1 of 4

Write now Article Tools

For many car enthusiasts, the 1973 Dodge Challenger is a dream machine to own or work with. A fat E-body frame, thick tires, and smooth lines have commanded the attention of car owners and buyers since its prototype began in 1968 and was introduced in 1970. Dodge's competition in the pony car club, such as Camaro, Mustang, and Plymouth, may have had a three year head start but the Challenger was Dodge's answer to America's muscle car addiction.

Sporting a more fuel and emission friendly engine package than in previous years, the '73 Challenger came standard with the 318 engine package (150 bhp,) or the 340 (240 bhp.) Midway through the year, Dodge released a 260 V8 engine package with 245 bhp. While on a power slide due to emissions regulations that had changed manufacturing requirements, the standard packages were a step down in power from the 440's offered previously for the Challenger. Classic Challenger concepts, such as the wide mouth grill, ducktail spoiler and shaker scoop on the hood lent a menacing look to the muscle car. Larger rear tires, an optional luxury package, and other unique features put Dodge in a level above their Plymouth AAR E-Body competition but still did not pull slumping sales up and the Challenger model was retired the following year.

The Dodge Challenger, which debuted in 1970, was Dodge's response to the muscle car frenzy over the Plymouth Barracuda and a desire from car enthusiasts for a street car that looked track ready. With a few more inches provided in the wheelbase to extend the car's interior, a Barracuda platform and oversized engines, the Challenger was available in both hardtop and convertible editions.

The performance geared Rally edition, with a 340 engine, rally gauges, and heavy duty suspension, was also introduced in 1973 after a slump in sales for the original R/T (Road and Track.) Bright colors and bold stripes made it an eye catching E-body car but power had been replaced with frugality and by '73, the Challenger had lost most of its muscle car following. Gone were the big block engines, convertible tops, and shaker hoods that were classic Challenger features and with rising car insurance premiums, gone also were the muscle car loving clients that Dodge desperately needed to keep the Challenger afloat.

Color options such as Go Mango, Sublime, and Top Banana, as well as 3 different striping options (in 6 colors,) were available and the Carter Thermoquad carburetor was introduced and while a different grill had been put on the 1972 Challenger model, most components through the end of its production stayed the same.

Lightweight and versatile, the 1973 Challenger is a strictly business pony car that has become iconic of the 70's muscle car phenomenon and is still a prized investment for any collector or restorer of fine cars. Originally priced at around $3,000, the Challenger can be purchased, if restored for $30,000 or more but many find keeping a car like this priceless.

Learn more about this author, K.C. Jean Kellam.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Classic car reviews: 1973 Dodge Challenger?
We want to hear your view. Write now!