I think it is safe to say we have all seen Second Generation Dodge Chargers that a well-meaning owner has transformed into a tribute to the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. However, few of those cars ever return to their original form. That is the story behind this 1970 Charger R/T. There is evidence of its tribute life, but drilling down reveals a car that was originally stunning and nicely optioned. It is structurally and mechanically sound, meaning the new owner could potentially enjoy it immediately while planning their restoration path. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Brick, New Jersey. Bidding sits below the reserve at $17,876, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim on this classic.
The Charger’s existing badly faded orange paint hints at its former life, making a restoration an obvious choice. The buyer may find following the faithful path irresistible because this classic rolled off the line resplendent in stunning Go Mango. That was one of the most desirable shades offered that year, meaning this R/T turned heads in its glory days. The exterior needs work before this happens because there is a collection of minor dings, marks, and accumulating surface corrosion. Penetrating rust is less of a concern, although the seller admits to prior repairs in the rockers and Bondo in a few locations. Stripping the car to bare metal would be wise to achieve a high-quality finish and ensure there are no hidden rust problems. I have included some photos in a gallery at the bottom of this article. One confirms that the floors and rails are rock-solid, courtesy of an early owner’s decision to undercoat this classic. The other reveals a collection of parts hiding in the trunk. It includes a set of R/T side scoops, a B&M shifter, and trim pieces. The buyer needs to locate additional items, but finding the right pieces should be a walk in the park.
It is fair to say that although muscle car sales were declining by 1970, buyers could still order a Charger R/T with power to burn. This car features the most conservative drivetrain offered, but it is not even slow by modern standards. Chrysler products from this era were often considered the yardstick, and the 375hp produced by the 440ci V8 under the hood ensures this is a genuinely fast classic. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, allowing the R/T to storm the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds on its way to 132mph. The seller doesn’t believe this Charger is numbers-matching, although they don’t seem sure. They were told the engine started life in a 1970 Newport, but a few upgrades may provide some welcome extra ponies. The V8 inhales deeply through an Edelbrock carburetor and intake, while the spent gases exit via stainless steel Headman headers and a dual exhaust. The tailpipes aren’t fitted but are sitting in the trunk awaiting installation. A four-core aluminum radiator keeps things calm and cool, while wide Weld wheels and Mickey Thompson tires should ensure most of the power makes it to the road. The seller says the motor feels strong, with no smoke or odd noises. It is unclear whether the R/T is roadworthy, but getting it there should not be difficult if it isn’t. It is worth noting the relative rarity of this vehicle. The 1970 Charger Register confirms that 9,509 R/Ts rolled off the line that year, with only 806 buyers selecting the 440/TorqueFlite combination.
The interior shots supplied by the seller are limited, but they confirm it requires as much attention as the exterior. The original owner ordered the R/T trimmed in Code C6K4 Burnt Orange, with bucket seats, a buddy seat armrest, air conditioning, and cruise control. The engine bay components for the A/C are gone, although it is unclear whether the in-cabin items are intact. The same is true of the cruise control, but the seller confirms the front seats and armrest are missing. Once the winning bidder locates replacement seats, a complete retrim is on the cards. Classic Mopar interior items tend to be more expensive than for competitors, meaning the buyer should probably budget around $2,500 to return the inside of this classic to its former glory.
I understand tribute vehicles and the dedication required to create them. However, I also appreciate well-preserved or faithfully restored classics. This is especially true when the car involved is desirable in its factory form. This 1970 Charger R/T falls within that category, and returning it to its original state should be worthwhile. However, is it a project you might consider tackling?
When I saw the picture first . My thoughts was . Redneck Charger!!! At $17,800 reserve not there yet. Now the engine from a Newport is a non-HP 440. The engine should be stamp near the distributor HP that how you know the difference. The other issue I have is the rear end. Shackles traction bars air shocks no no no no. 🤦🤦 Mopar guys know it’s a big sin doing that. You re-ark the leaf springs and if you want to do it right 6 on the right side five on the left side…if there is no major rust issues would be $20,000 and God knows what the interior looks like. Good luck to the next owner..🐻🇺🇸
*arc
An “ark” is a boat, you know…like Noah built.
