Dodge Magnum (B-body)

See the Dodge Magnum entry for more information about the current 2005-present model.

The B-body Dodge Magnum was a short-lived replacement for the departed Charger (B-body) that was introduced at the middle of the 1978 model year. The Magnum shared the larger body that was shared by the Chrysler Cordoba, but the Magnum's front fenders and rear quarters were more pronounced, the nose had quad rectangular headlights hidden by a retractable plexiglass covering accompanied by a horizontally-barred grille that was reminiscent of a 1930's Cord. Taillights differed by being horizontally ribbed. Naturally, engine and transmission choices mirrored the Cordoba's as well, the 5.2L (318 cid) V8 was standard, with the 5.9L (360 cid) V8 and 6.6L (400 cid) as options. A 3-speed automatic transmission was the only one available.

1979 Magnums changed very little, the only real change was the 400 V8 was no longer available, the 360 became the top option. While the Cordoba was the star of Chrysler's show in the mid to late '70s, the Magnum and its Charger predecessor was a bit of a flop by comparison, not being near as good a seller. The Magnum was replaced by the smaller J-body Mirada in 1980.

See the first generation Chrysler Cordoba entry for more information about the B-body Dodge Magnum.