Patina paint is one of those visuals that most people either appreciate, in the right circumstances, or just don’t like at all no matter what. But even if you aren’t typically a fan, check out how this 1970 Dodge Coronet 440 here on Craigslist looks on the outside and see if you’re willing to make an exception! This one’s been a California car its entire life and is currently in Elk Grove, where the seller has set his asking price at $24,500. Our thanks go out to reader Tony Primo, who spotted this Mopar and brought it to our attention!
The car is claimed to still be wearing its original EF8 Dark Green Metallic paint, at least what’s left of it, but there’s just something about the almost uniform fading here that’s working, and it doesn’t hurt either that the body is in such nice shape overall. The car is said to have been well cared for since day one and has never been involved in an accident, and I’m not really spotting anything outside that doesn’t appear solid.
The Coronet 440 was just one of the models available in 1970, with that number beside the name not representative of what came under the hood from the factory. The model had engines available as small as the 225 slant 6, with the car being offered here originally coming equipped with a 383, but that’s been replaced with a 440 that’s said to run and sound amazing, though no details about its date or what exactly the big block was pulled from. There’s also an automatic transmission, which must be the factory part as the seller states his car is all original except for the motor.
We get three photos from the interior, which looks pretty good for the most part to now be well past the five-decade age, with some obvious areas that could use attention including the dash pad and rear seat, which looks just as baked on top as the trunk lid behind it. But if it’s just a driver you’re searching for, things may be OK in there as they are now, and I’m kind of digging the personality of this one just like we’re seeing it and would probably leave everything alone, at least for a while. What would you do with this 1970 Dodge Coronet 440? Drive it as-is, or start a restoration?
OK, a 4 door 70s dodge typically doesn’t get much of a tip of the hat but I have to give the owner a firm handshake and nice smile. A lot of us appreciate when someone really cleans up a worn paint job and aging interior before putting a for sale sign on a car. Nice work owner and best wishes for a good sell.
I’m only seeing two doors Terry.
We need to organize an intervention for Terry. Or schedule a lenscrafters appointment. Either way, we are here for Terry
Oh, yeah, must have the other 2 in the trunk. OK, not sure where the back doors went, would swear I saw them earlier, darned bifocals.
4 door???
Not sure what you’re looking at Terry. Only 2 doors on this one. Nice car. Repair the interior and drive it. Would like to know where the motor came from though. Hate to think it’s a motor home engine. That would be a huge downer.
The next buyer needs to look by the distributor it should be marked 440 HP that is the one you want. I would fix up the interior make it look almost new. Leaving the body alone for now. Just Wash and wax. Detail the engine compartment. And have fun driving the Coronet. Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻
Driving it “as it is” isn’t going to happen with the belt off of the alternator. With the engine being a transplant, one has to wonder if there is a belt alignment issue, incomplete set of brackets, etc… The car definitely has potential, but there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before anyone wise will come close to the asking price.
I always thought a Coronet hood, grill and rooflines were the best Dodge ever made. BUT! The rear quarters and trunk lid were about a foot too long.
now this is a cool car that looks like ya can just jump in and drive that crap outa it, I still think it’s a little bit to much money but it looks like a good honest fun to have car, if I had the extra money I’d look into it and drive as is no resto for me.
Just can’t stomach patina cars. For god sakes take it to Maaco at least!
It’s Monday morning and I didn’t drink all weekend. Probably why I’m only seeing two doors. “I’ve got two guns, one for each of you.” LOL!
I don’t see a $24,900 car here. $15k tops!
I don’t know. I like the body style and year model but too much water has gone underneath this bridge. Patina? Ok. The front bench looks like a two-tone taxi cab. (Hot)non-original engine? Ok.So, just get it running right and drive it around and have a good time? For $24K? Pass.
Curious what Dave Boy knows about motor home 440’s and why they might be a downer?
No guff, Hacker. Cast iron mules.
440s. 460s. 454s. Harden the seats, add a coffee can sized turbo. Run the stock Torqueflite, C6 or TH400 in your Dart, Fairlane or Nova all day long. 400lbs torque for peanuts. Long live Winnebagos!
Thanks Bub. I appreciate the vote of confidence in that iron 440. I had heard the Winnie motors were pretty beefy, but everyone has an opinion right?
They are set up for low end torque.
Tons of it, at low RPM.
Ugh. Clear coat over rust. Just one more thing that needs to be removed so the car can be properly restored.
I purchased this car. I have many pristine B-body Dodges but got this one because of its sun tan look. It arrived better condition then expected. Other than the top surface patina, it is solid. A bit of rot at the back bottom of window but easy repair. I budget 1k to make this a cool street warrior. Already went thru Brakes, electrical, drive train. Engine is getting some gaskets replaced, tuned and fresh paint, headliner replaced, rear seat patched and new wheels. I didn’t pay 24k and will end up with a solid big block B-Body warrior for under 20k. Love or hate patina you can’t beat the value here.