How can you tell it was a General Lee tribute car at one time? Wasn’t Go Mango kind of orange too?
Must have been a pretty car new, no mention of a vinyl top but judging by the spotty repair, a guess would be that it had one. If the engine was replaced by a ’70 Newport engine most likely a 383, We all know the mods to be done to that. Buckets missing?: Ricaro seats would be a nice choice. Good luck to the next owner
It would be nice if some would learn how to rotate your pictures before posting them. (eBay) Based on it being a Charger and a ’69 at that, this one will go for more money than most of us can comprehend.
*’70*
Non rb block in a Mopar r/t slashed alot from the value and means it’s not putt 375 to the wheels I think 285 or so coming from New Yorker it wouldn’t be the rb block just the r block meaning not a hi po motor if your going original I think their might be maybe 5000 left to profit not including time but do you ever break even on time I’d have fu.n Beating the non#’s 440 into the ground until it had steam spuing out at every gasket and it looked like a steam paddlewheel boat at the tail pipes and the underbody behind the rear tires was coated with black rubber 3 inches thick from creating twin black lines at every stop sign stop light stoped by cops spot anywhere that was a stop then go spot in town the dairy queen drive thru wouldn’t be safe lol then begin the restore
My head hurts after reading this…what are you even trying to say? This is the longest, run-on sentence in history. Also, it would be a “B” block, not an “R” block.
High performance 340 383& 440 were rb blocks not b block they were drop forged
Magnum blocks were rb
273/318/340/360 small blocks. 361/383/400 B blocks. 413/426/440 RB blocks
I think there was a 350 B block also but I’m not sure. The id area on a B block is by the distributor and is slanted while a RB block I’d is also by the distributor and the id area is flat.
Michael I agree. Seems Duwane is not only a little short on correct facts but also has some basic grammar barriers. Maybe English isn’t his first language? Idk. But I had eye strain and mild confusion after the second line of that rambling post.
Carry on….
Hey JACKASS!!! Is that clear enuff for you. I didn’t realize I was commenting, on an uptight grammatical board. Your probably just a collector, of trailer queen, and have never turned a wrench. Well maybe to change the oil. Do yourself a favor. Look up the difference between a B block and an RB block 440. You’ll sound really cool at the next. Car club meeting.
I’m well aware of the difference in Mopar block architecture. I’ve “wrenched” on quite a few over the years and for the record it wasn’t me who posted that word salad that started this exchange. Although this is hardly an English class your original post was unintelligible with no real meaning. What was your intent? This isn’t ‘Twatter’ where the urban slang is commonplace. I did feel bad thinking you may have had a stroke in the past. But thankfully that’s not the case for you. Good news is your last post shows marked improvement!
See insights below,
However you failed in stating “High performance 340 and 383 were RB blocks.” But good job on getting the 440 correct.
The RB stands for raised block meaning the deck surface is higher from the crank centerline. The RB blocks are as follows: 413,426, and the 440.
Now the B block or sometimes called the “low deck” include the old 350, 361, 383 and the 400.
Final correction: a 340 is a small block and is not included among the B or RB family.
I have no idea what you meant by “drop forged”??? Maybe a forged crank? Which is true for some so your half right in that case.
Good day Dooowane!
A person will end up with more money in this than it is worth. While there doesn’t appear to have rust penetrating I would be surprised if there isn’t major issues in that department. As Big Bear commented the shackles and rear springs as well as the poorly repairs rusted frame rails are very concerning. As for the interior I don’t think that $2500 any where close to bring it back likely closer to 5 – 6K. $18,000 and reserve not met It wll take $60,000 to bring this car to a $75,000.00 car. It is not numbers matching and most panels and trim will need to be replaced. Wish the buyer the best but I would pass.
I would drive it as a Daily Driver beater. Creates a lot of hype and everyone will tell you what it is worth!
I would rather have Moparman’s beautiful white one with the perfect 318 engine. This is a POS that will lead to tears and a divorce.