1973 Dodge Charger Base Coupe 2-door 5.2l on 2040-cars

In 1971, the all-new third generation Charger debuted. It was completely restyled with a new split grille and more rounded "fuselage" bodystyle. The interiors now looked more like those of the E-body and were now shared by the Plymouth B-body, the Plymouth Satellite Sebring and Road Runner. No longer standard, the hidden headlights were now optional. A rear spoiler and a "Ramcharger" hood made the option lists for the first time. A special scoop was mounted in the hood, directly above the air cleaner. If the driver wanted to draw clean air directly into the carburetor, he flipped the vacuum switch under the dash and the scoop popped up. The Plymouth Road Runner used this device and called it the "Air Grabber" hood. While this device had been used on the Coronet R/T and Super Bees, it had never appeared on the Charger.

For 1973 the Chargers were mildly restyled and sported all new sheet metal, and while the rear roof C-pillars looked like the only difference from the 1972s, the 1973 cars were actually longer, wider, and slightly taller. Also new were vertically slatted taillights and new grills. Hidden headlights were dropped, even as an option. The 318 was still standard, with the 340 (available only on the Rallye), 400 (2- and 4-barrel) and 440 remaining as options. The SE models had a new roof treatment that had a "triple opera window" surrounded by a canopy-style vinyl roof. All other models had a new quarter window treatment, ditching its AMC Gremlin-style window in favor of a more conventional design. Sales this year were around 108,000 units, the highest ever for the 1971-74 Charger generation. The 1973 Chargers, and all Chrysler products, were equipped with 5 mph bumpers, front and rear.

For many, this model of the Charger was the most beautiful of all.  With the long low flat hood and the new rear passenger window design, it quickly became the most sought after design for collectors.  Made famous by Richard Petty, this design was hailed as the, “most beautiful race car ever” in the NASCAR series.

This car is set up to ride and handle well.  The engine is tuned to cruise smoothly and get good millage on trips to car shows in California Nevada and Arizona.  My wife, kids and I enjoy the bench seat which adds to the unique driving experience these cars represent.

The $2800.00 paint job was done in April of 2012 and polished to a near perfect finish in medium grey metallic, identical to the color used on new Chrysler cars and trucks.  The paint has about 3.5 years left on the warrantee.  There are no dents, no door dings and no scratches on this car.  The car has always been garaged in Arizona so the paint looks virtually new. The wheels and tires seen in the pictures are not included in the sale.  The vehicle will be shipped with the original rally wheels that are in very good condition.  I’ve owned several of the cars over the years and I don’t think I’ve ever had one with better bumpers and grilles.  The bumper inserts are in near new condition, very hard to find.

The 318 is basically stock with the exception of an Edelbrock intake and 4bbl carburetor. It starts easy and runs very smooth. The engine was professionally rebuilt, prior to my ownership, records included.  The Charger rides nicely, tracks straight with tight steering and minimal body roll and no shakes and shimmies.  All the maintenance records including the original window sticker are available and will be sent along to the new owner. 

The car is always garaged and driven only to local car shows on the weekends. I’ve had Mustangs, Challengers and Barracudas, but I can honestly say that I have never received such a positive response as I get with this Charger.  This car is a genuine attention getter and, for the time being, these models are still affordable. 

The heater core needs to be replaced.  The dash pad has a crack in the usual location (see photo) and the seats are in near new condition.  The windows work smooth and fit tight against new rubber molding.  The door hinges are in good shape and the doors swing shut and open with ease.  The car is very sound, without rust and you will not be disappointed.

All sales are final and the car is sold as-is with no warranty either express or implied.  Potential buyers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle prior to bidding.  The vehicle comes with a current and clear title. Also, all bidders should be aware that the vehicle is for sale locally and the auction may end early if a sale is completed.