CHARGER MARKET REVIEW
THE E48 IS an enigma that has endured for decades. Despite being a significant car in 1970s Chrysler history, little has been written about E48s and the model is rarely mentioned when talking E Series Chargers. Series Production racing was a distant memory by the time the VJ Valiant range debuted in 1973. Nobody acknowledged the E55 V8 racing development and left-over parts from the E49 programme that were shoveled out the door by any means available. Demand still existed for the legendary ‘Six Pack’ and sets of triple Webers would still be fitted to Chargers, although the cars in question would be the antithesis of the extroverted E49. The E48 was therefore as bland as any model in the VJ range. No blacked-out bonnet or air-scoops, just a subdued ‘hockey stick’ stripe on each side and tiny badge set low on the front mudguards giving some hint of what sat beneath the bonnet. Just how much power do you get if you buy a factory-spec E48? Who knows. Some Chrysler documents show 248hp (185kW) but other sources within the company claim 270hp (202kW). The numbers of E48 Chargers sent to market are more certain, however other kinds of Chrysler were also built to special order with surplus E48 engines installed. Of the E48s built as Chargers, 122 reportedly were base models with 16 in XL and 770 trim levels. E48 prices have moved steadily in recent years, but given the cars’ scarcity and fascinating history, $70-100,000 spent on documented decent cars seems low indeed.