Car Model History

Third generation · Fuselage B-body · 1971–1974

1973Dodge Charger

Restyled for 1971 with a more rounded, semi-fastback 'fuselage' look, split grille, and revised body, adapting to tightening emissions and insurance pressures that were winding down the muscle era.

Third generation · Fuselage B-body

1973 Dodge Charger Rallye 440 — fuselage B-body, front three-quarter view

Photo: “1973 Dodge Charger Rallye 440” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
6offered225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel → 440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel
Top output
280hp440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel

Body styles2-door pillared coupe · 2-door hardtop · 2-door formal hardtop (SE)

The 1973 model year

Overview

Dodge advertised the 1973 Charger in five forms: Charger Coupe, Charger hardtop, Rallye Coupe, Rallye hardtop, and formal-roof Charger SE. The Rallye remained an optional handling and appearance package on V8 cars rather than a single engine model. A revised front suspension and additional isolation created the Torsion-Quiet Ride, while the SE's fixed louvered quarter window distinguished its canopy-style roof.

Specifications

Engines
  • 225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel105 hp
  • 318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel150 hp
  • 340 cu in V8, 4-barrel240 hp
  • 400 cu in B V8, 2-barrel175 hp
  • 400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel260 hp
  • 440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel280 hp
Transmissions
3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic
Body styles
2-door pillared coupe, 2-door hardtop, 2-door formal hardtop (SE)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 115 in · Overall length 212.7 in · Overall width 77.0 in · Overall height 52.5 in

Year over year

What changed

  • Dodge promoted five Charger body/trim lines: Coupe, hardtop, Rallye Coupe, Rallye hardtop, and SE hardtop.
  • A revised front suspension, rubber-isolated K-member, and added sound isolation formed the new Torsion-Quiet Ride.
  • The SE adopted a fixed louvered quarter window beneath its formal canopy-style vinyl roof.
  • The optional hidden-headlamp system was discontinued.
  • The 400 four-barrel increased to 260 net horsepower, while the 440's torque rating increased to 380 lb-ft.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • The Rallye package was available with five engines, beginning with the standard 318 and extending through the 340, both 400s, and 440.
  • The Rallye-only 340 retained its 240-net-hp rating and gained 295 lb-ft of rated torque.
  • The SE's fixed triple-louver quarter-window treatment is the quickest visual distinction from the regular hardtop.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Decode the body line and engine together before ordering parts: the 225 was confined to the regular Coupe and hardtop, the 340 was Rallye-only, and the 440 was restricted to Rallye and SE applications.
  • The 318 could be paired with three- or four-speed manual gearboxes or TorqueFlite, while the 400 two-barrel was automatic-only in the cited factory roster.
  • Inspect the rubber-isolated front K-member mounts, torsion-bar crossmember, cowl, rear rails, trunk floor, quarter panels, and one-year grille/taillamp trim before valuing a survivor.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1973 Charger on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1973 Dodge Charger. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
9
Scheduled topics
8
Applicability stated
9
Exact references
1

Before ordering Identify your engine, options and build date. Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oilView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 4,000 mi / 3 months · Normal service; whichever occurs first.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — normal-service schedule · checked

    Engine oil filter

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 8,000 mi / 6 months · Replace every second oil change under the published normal schedule.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — every-second-oil-change row · checked

  • Spark plugsView intervals, applicability and sources

    Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 18,000 mi · Mileage-only replacement interval.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — emission-control services · checked

  • Carburetor air-cleaner elementView intervals, applicability and sources

    Carburetor air-cleaner element

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 24 months · Replace every two years; clean annually.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — emission-control services · checked

  • Fuel filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Fuel filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 24 months · Replace every two years.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — emission-control services · checked

  • PCV valveView intervals, applicability and sources

    PCV valve

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 24 months · Check operation annually and replace every two years.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — emission-control services · checked

  • Brake linings and front wheel bearingsView intervals, applicability and sources

    Brake linings and front wheel bearings

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 12 months · Inspect annually; inspect brake hose and tubing every second oil change.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — normal-service schedule · checked

  • Front suspension and steering linkageView intervals, applicability and sources

    Front suspension and steering linkage

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 36,000 mi / 36 months · Lubricate at the interval that occurs first; inspect seals during each six-month service.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, pp. 0-3–0-4 — normal-service schedule and six-month service list · checked

  • Accessory-drive belts and underhood componentsView intervals, applicability and sources

    Accessory-drive belts and underhood components

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1973 · United States · Exact 1973 Dodge all-model normal-service schedule, which includes Charger; severe and trailer-tow work is separately identified and not presented as normal service.

