A couple of E-Bodies that don’t show up in the marketplace as often as some of the others are the Plymouth AAR Cuda and its corporate cousin, the Dodge Challenger T/A. These are both one-year-only offerings, produced as 1970 models to compete in the Sports Car Club of America Trans Am racing circuit, with street versions also required to meet the SCCA rules of the time. Only 2,399 buyers were fortunate enough to drive home in a 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, with this one for sale here on eBay having received lots of attention in the mechanical areas already. This cool Mopar is in Hudson, Colorado, just outside of Denver, and can be yours right now for $55,000. If that sounds a bit steep, the seller is also open to the idea of accepting offers.
A small block in the form of a 340 cubic-inch V8 powered the T/A, with a single 4-barrel carburetor used in the actual race cars. However, for the street editions, a trio of 2-barrels sat on top, with a flat-black hood made of fiberglass. Unfortunately, the seller says this one’s got a non-numbers matching T/A engine, but the entire drivetrain has already been rebuilt, including the engine, carbs, TorqueFlite automatic, and the 8 3/4 rear end. Most of the brake system is equipped with new components as well, plus the front suspension has also gotten a rebuild and a fresh alignment, with the Challenger said to drive straight down the road.
While most of the mechanical work seems to have been finished, the next owner will be responsible for taking over in the cosmetics department. It’s great to see that the car appears mostly complete outside, with the right fender already swapped with a panel from a ‘71 model. One other body area the seller recommends replacing is the left quarter, which he says has both damage and rust, but these are readily available from companies such as Summit Racing. Although the factory color was Dark Tan Metallic, this one was resprayed white at some point, so the next owner will have to decide whether to keep it that way or return the finish back to the original spec.
Kudos to the seller for providing interior photos with both the seats and carpet intact, plus more with these removed and the floor visible. While the front buckets are going to need new upholstery, the platform appears quite solid, so hopefully, not much additional effort is going to be needed down below. This one seems like a good driver already, and with some minor body work and fresh paint, it should look as good as it runs. What are your thoughts on this 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, and its asking price of $55k?
I can tell you right now, $55k is too high. A big hit for non original engine for a car of this interest. If you want the big money, it has to be factory correct. Yeah I’m kinda interested, but the starting ask is too high considering what the car needs yet and non correct engine. A word to sellers…if the ask is too high, buyers will not even consider making an offer. That’s where I am, and I know where I could get a correct engine. Body and paint costs have sky rocketed which also affects value considering paint finish condition. My offer would likely be insulting, therefore not making one.
I completely agree with almost everything you said. As a matter of fact, I couldn’t have put it any better. Kudos for your honest assessment of this car. Hopefully the owner, as well as other potential advertisers on Bard Finds, will take your advice. One quick note, it would be a ton more desirable with a 4 speed.
Needs a 1/4 panel too? One more thing I wasn’t figuring into the total price.
It says the car has a T/A motor, just not #s matching, and there’s a pic of the casting proving that. Of course, ‘T/A motor’ is a little vague, but if the heads/rockers, valve covers, exhaust manifolds, wheels, radiator, carb list #s, steering box, distributor, and other peripherals are correct/properly date coded, this could be a solid project at a slightly lower negotiated price, especially for a person missing a left leg.
It wouldn’t have killed the seller to post a motor pic with one of the valve covers removed.
Barret-Jackson & Mecum have ruined the hobby for most of us. And the people who watch those auctions say to themselves “Hey, I have one of those cars in my barn. I didn’t know it was worth that much. I’m going to put it up for sale at top-dollar.”
On another note, I once owned a ’70 Challenger WSS with the leather interior. And, like this car, only the front seats were leather. The back seats were vinyl with the pattern different than the front seats. Looked odd.
Indeed. Much truth here. / These cars were pretty but mostly thought of as disposable cars, add in how badly they rusted and how few were sold, I am amazed we see so many here. Give me a nice Duster any day. Easier to get in and out of, a nicer driving position, two hundred pounds lighter, and much cheaper. Plus your insurance agent didn’t start to sweat with sweet anticipation upon writing a new policy. Just wish a different dash was available in the later years.