Pistachio Dodge Magnum Wagon With Chrysler 300C Front Swap Has 6-Speed Manual

If you’re talking about the wagon, the Dodge Magnum is a single-generation car that was offered from 2005 to 2008, and that would suggest it was unsuccessful. But this more practical Charger is famous and collectible because of its unique body style.

We’re always impressed by the flexibility of Dodge and Chrysler products that share this platform. A lot of times, you can swap suspension from the 300C to the Charger or exhaust tips from the Challenger to the Durango. Sometimes, these parts are Mercedes-derived because the LX platform they used is related to the W211 E-Class, but that’s not even the most interesting part.

Together with the Cadillac CTS-V, the Dodge Magnum is the most fascinating American wagon of the modern era. But it looks completely outdated by today’s standards, which leads some people to modify them. I’m sure you’re all aware of a guy named Junkyard Dave, who’s cust-made a Hellcat Magnum with all the design elements from the current Charger sedan.

This isn’t that car, but it’s just as interesting. As you can probably tell, this Dodge Magnum has been converted with the front end of the first-generation Chrysler 300C, its Ralph Gilles-designed luxury contemporary. To make things even more interesting, it’s got a supercharged V8 and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Last time we checked, Magnums aren’t supposed to have manuals.

The owner recently reached out to point out some upgrades we missed. This Chrysler-Dodge combo has a built motor and a blower. To handle the upgraded power, it’s also been equipped with a Hellcat rear cradle which apparently bolts right into the Magnum. Like I said, the LX platform is so interesting and versatile.

Just when we’re about to say “beat that!” the Magnum does just that by having a unique shade of paint that’s best described as “pistachio ice cream.” Owner @pandadriven doesn’t have anything noteworthy to say about his creation, but we actually remembered there was a real Chrysler 300C wagon… that you weren’t allowed to buy.

The Toyota Supra factory used to make a 300C Wagon

This was the era of great American expansion, and Chrysler tried to get money out of BMW 5 Series buyers in Europe by offering its own luxury wagon. The 300C Touring emerged, based on the Dodge Magnum. It was presented as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003, though it also sold in Latin America, Australia, and the Middle East.

Production started in 2004 for the 2005 model year and lasted until 2010. The car is not to be confused with the 300C Touring trim level from America. These wagons were made in Austria by Magna Steyr, much like the modern Toyota Supra.

It’s been reported that Austrian-made Chrysler 300C models were better built than their American counterparts. Even so, the company didn’t have the necessary reputation in this competitive segment, so the Touring didn’t sell well.

It’s a shame because this is quite an interesting-looking car thanks to the signature Chrysler grille and strong design lines. While international models did have a unique engine, the 3.0-liter CRD diesel, there was eventually a high-performance model as well, the 300C SRT8 Touring. This used the 6.1-liter V8 rated at 420 horsepower. Interestingly, the least powerful model had a 190 hp 2.7-liter V6.