Good Buy? 1974 Dodge Challenger 360
The “pony car” market got off to a rousing start in 1964 with the popular Ford Mustang. Chevrolet and others would come along in 1967-68 and Dodge got into the market in 1970. But the market soon began to dry up compared to the 1960s and two brands would exit the space in 1974, American Motors and Chrysler. Besides the Plymouth Barracuda, the last Dodge Challenger left the assembly line in April. Down from 77,000 units in its debut year (1970), the Challenger squeaked out 16,000 copies in 1974.
This Mopar decodes as having been built with a 318 cubic inch V8. But that engine has been replaced by one displacing 360 cubic inches, perhaps because the odometer flipped past the 100,000-mile mark. That was considered a lot of miles for an engine in those days before they had to be rebuilt. This one is said to run well and has new wiring and a conversion to an electronic ignition.
The Forest Green paint looks to be a recent refresh, flanked by a black vinyl top and a white/black interior. The only known rust is a tiny spot by one of the moldings surrounding the vinyl roof. The passenger compartment is squeaky clean and appears to want for nothing other than a new person to sit behind the wheel. The Dodge should ride better with the new air shocks that have been installed out in the back.
This machine was originally in California and now travels around New England with no issues. Located now in Weston, Massachusetts, this sweet Mopar is available here on eBay for $28,000 (Buy It Now). Even though the car isn’t numbers-matching, this might be one of the nicest Challengers you’d find at this price point.
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Comments
A 340 would have been a better choice since they weren’t “emissions” motors. I’m not really a fan of Mopars from back then, but I’d make an exception for the 70-74 Challenger and ’68-70 Chargers.
The 360 will look just as “stock” as the modified 318 that you describe. As soon as you put a four barrel on the 318, it’s visually identical to a 360 four barrel
A 360 will look just as “stock” as a 318. As soon as you put a four barrel on a 318, it’s visually identical to a 360 four barrel. This 360 has some aftermarket gingerbread on it, but the same valve covers, air filter, etc., would fit on a 318.
As far as the author’s statement about the electronic ignition, while it appears that this car has been switched to an aftermarket system (I didn’t notice a factory ignition module on the firewall), it hasn’t been “converted”. By 1974 Chrysler was using electronic ignition across the board, so this car was born with it.
Very true. I believe electronic ignition for the Challengers started in 1972.
Sweet looking car and nice that it drives from Massachusetts to Maine. Looks like the owner got to really enjoy the car.
If i am not mistaken, the bumper guards have been removed. Looks 100% better. They looked ridiculous, thanks to government intervention.