Dodge was a latecomer to the “pony car” game in 1970. Sharing its new E-body platform with the redesigned Plymouth Barracuda, the Challenger would remain in production for five years. More than 30 years later, the nameplate would be reborn as a variant of the Dodge Charger. This first-year edition is an R/T model and numbers-matching, but some restoration and reassembly are needed. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this rolling project is available here on craigslist for $20,000 (firm). Our appreciation goes to barn finder T.J. for another Mopar tip!
The R/T (short for Road/Track) was akin to Barracuda’s ‘Cuda performance model. Out of nearly 77,000 Challengers sold in 1970, 18,500 would be R/Ts. And of those, 2,730 copies were built with the Chrysler 383 big-block V8 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. Given that these cars were often ridden hard, the survival rate means there are only so many like the seller’s Challenger left.
According to the seller, this Dodge is rust-free, having spent its life in the dry climate of Arizona. Some early restoration work may have been started as pieces like the bumpers, windshield, and back glass have been removed and have either been refreshed or have new versions ready to go back in. The interior may have already been stripped down as we see the seats stacked up against a wall.
No reference is made to the mechanical health of the Dodge. While the engine and transmission may be original, we don’t know if they need to be rebuilt. But it was a well-equipped Mopar, with factory air conditioning, a “Pistol Grip” shifter, a posi-traction rear end, and factory wheels that are sporting brand new tires. The seller is willing to deliver the car to its new home, but there are likely some parameters like distance. An R/T like this has the potential of becoming a six-figure car, so perhaps the asking price is proportional to its future value.
Am I crazy thinking $20k is reasonable!?
For someone else, tho… not me
Crazy? No, but you are part of the mass hysteria that is these prices.
Ad is written in typical scammer fashion
you can say that again..the seller may live in Libya.
A four speed with AC, thats kinda rare. Should be a good buy for someone
Say it not a scammer but a real sale. $20,000 is not bad if… There is nothing major wrong with the drivetrain. Just cleaning the seats and the headliner if it’s stills there . Going to need a carb really didn’t see one in the pictures you can spend almost $10,000 to $15,000 without a paint job getting back on the road. Parts are getting harder to get. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
At 20k this will be gone by the time you finish reading the ad. Real R/T, big block, 4 speed, desirable color combination, Arizona body, etc. When people are paying 20k for Swiss cheese, dragged up from the bottom of a lake mopars, this is a deal! Would really have to see the bottom half of the car to pull the trigger though. Some low angle shots out in the daylight would help. Challengers are hard to find not all rusted beyond repairability, so this is really kind of rare.
20k / Pure idiocy..
“I TOLD Grandma to be careful backing out of the garage!”
No pics of the VIN and/or fender tag is inexcusable in Moparland.
20K ask for a rustless body and a matching drivetrain foundation ain’t too shabby, especially S code w/4 gear.
Rusty panels and missing parts can break a deal these days as repro/resto parts are getting scarcer and much more expensiver, so being pretty complete is worth a lot.
The ad is a bit spooky. No up front $ on this one.
GONE. Scammer either got busted or someone is drinking a victory beer.