It seems that every classic car has a story to tell, and the one for this 1970 Dodge Charger is of respect and dedication. The seller is the Charger’s second owner, and he purchased the vehicle from the dedicated 95-year-old first owner. It is a classic that has been treated with respect, and its overall condition indicates that the gentleman cherished it. The time has come for this classic to find a new home, so the seller has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Fountain Valley, California, and it could be yours by handing the owner $59,500.
It seems that the original owner knew what he wanted when he ordered this Charger. He elected Dark Tan paint with a Black vinyl top. The car presents beautifully, with no visible flaws or problems. The seller admits that the vehicle has been repainted at some point, but it isn’t clear when. We know that the vinyl top is only two years old, so it is in as-new condition. This Dodge has spent its life in California. Therefore its lack of rust is no great surprise. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with no evidence of blemishes or prior accident repairs. The tinted glass appears flawless, as is the external trim and chrome. The beauty rings on the original wheels look slightly oxidized, but these may respond positively to some work with a high-quality polish. This Charger is a stunning survivor, no matter how you look at it.
If this Charger’s exterior is stunning, the interior continues that theme. The original owner ordered this classic with seats upholstered in a cloth and vinyl combination, and these are in as-new condition. The seller admits that he installed a new carpet set about two years ago but doesn’t indicate whether there has been any other interior restoration work. If there hasn’t, its overall condition is pretty astounding. You have to search long and hard to find any faults, and the only obvious ones are a couple of cracks on the steering wheel. However, these appear to be repairable and could be tackled in a home workshop. The original owner ordered the car with air conditioning, an AM radio with a rear speaker, a remote driver’s mirror, and the Rally gauge cluster. Everything remains present, and it is all in excellent condition. There have been no aftermarket additions, and with the wheel repaired, this Charger will look like it has just rolled off the showroom floor.
If I am disappointed with one thing, it is that the seller has failed to supply any engine photos. However, this Dodge remains completely original. Its engine bay is occupied by a 383ci V8 that should be producing 290hp. The car rolled off the line with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power disc brakes. It remains numbers-matching and completely unmodified. While this wasn’t the most potent package that you could find lurking under the skin of a 1970 Dodge Charger, it was still capable of launching the car through the ¼ mile in 16.4 seconds. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 56,000 miles, although it isn’t clear whether these are genuine. The owner holds significant documentation for this classic, including the original Window Sticker, two Broadcast Sheets, and paperwork dating back to its original purchase. With that collection, it is possible that he may hold evidence verifying the odometer reading. It seems that this classic is a turnkey proposition that is ready to be enjoyed immediately.
While there is nothing quite like buying a meticulously restored classic car, vehicles like this 1970 Dodge Charger hold a special place in my heart. The fact that it remains so impressively clean and tidy is a testament to a devoted original owner. It is a car that most enthusiasts would be proud to own, and even though its price is right at the top end of what you might expect to pay for a Charger of these specifications, I suspect that a new owner will rock up any day now.
Very nice mostly original car. Odd setup – 383, column shift / jump seat / no console, kind of a stripper but it shows great. You’d spend $60K rebuilding a rust bucket. I can’t believe I’m saying this but the asking isn’t insane for what you’re getting (in today’s market).
No console or shifter in the way for your girlfriend to set next to you that was a important thing
Your thinking of the SOB turn … slide over babe.
Odd for any car manufacture except Chrysler.
Rare and neat configuration. Saw many roadrunners in 69 like this…except full bench and column shift torqflite automatic.
As nice as it is, that is alot of money for a white hat special.
Nice, but could have used a wash before taking photos; looks like it was driven through some mud or on a very dusty road. GLWTS!! :-)
So it’s dirty, At least it’s running AND Not A Trailer Queen.
Never ever heard of ordering a raylle gauge cluster on a Charger.
Standard Charger dash.
Fountain Valley does get the heavy coastal fog. Hence, if left outside much, rust can claim the lower part of the backlite.
Plus, the trunk mat, if left unmoved, can keep moisture and corrode it.
Know Orange county well
Back tail light panel seems to indicate its a 500? Is it? What does that designation mean, if anything?
@jimjim, In 1970, the 500 model was simply a trim package. I’m not sure what you got with it, they also had a 500 model in ’71. Only the 1969 500 was special (with the flush back window and flush grill).
I am surprised this is not a 318. The 2bbl 383 has more pull, but handles worse. Of course, if the original buyer was a city dweller and rarely got out on a twisty road, maybe that wouldn’t matter. I bet the MPG was noticeably worse, though. I like the standard dash, cleaner look. Like in the E Bodies, the rally dash always seemed to busy to me. Besides, how often do you need more than a 120 MPH speedo?
I had a 1969 Dodge Super Bee with the same shifter/seat combination. Plus a reverb box under the rear shelf and tan leather seats. Car drove so well I never paid attention to the shifter.
This is a totally awesome car. However, if it has been repainted and has a new vinyl top, how is it a “survivor”? A survivor would have these items as original.
It is very rare on this site where you see the term survivor in the headline and the vehicle in question actually is. Kind of annoying and really a disservice to cars that have been cared for enough over the years to be qualified to carry the term but hey, clickbait.
At least they didn’t call it a classic.
You have to think about what they found under that vinyl top when they replaced it.
I had a 68 Charger with column shift and buckets with no console. With 383/ 2 bbl. was a nice combination and was a trouble free car.
I had one of these great cars which I bought brand new in 1970….sticker price was $4700 with console etc…a much nicer interior and powered by 383 Magnum. I sold the car in early 1972 after both muffler systems fell apart at the same time. Wish I had kept it.
I can’t believe I am saying this but $59,000 was a fair price for this. Someone got a nice car for a good price (although way more money than I could afford lol).