Jason Brodie and Harvey’s Purple-and-Black 1973 Dodge Charger: Route 66 in a Dream Car

Last updated on 18 Sep 2026

Jason Brodie and Harvey didn’t just pick a classic car—Jason Brodie and Harvey picked a feeling: purple and black paint catching the sun like a promise, a 1973 Dodge Charger pointed at Route 66 like it had been waiting its whole life for that exact direction.

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The 1973 Dodge Charger represents a pivotal turning point for the iconic nameplate’s third generation (1971–1974). Facing strict new emissions regulations, rising insurance costs, and shifting consumer tastes, Dodge transitioned the Charger from an uncompromised high-performance muscle car into a comfortable, personal luxury coupe.

Despite the industry-wide power drop—often referred to as the "Malaise Era"—the 1973 Charger was a massive commercial success. It broke sales records for the nameplate, largely driven by the ultra-popular, luxury-focused SE (Special Edition) trim.

Key Specifications & Styling Updates

The 1973 model year introduced notable visual and structural refreshes to meet federal standards and capture the luxury aesthetic:

Refreshed Front and Rear: The car received a new grille treatment with rubber bumper blocks to meet federal 5-mph crash standards, four exposed headlights, and distinctive new vertically slatted taillights (22 separate bulbs in total).
The SE "Opera Windows": The top-tier SE trim featured a standard landau vinyl roof with a unique triple "opera window" treatment built into the thick rear C-pillars. This styling cue became the defining look of 1970s luxury.
Production Breakdown: Dodge produced a massive number of Chargers in 1973, with buyers overwhelmingly favoring comfort.
- Base Coupe: 11,995 units
- Base Hardtop: 45,414 units
- SE Coupe: 61,908 units

Engine Lineup & Performance

While the legendary 426 Hemi and high-compression 440 Six-Pack engines were gone by 1973, buyers could still option a range of V8 powerplants, though they were detuned to run on unleaded gasoline.

Engine Type	Horsepower (Net)	Notes
225 CID Slant-6	~105 hp	Base economy engine, notoriously slow but reliable.
318 CID V8	~150 hp	The standard, dependable small-block workhorse.
340 CID V8	240 hp	High-performance small-block, standard on the Rallye package.
400 CID V8	175 hp	A big-block B-series engine built for low-end torque.
440 CID Magnum V8	280 hp	The top-tier big-block offering, providing respectable muscle.

Popular Packages and Options

Dodge catered to both performance enthusiasts and luxury seekers with specialized options:

The Rallye Option: This performance package could be added to any model. It included front and rear sway bars for improved handling, a power bulge hood, a full driver instrument cluster with a tachometer, hood pins, and distinct body graphics.
Premium Comforts: Buyers increasingly checked boxes for luxury extras, including power steering, power front disc brakes, power windows, factory air conditioning, a manual sunroof, and AM/FM 8-track players.

To see how a big-block 1973 Charger handles modern roads and to hear its exhaust note, check out this test drive review:

Market Value & Collectibility

While the 1968–1970 models command the highest premiums in the collector market, the 1973 Charger has built a strong following as an affordable entry point into classic Mopar ownership.

Prices vary wildly depending on condition, options, and engine pedigree. Original, numbers-matching 440 Big-Block cars and factory sunroof models are highly sought after. Well-preserved or mildly built project cars typically retail between $15,000 and $45,000, though pristine, low-mileage survivor examples can command significantly more at auction. When evaluating a '73 Charger, common trouble areas to inspect include rust in the rear window channels, trunk floors, lower quarter panels, and rear frame rails.

Are you looking into the 1973 Dodge Charger because you are considering buying one, restoring a project car, or just learning about Mopar history? Let me know so I can share specific details like restoration tips, what to look for in a VIN/fender tag, or current market availability.

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Known as The Mother Road, spans roughly 2,448 miles (3,940 km) through eight states, beginning in Chicago, Illinois, and ending at the Santa Monica Pier, California.

While the road was officially decommissioned in 1985, about 85% of it remains drivable today via historic alignments and state highways.

Ultimate Route 66 Adventure: Must-See Stops!

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Essential Planning Tips

Duration: A minimum of 14 days is recommended to see the major highlights without rushing. A leisurely pace can take up to 3 weeks.

Timing: Spring (May) and Fall (September to October) offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summers are extremely hot in desert stretches, and winters can bring road closures in the north.

Navigation: Traditional GPS often defaults to interstates. Use specialized resources like the Route 66 Navigation App or the EZ66 Guide for Travelers to stay on the historic path.

Centennial Celebration: The year 2026 marks the Route 66 Centennial, featuring special events and tours across all eight states.

Top Must-See Stops by State

Illinois: The "Begin Route 66" sign in Chicago

and the Cozy Dog Drive In (birthplace of the corn dog) in Springfield.

Missouri: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis

and the Meramec Caverns, which feature vintage barn advertisements.

Kansas: The shortest stretch (13 miles), featuring Cars on the Route in Galena.

Oklahoma: The Blue Whale of Catoosa

and the futuristic Pops 66 soda ranch in Arcadia.

Texas: The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo

and the Midpoint Café in Adrian, the mathematical center of the route.

New Mexico: The historic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari

and the Spanish-influenced plaza in Santa Fe.

Arizona: The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Standin' on the Corner Park in Winslow, and the gateway to the Grand Canyon in Williams.

California: The desolate Roy's Motel & Café in Amboy

and the iconic End of the Trail sign at the Santa Monica Pier.

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