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60k Original Miles: 1970 Dodge Challenger

The owner of this 1970 Dodge Challenger claims that it has covered an original 60,000 miles, and if appearances count for anything, then it would certainly seem to be a plausible claim. The car presents beautifully and appears to be a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It is located in Effort, Pennsylvania, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $20,395, and with the reserve now met, it is a Challenger that is set to go to a new home.

Finished in Bright Red, the external appearance of the Challenger is very impressive. The paint has a deep shine to it, and there are no signs of any major rust issues. There is a small mark on the leading edge of the rear wheel opening on the driver’s side, but that appears to be the only significant blemish on the car’s exterior. The Black vinyl top appears to be faultless, as does the external trim, chrome, and the tinted glass. The owner does say that the original wheels and hubcaps come with the car, but it isn’t clear whether this is in addition to the wheels currently fitted, or instead of them. That is something that would need to be clarified.

The impeccable presentation continues when you open the doors of the Challenger. If the exterior was good, then the interior is even better. The seats have been finished in what the owner refers to as two-tone black leather, although it actually looks like it is a combination of black leather and grey cloth in the photos. Whatever the truth actually is, they do look superb. The same is true of the door trims, the dash, headliner, and all of the upholstered surfaces. One thing that detracts from the presentation is the stickers that have been attached to the glove compartment door. Still, that’s a pretty easy problem to fix. Someone has really pushed the boat out inside the car, and it looks like it would be a very pleasant place to spend some time. It doesn’t look like the car has received any aftermarket additions to the interior, and the pleasant environment is made even more enjoyable by the addition of air conditioning.

It isn’t clear whether the Challenger is a numbers-matching car, but we do know that the engine is a 318ci V8, producing 230hp. The transmission is a 3-speed TorqueFlite, while the car also features power steering. The Challenger isn’t a particularly heavy car, which means that even though the engine doesn’t produce mega-horsepower, it still gets the car up and moving quite nicely. It isn’t clear whether this 318 remains standard, but the owner does describe it as being fast. That’s not a bad sign.

Apart from that one minor blemish in the paint, the presentation of this Challenger is close to perfect. It wants for nothing and would be well suited to the person who is looking for a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It looks like a car that has been appreciated by its current owner, and I hope that the next owner treats it with a similar level of respect.

Comments

  1. Avatar angliagt Member

    It’s CHALLANGER WEEK here at Barn Finds!

    Like 11
  2. Avatar Troy s

    Very clean Dodge, it’s good to see cars in decent shape on here. It’s barnfinds, not wrecking yard finds as some of these have been.

    Like 7
  3. Avatar Howard A. Member

    Finally! A Challenger that isn’t a fire breathing monster or a floorless wonder. This is how I remember 90% of the Challengers. Most of these were everyday cars for many, it’s great to see one again. The Magnum 500’s (?) make it even nicer. Cars like this catered to librarians or your dads secretary. While I still balk at the prices, if there ever was a car worth $20g’s in this condition, it’s this. Nice find.

    Like 16
    • Avatar Superdessucke

      Right. This is something Mary Tyler Moore would have driven if she had been a Mopar instead of a Ford girl. Kind of funny now to see undoubtedly macho guys bidding 20,000 + for this :-)

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Dave

    Looks good from the photos, but being from PA it needs to go up on a lift for a thorough inspection.
    If FCA had been making the AWD Challengers in 2016 I would be driving one instead of a Patriot. I drove one as a rental and other than not being able to see much out back the car drove very nicely. Maybe next year when I retire I’ll look around for a nice, low mile trade in at the dealer.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Harry

      If you’re worried about rust, you have a point, but if it has a current PA sticker, it’s probably safe. Take it from a resident: PA inspections are pretty thorough 😏

      Like 2
  5. Avatar bobhess Member

    It just doesn’t look right without rust. Could be the best deal on one of these in a long time. Certainly a nice looking car.

    Like 6
  6. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    FCA has done a fantastic job keeping the new Challengers true to the originals unlike the cartoon Camaro and Mustang

    Like 10
  7. Avatar Classic Steel

    Weloxme to MopeFinds 👀🤔

    If you have a challenger list here plus
    get get 10% off list if its Orange 🍊

    Okay, i like it and will judge against the next one posted tomorrow 🤣😅

    Like 2
    • Avatar Howard A. Member

      Huh? Slow down, try it again,,,apparently the time change affects people differently.

      Like 7
  8. Avatar Chris M.

    Worth noting, it’s totally irrelevant if it’s an original 318 car and it’s numbers matching. Adds zero value. Same goes for any other make that was built in base trim with pedestrian low performance engines.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      Interesting take. I disagree 100%, but as stated previously- “A difference of opinion is what makes horse racing possible”

      Like 6
    • Avatar Angrymike

      I agree, the owner saying “it’s fast” is funny. The 318 is a reliable engine, but fast it isn’t. If I bought it, the 69 383 out of a roadrunner I have since the 80’s would have finally found a home. I really like these, and if the new challengers weren’t sitting at $30,000 when I was looking, I wouldn’t own a Mustang Gt .

      Like 1
      • Avatar Chris M.

        Makes perfect sense AngryMike and in doing so you’d have a more valuable car. Of course you could tuck that matching numbers 318 under the bench to really “cash in” one day! Lol

        Like 0
    • Avatar Mike

      You’re entitled to your wrong opinion Chris.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Chris M.

        Just you are entitled to your wrong opinion Mike.

        Like 0
  9. Avatar Desert rat

    I agree with Christ M about the value of a stock original base model car, sure it’s nice to start out with one but I’m not going to leave it that way . I have owned my 69 camaro for over 15 years and lit started out as a stock, numbers matching ,three speed on the floor and a 307, wow better not hurt the value of this survivor buy changing anything right? No, I wanted my camaro to reflect what I grew up with back in the day, mag wheels ,spoilers ,4 on the floor and if not a big block at least a 350 under the hood. Did I hurt the value of my original camaro not in the least and even if it did who cares, it’s my camaro and I’ll build it the way I want. So back to the above challenger love the car great color with black vinyl top but if it was mine and I always wanted a four speed Hemi E body, well I know what I’d be doing…

    Like 5
    • Avatar Chris M.

      Point made well. I have to see a buzz surrounding the numbers matching 318 2 barrel SE Challenger lot in the Mecum auction. My comment was based on after seeing the VIN showing a factory 318 it’s immaterial as to end value if it’s the original engine. Purchase or sale price will be based on overall condition and valued accordingly at base trim model. Anyone with any sense or more so ambition realizes that by installing a far more desirable big block or 340 without question, raises the market value. Just as you did with your Camaro.

      Like 1
  10. Avatar Terry Bowman

    Hard to tell by the photo, but the dash looks like an after market one, without the stitch(70′ only) or out of a later model. I also like the car, as is.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Mike

      The stitching is there.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar jerry z

    This Challenger just has the right look. Nothing over the top about it.

    I like!

    Like 3
  12. Avatar TimM

    Looks really good and the mileage actually seems like it’s true (not 160,000 miles)!! It is a basic car with the 318 and three speed automatic!! This car should be bought for under $25,000 in my opinion!!!

    Like 5
  13. Avatar Del

    When he says its fast I believe him.

    These LA 318s were pretty good before emissions bogged them and lower compression.

    I really like this car.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Anav8r

      Del, my 70 Charger with the same drive train would slow down when I upshifted to third after getting all I could out of second. Of course, it also got 18mpg with that 2.71 rear axle ratio. Since it was my family car, it was plenty fast enough and quick enough to merge or pass. Sadly, the front fenders rusted across the top after NJDOT salt found a home behind the hidden headlights. :(

      Like 0
  14. Avatar stillrunners

    Just haters…..whats up with that ?

    Like 1
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      Not getting the haters thing, looks like a sweet driver to me. Great looking rig!

      Like 1

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