’re told this Mopar is numbers-matching and has a 4-speed manual transmission, which we think was outsold by the automatic. It runs but isn’t quite roadworthy, so you may want to straighten that out and then move on to the aesthetics.
With rising insurance premiums and increasing emissions requirements, the last of the powerhouse Challengers were assembled in 1971 (the 383, 440, and 426 Hemi V8s would all be retired for use in the small Dodge). The 340 was the top engine and by 1973 only the 318 and 340 were offered (the Slant-Six was gone, too, due to low demand). Some 8.435 Challengers were produced in 1973 with 340 small-block or about a third of overall Challenger production.
The Rallye (option code A57) replaced the R/T model in 1973. This example left the factory in Alpine White with a black interior. It once had a black vinyl top but it has been peeled off revealing a bit of rust. Corrosion is also brewing in the Dodge’s lower extremities. The seller said the floors are good except for the trunk, and it may need replacing (did the roof leak under the vinyl?). The vehicle runs, stops, and sounds good due to a camshaft upgrade, but more is needed before hitting the road.
Springfield, Oregon is where the car resides today. It has one of those under-the-dash air conditioners that folks always bumped their knees (me included). The Mopar is available here on eBay where the current bid is $12,100 with no reserve in play. All Challengers are popular these days and an original 340 that needs restoring should be worth the effort.
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Comments
Surprisingly luxurious interior for a muscle car, but steering wheel is rough. Is that aftermarket AC? Various issues really make this a CHALLENGER. Will anyone take up the Challenge and save it 🤔
Another car for sale by the guys with the TV show. A look at the rest of their listings seems like they are culling cars that are 73 and later. If the market starts getting tight, the cars without strong followings will lead the way down.
Steve R
👀 340/4sp.
Wow, once of Worman’s EBay cars might sell? They are always overpriced by at least double their worth.
This looks like a good project, with a lot of pictures, but I wish the seller had included some under the hood pictures
That Short Throw Pistol Grip Shifter is one beautiful Sight.
Dealer must be hurting if he needs Barn Finds to push his cars – wounder how much he pays BF’s ? Nice car to build so why doesn’t Markie build it….he bouht it cheap enough.
He makes more money building a car for a customer than he would by doing it for spec, if he’s busy, why would he. He probably keeps some muscle cars around to sell to customers, then get paid to build them. There are a couple of local shops or restoration suppliers locally that would do this. They would often get calls from someone with a car they wanted to get rid of for various reasons, but didn’t want to advertise it.
If you look at the other cars he’s selling, they are either 73 and newer or a base model. I think he’s noticing a change in the market and wants to get ahead if the curve by unloading cars that would typically not be someone’s first choice.
I think this is a readers submission, not an ad.
Steve R
He does this segment on the show where he dresses up as a stereotypical 70’s car salesman and pushes his new (but has been doing it for years) concept of opening “Graveyard Motors” where you pick out a vehicle from his lot / boneyard and then either haul/drive it away, or he can custom build it for you.
Maybe these cars represent his overstock, or the idea never quite got off the ground and he is unloading some of the excess that he doesn’t need for parts for other restorations and are not strong candidates (rare enough) for a full on customer-paid resto.