What;s it Worth: 1973 challenger

[jeryst]

Due to some financial problems, I may have to sell my 73 Challenger, so I was hoping to get some feedback as to what I should try to sell it for. I don't really want to sell it, but don't have a lot of options at this point. I have a couple of my Chevys up for sale, and I will try to sell them first, but I need to sell something pretty quick.

It's an original 340 4-speed Pistol grip car. I don't know if it is matching numbers or not. The car is very solid, and everything works, right down to the reverse light on the dash, the map light, and the fender turn signals. It is very dependable, and always starts right up. It drives, sounds, and runs very well.

Interior is pretty good, but it will need front seat covers, and the dash pad has a couple of cracks (Surprised?). Carpet, door panels and rear seat are all very nice. Non-original rally dash. The headliner is sagging a little along the sides of the rear windows. Someone put new quarters on it. It was originally a blue car, but someone quickpainted it purple (Didn't do jambs, trunk, etc.) It has a fender tag, but I never looked for a build sheet. One of the things I liked about it, was that it didn't look like anyone really messed around with it much, like hacking up the wiring, etc.

The car has had some crappy body work done in the past, and that needs fixed. I have another set of fenders and doors for it that should take care of the problems. Chrome on the bumpers is not great, but not rusted. The trunk looks like it may have had some small patches in the extensions. The main part of the trunk looks original, but it has a few pinholes in it. I never pulled up the carpeting to look at the floors. Underneath looks pretty solid.

Sorry to seem to vague about the car. I bought it a couple of years ago, and it was just so much fun to drive that I didn't really bother much about anything else. I was planning on restoring it at some point, so I just figured I would wait until then to learn everything about it. I'm not one of those guys that pours all over a car before they buy it, making sure that every "i" is dotted and "t" is crossed. If I like it, I buy it, and worry about the other stuff later.

So, does anyone have an opinion as to what it is worth, or what I should try to get out of it? I'd appreciate honest answers, so don't feel bad about hurting my feelings, or stuff like that.

[asm74]

The block numbers could tell you if it was the original engine to the car, and I bet a few on this site could tell by looking at some pictures of the engine bay.  The VIN/trim tag would tell you more about the engine and probably what it's worth to a collector (the interior trim packages, rear end, etc).  Does the vin start with JH?

I'm in the middle of restoring a 73 myself right now, and knowing what it has cost me to take on a car in similar condition to yours, I'd pay 6K-8K for your car, and then probably dump another 10K in getting it tight and pretty.  The thing that really makes your car desirable is that 340, and its not even that the engine is all that great, it's the engine's potential to be great.  73 was also the biggest sales year for the challenger, so they are not all that rare (comparatively).   I've seen people move 74's faster than 73's.  What is rare is finding that someone hasn't spray painted to look like a cheap hooker. bah.

[Chlngrcrzy]

I have a 73 that i picked up this spring. I am in the middle of a complete restore. Looking at yours, i would say that it is fairly close to similar condition as mine. I was able to get mine for $5000. And i was lucky to get it at that. The guy i bought it from had 3 other people that wanted it worse than me, one even offered me $7000. I should have took it. I figure i will have to put about $5000 to $7000 into mine,and that doesn't even include the engine. Mine is a 318, matching numbers, but it won't be going back in. I'll keep it around, but i am figuring on putting a 383 or a 440 in.

[Rare_T_A]

Just my .02 worth is any E Body with a 340 and 4 speed that runs and drives and dosn't look like it sat in a tank in Tulsa has to be worth $10K at least! If the one guy offered 7K for a 318 has to tell you something!

[74chall]

10k

[Black340]

 

[nakita7]

5-10K

[Super Blue 72]

Does the vin start with JH?

I think all '73 and '74 Challengers start with "JH", with the Rallye package being an option those years, A57.

A 340, 4 speed is a nice combo.  340s don't grow on trees, although Mopar Performance is starting to plant some of those trees, but they'll never be the original 340s.  Definately find out if it's a #'s matching engine, it adds "ka-ching" to the price! 

Maybe do a quickie paint job to make it more presentable?  I dunno about where you are but they have those quickie Maaco jobs that start at $250 on special.  Give it the once over, give it a little detail and Armorall, it makes a worl of difference.

I agree with the others, as is, atleast $10K. 

Someone in CA was selling a '72 with a 318/auto for like $12k, body similar to yours, faded red paint, claimed straight body, non Rallye car with a flat hood.  Looks like it's sold now.

[jeryst]

The block numbers could tell you if it was the original engine to the car, and I bet a few on this site could tell by looking at some pictures of the engine bay.  The VIN/trim tag would tell you more about the engine and probably what it's worth to a collector (the interior trim packages, rear end, etc).  Does the vin start with JH?

Are the numbers on the bottom of the drivers side of the block? I'll see if I can check them. I'll also get a pic of the fender tag and post it.

[Super Blue 72]

Are the numbers on the bottom of the drivers side of the block? I'll see if I can check them. I'll also get a pic of the fender tag and post it.

Should be on the passenger side, small pad surface, just above the oil pan, about mid way, not the whole VIN, a couple letters and a bunch of #s, I think 6 or 8.

[mopower]

takE $6500.00 ?