1974 Dodge Charger SE

Description

One of the smartest ideas we've heard in a long time is using a vintage car as a daily driver. Take something like this 1974 Dodge Charger SE: it's still fast, fun, and well-equipped, and even at its current price, it's cheaper than any new car you'll find. Best of all, you can drive it without losing money, because unlike a new car, it'll still be worth about this much five years from now. How can you lose?

It's a good-looking car, no doubt about that. Chrysler's fuselage styling has aged well and the classic green and white color combination defies the period in which it was born and will look great for years to come. Proportions are classic muscle car, with a long hood and short deck, and it looks fast even sitting still. Good, straight bodywork and surprisingly good fit and finish make this car feel more expensive than it is, and while it's not perfect, it also means that you won't mind subjecting it to the rigors of the daily grind. The paint has a nice gloss and just a hint of metallic in it, so you'll get admiring glances at any traffic light and the chrome details really pop. Both bumpers are neat designs that were some of the first to be integrated into the body's shape rather than tacked on, and combined with the unique padded roof treatment, the sucker looks long, low, and sleek.

The wild green fabric interior is what makes this car especially cool. Sure, it's a little 1970s funky, but isn't that the whole point? Strongly suggesting a very well-maintained car and once you're situated behind the wheel, you'll find that this car feels more modern than its age would suggest. The split bench does a decent impersonation of bucket seats and there's enough room in back for passengers who won't complain about the accommodations. It's got a complete Rallye gauge cluster and somehow, someone clever was able to install a modern AM/FM stereo head unit in the original slot, complete with both knobs on the left side. How cool is that? This car also features factory A/C that's been retrofitted with R134a refrigerant and blows cold, so driving it every day doesn't have to be a sacrifice. There's also a good-sized trunk with a full-sized spare and jack assembly, plus original undercoating on the inside of the quarter panels, so you know they're original.

The 318 cubic inch V8 is a great choice if you're going to drive the car regularly (or even just on weekends, for that matter). Torquey and smooth, it remains unobtrusive in traffic but makes great V8 sounds when you open it up. It's also reasonably efficient compared to its big block siblings, again perhaps making it a smart choice as a daily driver. It's pretty stock, including the air cleaner assembly and corporate turquoise engine enamel, although it looks like the alternator is brand new. The 737 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic powers a set of 2.71 gears which mean that this car cruises effortlessly at any speed. A burbling Flowmaster dual exhaust system makes it fun to drive but isn't overpowering and the undercoated chassis won't make you worry about rainy days. Shiny chrome Torque Thrust wheels with 18-inch performance tires offer updated looks and handling.

It's pretty easy to see yourself driving this car regularly, isn't it? It's got all the right parts, all wrapped in a bargain price. Give it a try and we promise you'll love it. Call today!