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1978-1979 Dodge Magnum

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1978  The Dodge Magnum replaced the Dodge Charger, which was discontinued in 1978. Like the Charger, the Magnum was based upon the Chrysler Cordoba platform. Therefore, it was a two-door, rear-wheel drive, with a torsion bar suspension and anti-sway bar in front, and asymmetrical leaf springs with an anti-sway bar in the back. It also had the long hood, short deck, formal body look of the Cordoba. However, as the Cordoba emphasized luxury, the Magnum emphasized performance and power. The front end was completely different, with an open air opening separated by 3-horizontal bars. The headlights had clear covers that automatically opened when the headlights were turned on. Each side had 2 large flares, that each seemed to start at the door, and continue toward the front and back of the car. The Magnum was a great looking car, and was one of the true bright spots during 70's.

 

The Magnum was available in one model, the XE. The Magnum XE was powered by a standard 318 cid V-8, with the 360 and 400 cid V-8 engines optional. All of these engines featured Chrysler's electronic "Lean Burn" system, which was supposed to help reduce emissions. What it usually did was make the engines run like crap, which is why many of the lean burn systems were removed by their owners. The 3-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission with lockup clutch torque converter was the sole transmission choice. The brakes were power front disc and rear drum setup. Heavy duty shocks were optional.

 

The interiors had many choices available. Vinyl bucket sets were standard in the Magnum XE, with 60/40 split/bench seats, cloth and vinyl bucket seats with a center armrest, and leather and vinyl bucket seats with a center console optional. A floor shifter came with the console.

 

On the roof, you could get 2 vinyl roof choices - the Landau (covers the rear half), or Halo (covers the entire roof). With the vinyl roof coverings came louvered quarter windows. Also available were a power sunroof, and T-Top roof.

 

For those who thought that the Magnum XE wasn't quite hot enough, there was the optional GT package. The GT package included subtle fender flares around the wheel openings, GR60 X 15 raised white-letter tires on 15 X 7-inch Magnum wheels, which were exclusive to this package. The GT also got you heavy duty shocks, leather covered steering wheel, firmer feeling power steering, and engine turned appliqués on the instrument panel and passenger vent panel.

 

Right out of the box, the Magnum looked like a hit, and it was. Nearly 48,000 Magnums were sold in 1978.

 

 

   

 

            

 

1979  The 1979 Magnum changed little from 1978. The rear taillamp styling was updated. The rear anti-sway bar that was standard in 1978 was now part of an optional roadability package. The 400 cid engine was no longer available. All of the Sure-Grip limited-slip differentials were also gone. On the plus side, there was now several two-tone paint options available.

 

The GT package was back this year, basically unchanged from last year. In addition to last year's options, this year's GT package included heavy-duty front and rear sway bars, heavy-duty torsion bars, and heavy-duty rear springs. If you wanted the 360 cid four-barrel V-8 engine, you have to either order the GT package, or order the Trailer-Assist Package.

 

The Magnum was still an incredible car, but unfortunately, that still wasn't enough to save it. 1979 would be the last year for the Dodge Magnum. It would be replaced in 1980 by the Dodge Mirada.