1978-Dodge-Aspen-RT-Front-driver-side

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Cars from the 1970s are often dismissed in favor of their 1960s-era brethren.

And that’s a cryin’ shame, because these “malaise era” vehicles are actually a lot of fun.

They’re easy to work on, can be modded for more power, and (in many cases) offer better handling and ride quality out-of-the-box than cars built before the Nixon administration.

The performance dip forced designers to focus on style as the best method to sell cars, resulting in all-manner of look-fast accoutrements finding their way onto even the most humble domestic sedan.

And we’re glad they did—just check out this 1978 Dodge Aspen R/T that rumbled into the Summit Racing parking lot last February.

Engine in front, drive wheels in back? Check.

Dual exhaust? Check

Window louvers? Whoa, double-check!

Clicking the R/T box on your Dodge Aspen order sheet got you the signature Chrysler Rallye wheels with larger tires, blacked-out grille and taillights, and special decklid/chin spoilers. You could even opt for the available 360 c.i.d. engine, delivering a 17- to 18- second quarter-mile time—not too shabby for the era.

We’re pretty sure this is a 1978 model, given the horizontal window louvers and rear taillight configuration. The rear spoiler looks to be poached from a 1977, but we’re far from experts on the Dodge Aspen (or its Mopar stablemate, the Volare Road Runner). In fact, this could be a regular Aspen dressed up with R/T bits—which is still okay in our book.

This thing is rad.

We’re sure it gives its owner plenty to smile about—a true vintage muscle car, “malaise-era” be darned.

1978-Dodge-Aspen-RT-Driver-Side-Rear

(Image/OnAllCylinders)

(Image/OnAllCylinders)

(Image/OnAllCylinders)

(Image/OnAllCylinders)

(Image/OnAllCylinders)

(Image/OnAllCylinders)

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Author: Paul Sakalas

Paul is the editor of OnAllCylinders. When he's not writing, you'll probably find him fixing oil leaks in a Jeep CJ-5 or roof leaks in an old Corvette ragtop. Thanks to a penchant for vintage Honda motorcycles, he spends the rest of his time fiddling with carburetors and cleaning chain lube off his left pant leg.