Numbers Matching rust-free 1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340 4-Speed

Description for Dodge Challenger 1973

This is a used rust-free numbers matching 1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye model. True mileage is UNKNOWN. By "numbers matching”, I mean that the car retains its original BORN WITH 340 engine, 4-speed transmission, 8 ¾ rear end, and all of its original sheet metal. The VIN matches on the VIN plate, fender tag, cowl, radiator support, engine and transmission. Only the door VIN decal is not present. Contrary to what many understand, it is indeed RARE to find a rust-free numbers matching car from this era. I make no claim that it is 100% "numbers correct" with all original parts, components, etc. For certain the following items are incorrect and/or not original to the car: The paint color, wheels & tires, exhaust system, radio, and a number of under-hood items.

However, I do have certain correct items that will be included in the sale such as:

A driver quality set of Rallye Wheels, trim rings & "nut" type caps

Intake manifold

Valve Covers

Air Cleaner

Exhaust manifolds

Distributor

I purchased this car in 2005 from a small dealer. While expecting otherwise (as it was listed as being "ready to drive”), I was barely able to drive it off of the car hauler. Pieces of the throw-out bearing for the clutch literally fell out into the clutch cover. The freeze plugs and heater core were leaking. It also had some ignition and wiring issues. The interior was terrible and had been changed from white to black, with original poor white door panels re-dyed in black. There were a number of other items missing and/or non-functional. On the other hand, I was extremely surprised and happy with the pristine condition of the body and the numbers matching drivetrain. Since then I have only completed certain cosmetic and mechanical restoration items. It appears to never have been restored completely, with only certain cosmetic and mechanical changes and upkeep over its lifetime. It appears to have had at least two color changes from its original GK6 Dark Bronze Metallic color. There are signs that it was once painted "Plum Crazy" purple, as well as its current non-MOPAR color of blue with white striping.

Fender Tag Decoded:

Code Description

E55 340-4 Barrel 69-73

D41 Heavy Duty Clutch

JH23 J = Dodge Challenger

H = High

23 = 2 Door Hardtop

H3B H = 340 240HP (net) 1-4BBL 8 CYL

3 = 1973

B = Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA

192328 Sequence Number '192328'

GK6 Paint Code: Dark Bronze Metallic

A6XW Trim Grade/Style/Color

A = A Class

6 = Vinyl Bucket Seats

X = Black

000 Upper Door Frame: Full Door Panel

A26 Date Built: 10 / 26 / 1972

132298 Order Number: 132298

GK6 Roof Type OR Color: Dark Bronze Metallic

U Built to Specifications for USA Order

A57 Challenger / Charger - Rallye

B41 Front Disc Brakes Some Yrs. Power

C16 Console w/ Buckets

C56 Bucket Seats 1972 up

J54 Hood Insulating Pad

M08 Simulated Door / Fender Louvers

M21 Roof Drip Rail Moldings

N41 Duel Exhaust w/o Tips

N42 Chrome Duel Exhaust Tips

N85 Tachometer

R11 Music Master Radio AM

V6X Black Longitude Sports Stripe

EN2 End of Codes Assembly Line 2

As of this writing, the car is in 100% daily driver condition. It is NOT perfect. In my opinion the car DESERVES a complete restoration due to its excellent original condition, but does not necessary NEED it. The level of restoration one chooses is totally subjective and objective. If I were to keep it, I would totally restore it to the level of my other cars. The engine runs excellent. The transmission shifts smoothly. The car steers perfectly with the Power Steering. The Power Brakes stop the car as they should. The Emergency Brake works correctly. The doors, trunk and column locks all work. The windows operate adequately. The front & rear suspension is tight and seem to have no problems, except that there is some "squeaking" in the front suspension but nothing that appears to be serious or dangerous. The windshield wipers work. The gauges all function properly except that the tachometer sometimes "sticks" and does not always read properly. Even the seat-belt and ignition buzzers sound as they were intended! Yes, this kind of thing is not important to many, but a passion of mine to have correct on these cars. While it is my intention to provide Full Disclosure, there certainly are other items needing attention, some of which I may not be aware of. The paint has a number of flaws and has several small dents here and there. I estimate that it has been driven fewer than 500 miles since my ownership for a number of reasons including: I have several other cars and not much need to drive it, I reside in Florida most of the time and the car is in North Carolina, I don't care to drive a non-A/C car in the summer, I prefer to preserve the integrity of the numbers matching drivetrain. The following are some items that have been completed over the past 14 years to get the car to its current drivable condition:

Complete clutch assembly

Freeze plugs and heater core replaced

Aftermarket MSD ignition replaced/restored to OEM

New engine wiring harness

Interior restored (except dash pad) including seat covers, door panels, carpet, sun visors, headliner, sail panels, console and seatbelts restored

All in all this is a very nice driver quality car that can be enjoyed as is for a while as one prefers until performing a total restoration if desired.

The car is SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS. No warranty is expressed or implied. Complete purchase at your own risks. NO RETURN will be allowed. Inspection of the car can be arranged if desired. All sales are final and no refund or cancellation of sale after auction ends. I reserve the right to end auction at any time and sell the vehicle through any other means I choose. Cost of shipping to be by winning bidder. I will help arrange with transporter of your choice.