1973 was one of the last years we got to fully enjoy the American Muscle Car in its purest form. And this Challenger is exactly how we'd like to remember it.
A Classic Up for Sale
Up for sale is this gorgeously preserved 1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye R/T. It's a clean, rust-free example of Dodge's most famous nameplate from its purest of glory days. This example is clad in Gunmetal Gray and listed by Classic Motor Cars of Ellington, CT.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
Six Pack Power
Under the hood lies a 7.2-liter 440 Six-Pack turning out 600hp. That's way up from the original power figures offered from the factory at 390 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. The beastly power plant is mated to a 4-spd Hemi manual transmission and a Dana 410 rear axle.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
>>Join the conversation about this '73 Challenger R/T right here in the Dodge Forum.
High-Dollar Value
The asking price sits at $47,900. As clean as this example is, its no stretch to say this '73 Challenger is worth every penny. Even if it still needs wiring to the gauges.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
>>Join the conversation about this '73 Challenger R/T right here in the Dodge Forum.
Born to Challenge
The Challenger nameplate came to stand on its own in 1970 after years of being attached as a special trim to the Coronet. Dodge decided to bring out the Challenger as a... challenger to the Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale Mustang.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
>>Join the conversation about this '73 Challenger R/T right here in the Dodge Forum.
Quite the Looker
The vehicle was built on Chrystler's E-platform. It was launched as both a coupe and convertible and offered some of the best stylings of the era with a singular taillight and Shaker hood.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
>>Join the conversation about this '73 Challenger R/T right here in the Dodge Forum.
Engines Galore
The new Challenger offered a total of eight engine options - two Slant-6s and six V8s. The standard engines were the 3.7-liter Slant-6 and 5.2-liter V8. But those looking for the most aggressive setup could opt for the 7.0-liter Hemi 426 V-8 boasting 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
>>Join the conversation about this '73 Challenger R/T right here in the Dodge Forum.
Gone for a short Time
This particular vehicle sports the R/T badge, a trim that would disappear with the 1973 model year and be replaced solely by the Rallye name. The Challenger Nameplate took a short Hiatus after the '74 model year. It was soon resurrected in 1977 as a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant Lambda Coupe under the Dodge Colt Challenger moniker.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
>>Join the conversation about this '73 Challenger R/T right here in the Dodge Forum.
Resurrection
The Dodge Colt Challenger would ultimately prove distasteful to the American Muscle Car fanatic, the bread, and butter of the Challenger name. Thanks to the oil crisis, the Colt even saw the dreaded 4-cylinder option. The vehicle was soon killed off once more in 1983, not to resurrect again until the 2009 model year. This '73 Challenger is the embodiment of the '70s Muscle Car era and is sure to be quite the catch for some lucky buyer.
Photo: Classic Motor Cars
>>Join the conversation about this '73 Challenger R/T right here in the Dodge Forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
