What’s the first thing you can think of when talking about the 1973 Challenger? This model year’s biggest change was the lack of a six-cylinder engine, as Dodge decided to go all-in on the V8 engine.
The hardtop was available with a 318 V8 as the standard engine, producing 150 horsepower (it was the first year carmakers were required to report the engine output in net horsepower). The more desirable Rallye version was fitted with a 340 engine, though late-model year Challengers were upgraded to a 360 for more power (the 360 was also the standard choice on the 1964 Rallye).
The Challenger was no longer fitted with massive big blocks developing insane power, so many restorers trying to bring back a 1973 model year to life end up installing a new engine under the hood.
The hardtop in these pictures landed on Craigslist earlier this week with the original 340 under the hood. The owner says the vehicle spent many years in a garage, and they purchased it approximately three years ago to give it a restoration.
The car already has a new aluminum radiator, a fuel-sending unit, and a carpet. However, the interior is the main selling point, as it looks incredible for a car this old. The front seats are nearly spotless, the back seats are clear and don’t exhibit any rips, and the headliner looks like it’s on a new car (though it needs a thorough wash).
It doesn’t mean this Challenger is the perfect restoration project. The buyer must be ready for some serious bodywork, and despite the seller not sharing any specifics on a potential rust invasion, I don’t expect the floors to be spotless. They claim the car has never been involved in an accident, and it’s good news for people who want to retain the original metal without major patches. It’ll also need a new dash pad, but this isn’t a surprise for a Dodge Challenger, especially after many years in hiding.
The 340 starts and runs correctly, with the transmission shifting correctly. It doesn’t require much powertrain work, so theoretically, the Challenger requires only easy fixes before returning to the road as a daily driver.
However, the car doesn’t sell cheaply. The owner will let it go for $21,000, but this is an ambitious expectation despite the car’s good shape. The good news is they also accept other offers, so contact them to negotiate the price if you believe this Challenger has a place in your garage.
Make sure you ask more questions, though, as it’s unclear if the car is complete and whether the original setup is still in place. Such a price tag makes sense if the Challenger is all original, so you might be in for a big surprise here.