Dodge’s Challenger would be the last to join the “pony car” movement of the late 1960s. But it’s probably at the top of the list of collectors who go in for the genre. This example of one of the rarest of the first-year (1970) Challengers as just 296 were built with the R/T SE 440 “6-Pack” V8 set-up. Its numbers match except for the automatic transmission. Only needing a little work, this Dodge emerged from a collection and is available via a dealer here on eBay. Located in Hickman, Nebraska, the asking price is $65,440.06 which makes sense when you think about it!
The Challenger rode on Chrysler’s new E-body platform that was also designated for the Plymouth Barracuda. Similarly, the cars shared not one piece of common sheet metal. The Challenger outsold the Barracuda by a margin of 50% in 1970 at 76,935 units. 2,035 of those were 440 6-Packs but only 296 also had the snappy SE (Special Edition) option. The seller is big on this car and for good reason given its pedigree and overall condition.
We’re told that this Mopar wears a restoration, but it was applied about 35 years ago. Since then, it’s only been driven to car shows so the mileage and use sounds to have been minimal. The body is an 8+ (per the seller) and the B7 Jamaica Blue paint looks quite tidy, and the blue interior is given similarly high marks. The machine is not quite ready to go back on the road. We’re told it needs new tires (they’re old) and the accelerator pump for one of the three carburetors isn’t working properly. The seller says the engine will crank out 400 horses when asked to.
If Fender tags are essential, then this car might disappoint you. One of the prior owners was getting on in years and misplaced them, so the seller/dealer is trying to recreate the car’s records. But he/she has confirmed that the important stuff matches, adding up to one really rare, hot Mopar. This Challenger R/T is far more scarce than the Challenger T/A that had the 6-Pack but with the 340 small-block V8.
Wonder what happened to the factory 🏭 Torq-flite ?
What’s not to like on this one. Looks, power, and great condition.
Pretty color combo. I usually bemoan sellers for their lack of description or pictures so I believe I owe a compliment to this seller for including pics of the stampings and undercarriage. I wish more sellers would include pics like this, especially when the caliber of the car merits – as this Challenger does.
I thought all SE had the small rear window and a vinyl top to cover it. Should have also had the overhead consol in it.
With the originsl torque flight gone, it would be wise at this point to perform a Tremec 5 speed conversion. It won’t harm the value one bit, and I suspect even pay for itself based on greater desireability.
Not needed. Worth more to an investor with the auto (if it is period correct). This will go quietly back into a private collection, rarely to see the light of day. It will never be driven, except on and off a trailer. Sad, but that is what the investment bankers have done. Better get used to it, going to be a lot more just like it. The coming years are going to have a small number of people with so much money, just spending it will become a burden. They will all have huge collections because…well, just because. I am glad my days on this Earth are almost over. It pains me to see what has happened, esp to the old car hobby. Young people do not care about cars and driving, not because of cell phones and such, because they have been unfairly priced out of the game. Their birth right has been stolen, and we just let it happen.
Papa Bear you are correct. This is not a SE! No over head console or special vinyl top. Just a RT JS23V0B. Also wrong shifter hander. That is from 71-74. Also trying to see if it has a Dana rear end. It should since it’s a 6 pac set up. The price is high since has different trans and no fender tags and it’s just a RT. 🐻🇺🇸
The Dana 60 did not necessarily come with cars equipped with this engine and an automatic, only 4spds.
Steve R
Agreed, not an SE. I can’t see the power steering reservoir either?? It would need the “Super performance axle package” to get the Dana I believe.
Buyer beware, research any car and seller very carefully and thoroughly.
Here we have a car with missing fender tags, claiming to be an SE package car that is apparently not an SE. The non matching transmission may be the least of a buyer’s worriers.
Are those high flow / not so quiet mufflers? Not sure if they had (back then)/are turbo mufflers.
I’m quite surprised almost 1 of every 5 ’70 challys was a 6 cyl! 😆
I also don’t remember seeing an air cleaner base cut out like that one. There are a few things on this car that does not match up. Nice car, but not what the seller is trying to sell it as.
Someone modified it to work with air conditioning.
This car has question marks all over it for me.
Have fun ya’all and Merry Christmas!