    Published interval: 6 months · Inspect belts, hoses, bushings, mounts, and other listed rubber/plastic components every six months.

    Source: Dodge — 1973 factory chassis service manual, all-model lubrication and maintenance schedule (preserved by MyMopar) · Factory Chassis Service Manual group 0, p. 0-3 — six-month service and underhood-component list · checked

  • Engine oil filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil filter

    Exact reference available

    The order numbers below establish replacement-filter fitment only; they do not establish a service interval. Confirm the installed engine, VIN, build date, and filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1973 · United States

    225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (105 net hp)

    K&N HP-2004

    K&N publishes HP-2004 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1973 · 225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (105 net hp) · United States · Exact 1973 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1973 Dodge Charger 225 cu in application row — HP-2004 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 265 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-2004

    K&N publishes HP-2004 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1973 · 318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 265 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1973 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1973 Dodge Charger 318 cu in application row — HP-2004 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (175 net hp / 305 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-2004

    K&N publishes HP-2004 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1973 · 400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (175 net hp / 305 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1973 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1973 Dodge Charger 400 cu in application row — HP-2004 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (260 net hp / 335 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-2004

    K&N publishes HP-2004 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1973 · 400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (260 net hp / 335 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1973 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1973 Dodge Charger 400 cu in application row — HP-2004 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 295 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-2004

    K&N publishes HP-2004 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1973 · 340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 295 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1973 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1973 Dodge Charger 340 cu in application row — HP-2004 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 380 lb-ft)

    K&N HP-2004

    K&N publishes HP-2004 for this exact year-and-engine application; confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1973 · 440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 380 lb-ft) · United States · Exact 1973 Charger engine application. Confirm VIN, build date, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: K&N Engineering — Dodge Charger replacement-oil-filter application catalog · 1973 Dodge Charger 440 cu in application row — HP-2004 · checked

    Verified ordering references

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Sources

  1. Dodge — 1973 Charger factory sales brochure (81-205-3027)
  2. 1973 Charger Rallye — Dodge brochure, data-book, and service-manual engine transcription
  3. CarGurus — 1973 Charger model, engine, styling, and chassis overview
  4. Wikipedia — "Dodge Charger"

Other Third generation years

Explore the Fuselage B-body generation →All Third generation · Fuselage B-body years →

Documented lineup

Find your exact 1973 Charger

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

22factory configurations
Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified

These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.

22versions shown
Browse 22 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 225 Slant Six

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (105 net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 318 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 265 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (175 net hp / 305 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupe

Dodge Charger Coupe 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (260 net hp / 335 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 225 Slant Six

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
225 cu in Slant Six, 1-barrel carburetor (105 net hp)
Gearbox
3-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 318 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 265 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (175 net hp / 305 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtop

Dodge Charger Hardtop 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (260 net hp / 335 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 318 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 265 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 340 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 295 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (175 net hp / 305 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (260 net hp / 335 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door pillared coupeA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Coupe 440 V8

Body
Two-door pillared coupe
Engine
440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 380 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 318 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 265 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 340 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
340 cu in V8, 4-barrel carburetor (240 net hp / 295 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (175 net hp / 305 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (260 net hp / 335 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door hardtopA57 Rallye package

Dodge Charger Rallye Hardtop 440 V8

Body
Two-door hardtop
Engine
440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 380 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 318 V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
318 cu in LA V8, 2-barrel carburetor (150 net hp / 265 lb-ft)
Gearbox
3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 400 2-barrel V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
400 cu in B-series V8, 2-barrel carburetor (175 net hp / 305 lb-ft)
Gearbox
TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 400 4-barrel V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
400 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (260 net hp / 335 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door formal hardtop

Dodge Charger SE 440 V8

Body
Two-door formal hardtop
Engine
440 cu in high-performance V8, 4-barrel carburetor (280 net hp / 380 lb-ft)
Gearbox
4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

Browse by tag

← All Dodge Charger years