Better Option: 1979 Dodge Aspen Wagon

I love a good classic American 70s wagon as much as the next guy, but I was frankly astounded and flabbergasted when I discovered that a 5k mile 78 Ford LTD Country Squire sold on Bringatrailer.com for an eye watering $45,000 yesterday.  Forget the corona virus, there is a far greater threat to humanity -- the paytoomuchforoldcrap virus!!  Yes, it has awesome wood siding and the odo shows a shocking low number of miles...BUT...BUT...you can't drive it because it'll soon have 10k miles and then 50k miles and then be worth about $3k.  Yes, your 401k is shedding $45k every time the virus rate is updated, but there is no reason to throw money away at the time when the economic future is uncertain...so you should consider, instead, picking up this 1979 Dodge Aspen Wagon offered for $3000 in Pearce, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

**OH SO RARE**:: 1978 Dodge Aspen

The Dodge Aspen was a compact sedan/coupe built on a chassis shared with the Plymouth Volaré, Dodge Dart, & Chrysler Valiant.  This next example is priced at a fairly high asking price...but how many low mile Aspens in nice shape can possibly exist on the planet?  Find this 1978 Dodge Aspen offered for $7200 in Ft Myer, FL via craigslist.  Tip from Dascpcu.

Malaise Four Hundo: 1977 Dodge Aspen Wagon

When you think about F-body cars, Chrysler compacts from the late 70's likely don't come to mind first.  The Dodge Aspen and its twin Chrysler Volare' were made from 1976-1980 and were successors to the very popular Dart/Duster/Valiant triplets.  The Aspen sedan and wagon rode on a longer wheel base than the coupes.  Small block 318 and 360 V8's were factory options, but today's grocery getter is powered by a big block 400.  Find this 1977 Dodge Aspen wagon for sale in Roxbury, CT for $2,600 via craigslist.

Solid Gold: 1976 Dodge Aspen R/T

by Glenn -- The 70's were a time of change for the car industry...gas shortages, smog equipment, and new safety regulations all had a major effect on car manufactures and consumers alike. Car designs started to evolve around new crash standards resulting in...well lets just say it wasn't pretty. Most North American cars were utilitarian in design with minimal differentiation from one brand to another. There were a few models that attempted to carry the torch beyond the dying muscle cars of yesteryear, like this low mileage 1976 Dodge Aspen offered for $8,500 in Allentown, PA via craigslist.

5k: 5-Door Sleeper: 1977 Dodge Aspen Wagon

The real trick to building a proper sleeper is that the car needs to be ugly.  Not just rusty, or damaged, and you don't want to get Pontiac Aztec ugly.  The trick is to find some dumpy reject from the late '70s  that no one in his right mind would ever consider sporty.  Enter the Aspen.  The Chrysler F-body sibling to the Volaré, Dart, and Valiant is the perfect candidate for a big block swap.  Find this 1977 Dodge Aspen Wagon here on craigslist offered for $3,500 in Northwest CT.   Tip from Cory.

5k: Quick When New: 1976 Dodge Aspen R/T

The Dodge Aspen (and Plymouth Volaré) was the successor to the popular Dodge Dart platform and was bestowed with the 1976 Car of the Year award by Motor Trend.  The Aspen won't be headlining any auctions at Barrett-Jackson or Mecum in the near future, but it looks oddly cool in R/T trim and was surprisingly quick  when new.  Find this 1976 Dodge Aspen R/T offered for $6,000 in Hayward, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Kaibeezy.