What's the Best 1973 NASCAR-Based Road Car
Welcome back to Choices, where seemingly similar cars are pitted against one another in a battle for your affection. It’s like trying to choose your favourite child (although some days that’s easier than others). Your task, if you agree to accept it, is to determine which of the four cars below is the one you would own.
The Contestants
- 1973 AMC Matador 401
- 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna 454
- 1973 Dodge Charger 440
- 1973 Ford Gran Torino 429
During the 1973 NASCAR Winston Cup Series, no fewer than six manufacturers participated. Some ran in a limited capacity, but AMC, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Mercury and Plymouth all equipped cars for competition. Here I have gathered the road going versions of four of those vehicles to fight for your favor.
First there is the AMC Matador. An unlikely combatant, the Matador was entered in the first race of the season, a road course, and dominated for the victory. Before you is a shiny new 1973 Matador with the largest available engine, a 401 cu. in. V8 making a stout 255 hp.
Next up is the 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna. After switching to one midway through the season, it’s the car Benny Parson won the Winston Cup Championship with that year. The most potent road version of the car in 1973 is a Chevelle Laguna 454 making 245 hp and available with a manual transmission.
The Ford Torino never won a NASCAR race in 1973, unlike its cousin, the Mercury Cyclone. But we have entered the 1973 Ford Gran Torino anyway in this battle, fitted with the 429 cu. in. engine making a paltry 201 hp.
Finally, there is the Dodge Charger. Forever Dodge’s choice of vehicle when it came to NASCAR, the Charger continued to find success in 1973. The best road going version came equipped with a 440 cu. in. V8 that developed 280 hp – the most of any car here.
My Choice
For my choice, I’ll select the Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna 454. Although it does lack a bit of power compared to the other cars here, it does have the largest engine, a good-old big-block V8. Plus, it's the only one still available with a manual transmission.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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I'd be biased since I owned a '74 Laguna S3 in black and burgundy 😏