It isn’t everyday that a brown, four-door Dodge Aspen is going to catch my eye. In fact, it normally never would. I’m not a Dodge Aspen fan and the four-doors look so 1970s dowdy and depressing to me that I go out of my way to avoid them at all costs. I know, I know, that sounds like a bad joke from the guy who seemingly adores all of Ma Mopar’s misfit creatures, but it’s true. Not much could make me focus my attention on one. Maybe if it was a real-deal A38 cop car…that would be kind of cool, especially if it was one of the 360-powered squads. Otherwise? Nah, I’m good.
This otherwise rough example is that proverbial exception for every rule. In a garage somewhere northwest of Atlanta sits this 1979 example that is being offered up to free up cash for the seller’s hope of a future project. Why would I pay attention? Look in the engine bay:
A conversion to a 2008 5.7L Hemi powertrain is nearing completion. What’s the biggest issue with an F-body Mopar? Lack of power. If you think a late-model Charger with the 5.7 will scoot, here’s your chance to find out what that engine is like with the weight that everybody loves to bitch about removed from the equation.
From the ad: “The hard work is done. To fire it needs the fuel pump, which I have, installed. To be on the road it needs the driveshaft, brake booster, and tires. It will roll on the tires that are on it, I just wouldn’t drive on them.”
It’s still going to be a brown four-door Dodge Aspen. But at least it’ll be a fun one. Surely, one of you sickos out there can see the potential that lies in this beast. That kind of horsepower and torque in one of the most unassuming disco sleds possible needs it’s own laugh track for every time it slaps a Camaro or Mustang around. Somebody with skilled hands and a warped sense of humor needs to finish this one off.
HEY…don’t look at me!
Craigslist Link: 1979 Dodge Aspen SE
I seriously emailed this one to my co-workers, trying to make the case this should be an official shop project car.
Dangit man.. I’ve already been doing more research than I should regarding stuffing a 5.7 in my AHB, why would you do this to me..