1974 Dodge Challenger

Base Model Challenger Coupe

318

Automatic

JH23G4B136293

Clear

Gasoline

We’re true believers and we are re-listing our daily-driver Challenger because someone out there is looking for an affordable, restorable, running E-body. This is for those Mopar hobbyists who feel like they've been priced out of worthwhile restoration opportunities. It’s true; big bank account buyers seeking completed projects now outnumber hobbyists looking to take on restorations. Buyers who can afford fender tag-cars and show cars are edging out young people looking to get their start in the hobby too, not just us older folks who are eager to help ‘em learn. The result is precious few remaining Mopars to restore. On occasion, though, you come across something like this. This '74 Dodge Challenger has been driven daily since the year it rolled off the dealer lot. We’re told it did sit for a while in the 1980s after its original owner, a Los Angeles Chrysler plant line worker, rear-ended someone, but it’s been on the road again since at least the mid 90s. Warts ’n all, this lowly ’74 2bbl has been nothing but fun for us for 11 years. While the car is being auctioned as is, we’re proud members of the Chrysler Performance West Mopar club and wouldn’t sell a window crank, let alone entire car, without representing our fellow members and the Mopar hobby with integrity. Here's a video https://youtu.be/YsfQAq-YIqs And here’s the deal: The original owner pulled a 318 from a ‘72 Barracuda and dropped it in, making this a non-numbers matching car. The trunk pan needs replacing, but Mopars aren’t meant to be load-bearing vehicles anyway, so we just drive it real fast and hum along with the whistle. The paint was an attempt to match the original T5 Sienna Metallic. Bondo can be found in several spots (lower quarters, c-pillar, fenders). It has only a two-barrel carb, but why not enjoy it while you’re deciding on which 4-barrel to replace it with. And that’s if you don’t drop in a 383. Its air conditioner condenser is functioning but needs recharging and new vent hoses. Door locks, latches, hinges, and trunk lock function just fine. The whip antenna is missing. Wipers work great, but sometimes the hood latch sticks and you have to reach up behind the grille to activate the cable. We don't know when the odometer stopped working, but it sure did. The front buckets and the the back bench will require replacement reproduction vinyl kits, but all the hardware is accounted for. The frames and hinges have held up just fine. Throw some new seat covers on ‘em for now, and call Legendary for the right kit. Take your time. The steering wheel has a slight warp to it. A correct replacement will accompany the sale of the car. All of the glass is original but could use new sets of cat whiskers. The main dash light flickers and sometimes – decides not to come on. The car spent two weeks in May at a local ASC-certified shop in order for us to list it here as a safe and reliable entry level Mopar that the winning bidder will be able to drive to ’n from the body or upholstery shops. It has new front brake pads, engine mounts and transmission mounts. There’s a slight rear brake leak, but the rear brakes are new. Our pride in keeping this Challenger on the road can be found in an accompanying stack of maintenance and repair receipts dating back to the week we bought it –– in May of 2005. We’re directing this listing at buyers experienced enough to understand the pros and cons. Again, this Mopar is being sold entirely as is. It’ll be up to the new owner to decide where to target their restoration dollars.