Some classics are seemingly designed to send enthusiasts weak in the knees. Whether you are a Mopar devotee or not, the sight of a Dodge Challenger R/T with a Hemi under the hood doesn’t ask for respect…it demands it. This 1970 R/T presents beautifully, but it leaves potential buyers with a decision to make. Its engine bay already houses a non-original Hemi, allowing the winning bidder to drive away immediately. However, the seller located its numbers-matching Hemi and treated it to a rebuild. They could swap in the correct motor, or the new owner could take both, using one for immediate fun and the other as insurance, allowing the Challenger to become a long-term investment. The seller has listed the Challenger here on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. Intense bidding has pushed the price to $75,100, but it’s below the reserve.
Regular readers know I am an E-Body fanboy, and I believe the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda cousins that emerged in 1970 were among the decade’s best-looking production cars. The sleek lines and bulging haunches give these classics a purposeful look, even in their most basic form. But add a high-impact shade like Go Mango, and these cars invariably turn heads. Our featured Challenger R/T is a first-year example that shows off that shade beautifully, with a contrasting Black vinyl top and stripes. Though not stated specifically, the evidence suggests this Challenger received some form of restoration, but it is unclear whether the builder fully dismantled the car. Whatever process they chose, it’s virtually impossible to find fault with its appearance. The paint shines magnificently, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The vinyl and stripes are excellent, and there is no evidence of rust. The glass is clear, and the Rallye wheels fill the bulging fenders well.
Some enthusiasts deserve credit for their perseverance, as this Challenger shows. Decoding the VIN confirms it is a genuine Hemi-equipped classic, and the engine bay houses a date-correct example. This 426ci legend is rebuilt, so it should deliver the 425hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque the factory quoted. A three-speed A-727 automatic transmission handles the shifting, while power brakes bring things to a safe, sure stop. The seller confirmed the engine block is a verified warranty replacement unit, but the story doesn’t end there. The seller channeled their inner Sherlock Holmes and located the numbers-matching Hemi and transmission in California. They bought and rebuilt both, leaving the buyer to decide on the next step. They could drive the Challenger away in its current form, confident it is in excellent mechanical condition. Alternatively, the seller could pull the existing engine and transmission and bolt in the originals to return the car to its numbers-matching form. The third option is to buy the car as is, along with the original components, allowing the winning bidder to return the Challenger to factory form at their leisure. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
This Challenger’s “wow” factor continues inside. Trimmed in White vinyl, the appearance is absolutely stunning. There is no evidence of wear, stains, or yellowing, and no apparent aftermarket additions. The dash and pad are spotless, and the faux woodgrain is, too. The matching headliner is as tight as a drum, and the contrasting Black carpet shows no visible wear. The equipment isn’t lavish, but bucket seats, a console, Rallye gauges, a factory tachometer, and an AM radio ensure an enjoyable motoring experience.
The listing statistics confirm this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T’s desirability, and it looks like people are willing to fight for the chance to take it home. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the engine situation and whether you would take one or both Hemis that could be part of the package. I would leave the existing motor in place and store the numbers-matching powerplant for later installation if I decided to sell the car. That would improve its long-term investment potential while preserving the car’s originality. Do you agree?
This will take a mortgage to buy it. Very nice car, two Hemi’s, #’s matching, shame it’s not a 4-spd.
Is it my imagination or is the muscle car market softening up? Ten years ago I would’ve thought that something like this would bring closer to $100K. Of course this is a Challenger and not a Cuda. It was back at least 10 years ago when my friend was offered $100K for his original Challenger T/A. I thought that “Hemi” alone would command a premium. Maybe I’d better stick with old trucks and bikes.
Yet I have to admit that I’m quite partial to a Challenger of this vintage. A friend of mine had an R/T which died a humiliating death at 11K miles.
He was spinning circles in the intersection when another friend T-boned him with his brand new Celica ST.
Two cars gone before their time.
Anyways, I sure wouldn’t kick this one off my driveway. It might even be a competitor to my ultimate car, a ‘69 Chevelle 300.
I’d sure like to see this “driveway” you keep mentioning. It better be 20 miles long with guided tours. I think you are spot on with classic car prices falling. I think more like 20 years ago, these, and hemi Cudas, were bringing half a mil. It’s pretty obvious to me what’s happening. The pool of buyers is shrinking.
Oh, it’s a beast, alright, the exact opposite of the 6 cylinder one. Again, the hemi added $870 bucks, if you could find one. Most went with the 440/6pak, which was actually a tick faster than the hemi for less money( not much). Unless the original buyer checked the front disc brake option, which very few did, I’d say stopping this beast with drum brakes is a bigger concern. Amazing what one could buy in 1970, hey?
There are still 3+ days left on the auction, which now stands at $151,425. The results of an eBay auction don’t determine where the market stands. I’d be surprised if it makes its reserve, but doesn’t sell later through direct negotiations.
People have been predicting a collapse in the muscle car market for decades, it hasn’t happened yet and if it does it’s a long ways away. What is collapsing is the market for most 30’s through 50’s and some 1960’s cars from orphanages brands, 4 doors and other models that don’t have a strong following.
Steve R
Cars like this will continue to bring big money for investors, but most cars of this vintage peaked in price late in 2023. Just a down hill slide going forward. I have to agree with Howard here.
As of today, 10/28, $120k and reserve still not met.
One of these sold, allegedly, at a recent BJ auction for $467,500, down from one, a convertible sold for $1.45 mil just a few years back. These cars have been labeled as the most expensive cars to be sold at auction.