1973 Dodge Challenger

Description

By 1973, the muscle car era was all but over, but someone forgot to give the news to the guys over at Dodge. Standing as a low production year for the E-body Challenger, this cool Sublime Green hardtop sports a strong 318 under the hood and a classic Mopar muscle look. If you wanted a new car with true performance DNA running through its veins, the Dodge Challenger was one of the best choices in 1973.

This cool Challenger was originally Bright Blue Metallic, which was pretty subdued for the 1970s, but we like the Sublime Green better, especially when it's this beautifully done. The Chrysler E-bodies seem to look best in high-visibility colors, which emphasize their classic long nose and short deck proportions, and when you hear this one run, the only possible color it could wear is that trademark bright green. The later Challengers received cool details like a performance hood with ram-air type scoops, black vinyl stripes, and a matching black tail panel with large rectangular taillights, tying them to the past but giving them a look all their own. Up front there's a revised grille with turned-down corners that ties it together with a secondary grille beneath the bumper. The chrome appears to be new and is extremely nice with no dings or dents in either of the bumpers, and the stainless trim running the length of the body is excellent. Man, what a nice Mopar!

Inside, the black vinyl bucket seat interior appears to be largely new stuff and it's in great shape showing almost no wear. Obviously things like the seat covers, door panels, and carpets are newer, and the woodgrained applique on the console is still bright and clear. A full array of gauges temperature, voltage, oil pressure, and fuel level, and they're all in crisp and bright shape, ready to provide the driver with the engine's vitals. The center console is a bit of a mismatch but serves the right purpose, and the Challenger is currently with a radio, so the open factory slot could stand a modern upgrade. The trunk is very spacious, and the entire trunk compartment has been finished with abrasion-resistant gray paint so it'll always be tough and resilient.

With a powerful 318 cubic inch V8 augmented with 340 heads under the hood, this car is quite entertaining to drive. Finished to stock specs, this one looks highly correct and doesn't show many of the more common aftermarket additions, aside from an Edelbrock intake and Holley 4-barrel carburetor. From the air cleaner to the oil pan, it just looks right, and the block has been bathed in correct Hemi Orange that looks quite fresh. Sublime Green paint covers the inner fenders and firewall, becoming a great canvas for the engine itself. Underneath, it's pretty original, so it's not detailed for show, but that newer longtube header-fed custom dual exhaust system sounds amazing and a 3-speed automatic transmission and 8.75-inch rear make for a durable powertrain combination. Power steering allow for easy navigation and power front disc brakes bring the Mopar to an abrupt stop on command. Wheels are flashy chrome Ridler five-spokes wearing staggered 225/50/17 front and 275/40/17 rear BFGoodrich blackwall radials to complete the '70s performance look.

Handsome, fast, and stylish, this Challenger is an excellent opportunity to pick up a restored car with all the looks of some of the most valuable muscle cars of all time, but for a fraction of the price. With a potent small block under the hood, it's plenty fast, too. Give us a call today!