Dodge was the last major manufacturer to market a “pony car” after the Ford Mustang created a stir in 1964. From 1970-74, the Challenger shared its new platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, although no sheet metal was common between the two. This first-year convertible, in R/T trim and sporting a 440 cubic inch V8, may have been only 1 of 128 so built. It’s received a rotisserie restoration, although the interior components may be mostly original. Located in Fountain Hills, Arizona, this rare beauty is available here on eBay for $179,000 (or you can tender an offer).

Although they offered the same amount of muscle, the Challenger would be more popular than the Barracuda, at least in the first year. Nearly 77,000 Challengers left the assembly line in 1970, compared to 49,000 Barracudas (whose sales were up 50%). And the Challenger almost overtook the Mustang which started the revolution (though the Barracuda came to market 17 days earlier in April 1964). 82,000 Mustangs were built in 1970, but the top sales position went to the redesigned Chevy Camaro (125,000 copies).

This ’70 Challenger should get the juices flowing in several ways. The car has Chrysler’s third most powerful engine available that year, the single-barrel 440 as opposed to the 440 6-Pack or 426 Hemi. With an automatic transmission, it would perhaps be the most “civilized” of the trio. And the seller says that all the numbers match, so the automobile is intact after 52 years and a body-off restoration. The only thing missing is the build sheet which the seller says was never recovered.

As recently as last year, the car was an award winner, “Gold Certified” per the muscle car nationals (MCACN). Gold is given to the vehicles that score between 950 and 1000 points, which is where the seller says this Dodge fell. It’s a well-equipped Challenger, with most of the boxes checked on the options list, including factory air conditioning and a luggage rack. With the B5 blue paint and matching interior, the seller postulates this may be the only such example left anywhere. Who would have thought in 1970 that your $5,000 car brand-new would be worth 30-40 times that 50 years later?!

The seller is weak on photos. At this price point, you’d expect better than low-resolution photos and at least one that shows the entire engine. But we do get a peek at part of the restoration process that resulted in the interior comprising 95% original Chrysler materials (sourced replacements or as the car was built?). We’re told that as you inspect the Dodge, you won’t find a single chip or scratch anywhere. The indicated mileage is 6,900 which could be its original, 106,900, or the number the Challenger has traveled since the restoration.