1977 Dodge Monaco Crestwood Station Wagon

1977 was an interesting year for the Monaco, marking the only time the badge was simultaneously worn by both full and intermediate-sized Dodges, with the former, C-body platform car marketed as the Royal Monaco.

This smaller, B-body station wagon appears to be highly original from exterior paint to its acres of blue and woodgrain vinyl, and the car comes desirably equipped with a 360 ci V8, a/c, and automatic transmission.

The term “intermediate” is relative to standards of the day, and this is still quite a large car at 225 inches from bumper to bumper–only five inches shorter than an equivalent ‘77 Royal Monaco wagon.

The car appears to be quite complete and original, including factory-style hubcaps, badging, brightwork, and even small, frequently-missing details such as the unique hood ornament.

Note the side-opening tailgate, complete with retractable glass, as well as interesting concave body lines that neatly incorporate the taillights and rear wind deflector.

The interior seems to retain a similar degree of originality and completeness, though a later Chrysler corporate cassette deck resides in the original factory location.

The car’s most striking visual feature is not its woodgrain, nor its gothic stack of headlights, but unquestionably its bright blue upholstery, which outshines those other traits even when only glimpsed from the outside.

Simply referred to as “Blue” in period brochures, it extends from seats to door cards to carpets and dash, and has us pining for the days of interior color options broader than various shades of gray, black, and tan.

Many of these cars were equipped with base slant-six engines as a means of dealing with frequent fuel crises of the time, making the 360 ci V8 found here a nice surprise.

Drive is moved rearwards via a 3-speed Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission, and other welcome options include power brakes, power steering, and a/c. The factory 2-barrel carburetor has been swapped for a Holley 4-barrel, but otherwise mechanicals remain stock.

The car is said to start and run well, though the seller describes a/c as “working but weak”.

The car is offered with limited documentation.

Late rwd Mopars are interesting cars by nature, but this one’s wild colors, wood, 360 V8, and power options elevate it above other survivors. Estimated $15,000 - $20,000.