For Sale: 1978 Dodge Magnum in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1978 Dodge Magnum XE 2 Door Hardtop

"For 1978 Dodge proudly presents the Magnum XE, a brand new two door specialty hardtop with room for up to six people. Its appearance is most distinctive. The reason: aerodynamic design. Some of its design highlights include: new sloping front end treatment with dual rectangular headlamps with swing down plastic covers: park, turn and side markers that wrap around the corners: body sides highlighted by raised sections, rear wrap around tail lights. Magnum XE is as striking inside as it is out." From the 1978 sales brochure.

For consignment, a 1978 Dodge Magnum XE 2-door hardtop showing 12,924 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Despite the proud prose expressed in the sales brochure, the model would only last two years when Dodge's M-body was produced in 1980. Just over 73,000 Magnum XE's were produced with about 2,200 elusive models produced with a police spec engine.

Exterior
GM was just about done with the Colonnade fixed rear window in 1977 as the G-body was introduced in '78, but over at Dodge it shows up strong on the line, and here on the Magnum where the C-pillar could have been borrowed by any A-body. Beyond that, however, this Mint Green Metallic example veers from anything standard or normal for the time and exhibits bold side body lines, covered headlights for increased aerodynamics, and a long rear overhang that translates to a huge trunk. Chrome side mirrors pick up on the window reveal stainless and 15-inch turbine style wheels carry 215/75R15 tires with an early 2022 date code. The horizontal grille dictates the lines of the long hood and together, they create an aggressive fascia. Imperfections in the single stage include chips, inclusions, stains, surface rust, discoloration of bumper fillers, rock spray with rusted spots.

Interior
Handsomely designed, the door panels present in white vinyl with a strip of woodgrain trim and a green carpeted footer that is uniquely shaped. Both doors show some age primarily through staining and discoloration with a split in the driver's unit. White bucket seats await occupants adorned with belt style decoration over padded white leather cushions and head restraints. There's some light age to the driver's seat and the plastic hinge covers have yellowed a bit, but the seats are in otherwise very good condition. An attractive green steering wheel caps the horn bar with wood motif, and that carries over to the instrument cluster and mid panel, all in nice condition. There's a push button A/C panel to your left and for your listening pleasure, an AM/FM 8-track player loaded here with John Denver's greatest hits! The wood grain is a nice complement to the green surround of the dashboard and continues across to the passenger side where it takes in some vents. Deep pile green carpet covers the floor while a white headliner is above, both showing some age but fully intact. Other than some surface rust forming, the trunk is clean and barren.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a super clean 400ci V8 with 190 horsepower and a 4-barrel carburetor. The transmission is an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic which sends power to the rear 8 �" axle. Power brakes, power steering and the optional air conditioning are on board.

Undercarriage
Clean conditions underneath as well where a single exhaust runs through a stock style muffler and power brakes are distributed as front disc and rear drum. Suspension includes torsion bars up front and leaf springs in the rear, fairly standard for the period.

Drive-Ability
She runs a bit rough from the start but gets a pass since we're dealing with old gas here, and a tune up is in order. Functionally speaking, the car is in nice shape with only the A/C making the list of faulty operations. We do note some exhaust leaks and evidence that the muffler is rusted. Beyond that, a nice bit of time capsule qualities that work. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Despite the short lived run of the model, the Magnum XE was a stand out thanks in large part to the unique headlight covers that would actually become a fad, albeit as tinted covers, during the 80's. It's a somewhat aggressive looking car with all of the commuter perks and benefits you'd find in the more common A-body's of the mid-70's and not a bad feather to put in your Mopar cap!

XS22N8R252600

X-Dodge Magnum
S-Special Price Class
22-2 Door Hardtop
N-400ci High Performance V8
8-1978
R-Windsor, Ontario, Canada Assy Plant
252600-Sequential Unit Number

FENDER TAG

E64-400ci 4bbl 190hp V8
D36-A727 3-Speed Automatic
XS22-Dodge Magnum, Special Price Class, 2 Door Hardtop
N8R-400ci 4bbl V8, 1978, Windsor, Ontario, Canada Assy Plant
252600-Sequential Unit Number
RF3-Mint Green Metallic
DLFW-Deluxe White Leather Buckets
000-USA
525-May 25th
AT3010-Order Number
RF3-Mint Green Metallic Top Color
U-Sold Car
28-28" Radiator
B12-Heavy Duty Front Disc Brakes
B3-Unknown
C21-Center Front Seat With Fold Down Armrest
C55-Bucket Seats
G66-Passenger Side Mirror
G76-Dual Chrome Sport Mirrors With Driver's Remote Mirror
H51-AC With Heater
N85-Tachometer
N94-Electronic Spark Advance With Catalytic Converter
END-End Of Codes

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your state's titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!