'79 Dodge Magnum FS in Barn Finds

Pete Kaczmarski

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Plus its a "GT" model on Ebay

T-Top Equipped: 1979 Dodge Magnum

Aug 7, 2018 • USA9 Comments
T-Top Equipped: 1979 Dodge Magnum

image: https://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Screen-Shot-2018-08-05-at-1.05.04-AM-630x390.jpg

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image: https://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Jeff-Lavery_avatar_1510763369-24x24.jpg

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By Jeff Lavery


This 1979 Dodge Magnum sports an interesting look, with subtle wheel arch flares and moon-style hubcaps, combined with a rare T-top roof and floor-shift automatic. The Magnum is yet another car from the malaise era that promised big things with its imposing name and physique, but power output was limited from the factory due to changing emissions and fuel economy requirements. That said, it’s still one of the better designs of the 70s, in my opinion. Find it here on eBay for $5,999.



image: https://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Screen-Shot-2018-08-05-at-1.04.54-AM-630x390.jpg

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Surprisingly, the T-top option is, in fact, rare, with just over 3,000 1979 models optioned with them. The Magnum had a short-lived existence, which may explain why they’re so noticeable today when they pop up for sale. The transition to smaller cars made the Magnum a literal dinosaur quite quickly, and a short-lived career in NASCAR did nothing to help its chances.


image: https://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Screen-Shot-2018-08-05-at-1.05.23-AM-630x390.jpg

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When you think of T-Top roofs, it’s easy to recall various two-doors and two-seaters that left the factory with the, but not a land barge like the Magnum. Sure, it has two doors, but it’s not exactly a Datsun 280ZX or any other number of small performance cars that came with the paneled roof in the 70s and 80s. The red leather interior is the perfect combo, and the seller notes they just recovered the front seats.


image: https://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Screen-Shot-2018-08-05-at-1.05.41-AM-630x390.jpg

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The 360 V8 was good for just *under* 200 b.h.p., truly staggering for an engine this large. The seller notes that this example still has functioning A/C and recently received a brand-new vinyl top. While a Magnum will never be worth much, it’s a Mopar product with an actual connection to the Petty years of NASCAR that still looks pretty good despite its age (though it does need the cool headlights shields and replacement turn signals.) The Magnum is a car often overlooked by collectors, but is it time to pay attention?


Read more at T-Top Equipped: 1979 Dodge Magnum
 
WAY TOO rough for that kind of money, but it does have T-tops and the wheel flares look to be in good shape. Good starting point if you put Carmine's red interior in there.
 
The 360 V8 was good for just *under* 200 b.h.p., truly staggering for an engine this large.

I can't tell you how stupid someone becomes in my eyes when they make a statement like that.

Recently my buddy ran his 2006 Lincoln LS V8 with my '79 318 2bbl Magnum. His Lincoln runs mid/high 14s at the strip and would easily smoke my Magnum in a 1/4 mile. We both know that, but for laughs sake we ran just because we lined up at a light. The best part was that my wife was in his Lincoln and got to witness him panic a little when he couldn't catch me until I was doing about 50. How many "stoplight drags" really do much more than that?

Why?

265 ftlbs @ 2600 rpm

Vs.

286 ftlbs @ 4000 rpm

...in two cars of similar weight.

And because of my super high gearing, on the highway, I'm right back with him.

There is merit to the idea of lowered power from 70s engines. Is it as bad as millenials with little seat time, but lots of experience reading each other's blogs, say it is? No.
 
It seems Magnums in white actually do not have any character - they should be in dark shades of color to look good. This is one of the few examples where I agree with Dave's general statement. The white car in this thread just looks wrong, and the bump strip doesn't help either.

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