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)

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1973 Dodge Charger model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

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
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

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
Factory intervals
8
Fitment-scoped
9
Exact references
1

Before orderingIdentify 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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"

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