With its Charger moving from muscle machine to personal luxury car, Dodge hoped to keep its place in the performance market with a new model for 1978, the Magnum XE. The Magnum would be only a 2-year offering, and a 1979 Dodge Magnum GT is Pick of the Day.
“The most rare of the Magnums,” notes the private seller advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
“Dodge only made the first-generation Magnum for two years – 1978 and 1979. It was initially made to replace the dying Charger as the B-Body muscle car for Dodge. However, Dodge got cold feet over the radical front-end styling and hung onto the slow selling Charger for 1978, just in case.
“The Magnum was a big hit for 1978 and the Charger was dropped.”
The seller notes that, “Only about 5% of the Magnums were the GT model, which had heavy duty suspension, a engine tuned look dash and console plate, and big wheel flares,” adding, “The 1979s are far more rare than the 1978s, and the 1979 GTs are rarer than Hen’s teeth.
“My first new car was a Magnum, and I’ve owned over 20 since. This is the only GT I’ve ever seen in person!”
The seller says the car was purchased in 1999 from a broker representing the car’s original owner.
“This car is loaded with the E58 Police motor (360Ci 4bbl) with dual exhaust. The original plastic thermoquad carb was warped (as most do in time), and so I decided to go for Performance with an Edelbrock Performer Aluminum 4bbl Intake and 600cfm Performer carb.
“I also swapped the flaky stock ignition with a Mopar Performance ignition box and distributor.”
The seller also changed the speedometer, from the original 85mph unit to a NOS and police-certified 140 mph version.
“The paint and leather are in great condition,” the seller reports. “The headlights are clear. The intermittent wipers work, as does the power windows and locks. The car has leather wrapped steering, pedal dress up and floor console.
“The AC blew cold last month, but not as cold today with 96 degrees. I assume there might be a O-Ring leak as it was cold for about 4 months since I last recharged it.”
“It is most likely the very best GT left on Earth. I wouldn’t think twice of driving this car cross country.”
So why is it for sale?
“I love this car, and the only reason I’m selling is that in my mid-60s, it’s time to downsize my life.”
The car is located in Beasley, Texas, and is offered for $15,000. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
We loved your article on the Magnum. We have a 1978 Dodge Magnum XE . We have had this car since 1979 when we bought it private. The car has turned over 100,000 miles, believe it says 1500 now. The car is red with white interior/Black vinyl top with T-tops . The rear bumper has been replaced. This car is a gem. love to drive it! A solid car! We never have had any troubles. Again, thanks for the fine article about the Dodge Magnum. Sincerely Steve and Theresa
Great article acknowledging a rare mostly unknown car I once owned and still look for. Bought new a black 79 Magnum XE fully loaded with grey leather for $11,500 CDN. Looking to park my 68 Charger, I was looking for something I would love as much .. not much choice then .. maybe a Trans Am but I was a dodge fan at heart. Had dealer swap the wheels for the GT wheels and the car looked great, although it didn’t have the 4 BBL as an XE but I was still happy with the car. Sold it for a SIlver Anny Vet but now I still look for a black over grey 79 Magnum. Super Rare!
ordered and bought new a Magnum GT , was a mid year model, what a beast
The local PD had magnums but the chief wanted to buy my GT
Wheel well flares where like a TransAm and other appts
really stood out