New member intro – question about 1973 Monaco exposed quad headlight cars

[rustyXterior]

Hi all,

New member here. I just joined FCBO while trying to track down solid photo documentation and info on 1973 Dodge Monaco models equipped with exposed quad headlights (non-concealed headlamp fascia).

Most references and surviving photos seem to focus on the Monaco Brougham, which of course used concealed/retractable headlights. What I’m specifically interested in are non-Brougham ’73 Monacos—particularly Monaco and Monaco Custom trims—that retained the standard exposed quad headlamp front end rather than the hidden setup.

I’ve seen at least a couple of cars (including period TV/film background vehicles) that appear to be 1973 fuselage-body Monacos with exposed quads, matching the ’73 body side geometry and taillights, but they’re much harder to find documented than the Broughams. I’m hoping some of you may have photos, brochures, or firsthand knowledge of these trims and how common they actually were.

Longer-term, I may be interested in purchasing one, and the Monaco Custom sounds like the sweet spot for me — a bit more trim and comfort than the base Monaco without the full Brougham treatment.

For background, I’m not new to Mopars. About 20 years ago my daily driver was a '65 Barracuda with the slant six, so I’ve owned and lived with an A-body, but I’m now finding myself drawn to the big C-body cars, especially that '73 Monaco.

Looking forward to learning more and appreciating any insight you’re willing to share.

Thanks!
Jeff (rustyXterior)

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[SIPLOWGUY]

That's not a 73 Polara. That's a 75-76 Coronet, 77-78 Monaco

 

[MoPar~Man]

Maybe have a look here:

The 1970 Hamtramck Registry - 1973 Dodge Dealership Data Book - Polara & Monaco

1973 Polara's had exposed headlights, the Monaco's had hidden lights (according to the pages there).

The data book is supposed to have over 100 pages, but I think only the first 26 are there. And there's no mention of a "Brougham" model. ?

 

[marko]

lots on info on the excellent hamtramck site

The 1970 Hamtramck Registry Library Page (1975 - 1979)

 

[rustyXterior]

Here's another pic. Does this help? Is this a '77 Monaco or Coronet then? It looks like it says "Monaco" on the front left fender.

BTW, the car I saw in that movie (screen shot above) I could've sworn had the square headlights arranged horizontally, not vertically like in '77. That's why I was thinking it was a '73. I'm just really confused, lol.

 

[SIPLOWGUY]

Here's another pic. Does this help? Is this a '77 Monaco or Coronet then? It looks like it says "Monaco" on the front left fender.

BTW, the car I saw in that movie (screen shot above) I could've sworn had the square headlights arranged horizontally, not vertically like in '77. That's why I was thinking it was a '73. I'm just really confused, lol.

View attachment 747183

That IS a Monaco, but not a 1973. This is from Wikipedia:
"Chrysler decided to move the Dodge Monaco, in name form only, from the full-size C platform-body to the mid-size B platform-body line up for the 1977 model year. The entire 1977 Dodge Monaco lineup received a make-over. The previous model year's full-size C-body Dodge Monaco (from 1976) became, just for one year only, the full-size C-body 1977 Dodge Royal Monaco until its discontinuation from all production at the end of the 1977 model year. The mid-size B-body 1977 Dodge Monaco two-door coupe, four-door wagon, and four-door sedan replaced the previous model year's Coronet hardtop coupe, four-door wagon, and four-door sedan. These cars were "corporate twins" to the new-for-1975 "downsized" Plymouth Fury#Seventh_Generation. The 1977 Dodge Monaco Brougham four-door sedan replaced the previous year's Coronet Brougham four-door sedan. The 1977 Dodge Monaco Crestwood four-door wagon replaced the last year's Coronet Crestwood four-door wagon. Aside from the name change, the 1977 Dodge Monacos differed only slightly from the 1976 Coronet equivalents, receiving a revised front-end design with stacked rectangular headlamps."

 

[SIPLOWGUY]

 

[69CoronetRT]

Maybe have a look here:

http://[URL]https://www.hamtramck-historical.com/dealerships/1973DealershipDataBook-07.shtml

[/URL]

1973 Polara's had exposed headlights, the Monaco's had hidden lights (according to the pages there).

The data book is supposed to have over 100 pages, but I think only the first 26 are there. And there's no mention of a "Brougham" model. ?

There are about 183 pages of the data book posted.

The A76 Brigham package is addressed on page 109.

 

[MoPar~Man]

There are about 183 pages of the data book posted.

The A76 Brigham package is addressed on page 109.

I see now that the Dodge/Polara section has 27 pages, but they start at page 87 and run to 114. Not all pages have page numbers.

The Brougham package does not have any options relating to front headlights hidden / not hidden.

Am I right that in 73 the Monaco's had hidden headlights but the Polara didn't?

Was 73 the last year for any Mopar having hidden headlights?

 

[GregG48203]

Mopar having hidden headlights

1977 Royal Monaco:

1980 New Yorker:

1983 Imperial:

1990 Imperial: