The original Dodge Challenger may have been the right car at the wrong time. When it debuted in 1970 (five years after the Ford Mustang), muscle cars (perceived or real) were beginning to fall out of favor. So, the Challenger had a great sales year in ’70, then trickled off through the end in 1974. The seller has a mostly nice first-year Challenger that has been largely restored over the past six years, with a few kinks remaining. Located in Lake Forest, California, this “base” model with a 318 cubic inch V8 is available here on eBay for $37,500. Another great tip from – who else – “Curvette”!
Dodge built 77,000 Challengers in 1970 (and Plymouth 49,000 Barracudas, which shared the same E-body platform). Editions like this one were fairly common because they were sporty, but not performance-driven. The seller bought the Mopar in 2018 as a project after it had been sitting for at least 25 years. There are no photos of it back then, so the degree of transformation it’s made over the years is unknown. Both the engine and 904 transmission were rebuilt, but the former has since developed a few leaks.
We’re told the Dodge is 95% restored (so we wonder what the other 5% is). It comes with “special interest” California license plates that may or may not be transferable. The 318 now sports a 340 intake manifold and 4-barrel carburetor, and the originals have flown the coop. The steering and front suspension were also rebuilt with a conversion to front disc brakes with power assist.
The five-year-old paint, vinyl top, and interior match with the codes on the cowl tag (which has been separated from the car for whatever reason). Most of the sheet metal is original, so the car may not have been a rust bucket when the seller acquired it. A new windshield will be needed due to a crack that is getting bigger. The Dodge has the factory Rallye dash cluster. The Dodge has factory air conditioning, but it doesn’t work. The seller is thorough in detailing all the work that has been done on the car since 2020. BTW, the seller has a 340 long block that can be had for some additional scratch.
Very nice! Even utilizing the OEM valence and exhaust tips for the dual conversion was the best move. As far as pricing is concerned, I think that it’s a bit high for a 318 car, but then, I’m not the one buying (I’ve already got a ’74!). This one should make the next owner happy. GLWTA!! :-)
But funny they left the old bumper stickers….?
Old bumper stickers can be pretty cool. Radio station decals from the 1970’s and 1980’s actually had some character, lots of people put them on their cars. The promotional departments were everywhere, a local rock station KSJO had a table with decals and other swag at Fremont drag strip a couple of Wednesday nights a month. I’d leave it on too and let the next owner decide what to do with it.
There are a lot of vintage performance oriented decals and stickers that are really valuable. I buy them when I can, I also watch a few sellers on eBay, it’s not uncommon to find some 1960’s era speed shop decals/stickers sell for over $100ea.
Steve R
Yes, Steve R. If you grew up anywhere near Detroit in the 70s and 80s, WRIF may have been your rock station. Not only for the format but personalities. Jim Johnson and George Baier impersonating Dick the Bruiser. Arthur Penhallow had the afternoon spot who attracted many for his irreverent turns of phrase. His signature line was simply “Baby!”. Their TV spot was the “RIF” Girl, Kelly Harmon (formerly Mrs John Delorean) that would zoom in on her mouth as she synced all the personalities ending with, Baby! Believe me when I say that Baby! bumper stickers were everywhere.
Good on you. I’m one of those weirdos that prefers the 72-74 E bodies. Enjoy.
When you show up late to the party, you bring something like this.
Hope it’s as nice as it looks. Pretty car. A treat seeing one with a smooth hood sans all the stripes and spoilers. Would a set of wide oval, thin white walls be sacrilege? Next level chef’s kiss to me!
318. 904 Auto. 5% is the windshield. Nice car but $37.5K? Nope. Start at 28K. Marc.
nice but still needs work. solid 20-25k car.
Considering the prices or rusty 1970/1971 Challenger projects, this will likely attract a buyer if the seller is negotiable. It’s a nice looking car if it’s not hiding any nasty surprises I’d bet it finds a new home.
Steve R
Looks like the interior has been resprayed with vinyl dye.- dash & door panels trying to get them to match the seats. Rear trunk lid wears original car dealer sticker and old bumper has Reagan for President sticker. Exhaust system looks cut and hack job. Too much $$$
Nice to see just a base 318ci Challenger as opposed to all the big block and clone cars nowadays. Really nice color too. Definitely still needs some detail work done to bring it up, if desired. I agree with others that it’s a great car in the low /mid $20K range, but can’t see it at the price he’s asking.
The 318 Barracuda and Challengers were extremely nice drivers we had a 70 Barracuda in gold with black top and interior I took my driver’s license test in it. When it was about two months old. I found it funny I couldn’t take the Barracuda out yet they let me drive the 69 Firebird 400.