Mopar enthusiasts who bought a Dodge Charger 500 in 1969 were in for a real treat, as it featured the uniqueness of a flush-mounted rear window and front grille, which Chrysler hoped would improve aerodynamics enough to make the car more competitive in NASCAR. The results were disappointing, so next up was the Charger Daytona, and the track results were considerably better, to put it mildly. The 500 name was carried over in 1970, but it was now designated as a specific trim level and served as a bridge between the base Charger and the R/T model. This 1970 Dodge Charger 500 here on eBay seems very solid, with the seller calling it a 99% rust-free example. This one’s located in Lumberton, North Carolina, and is already experiencing some competitive bidding, with the current high number of $30,100 still not enough yet to lift the reserve.
Although the blue paint is a bit faded, this one actually looks pretty decent outside overall, and somehow those silver accent side stripes don’t really bother me as much as they probably should. If it’s just a fun driver you’re after, the exterior here may be OK for a while, but the best news is that the panels likely won’t require much prep for a fresh paint job whenever the urge hits. Those spoke-type wheels were popularized by the Duke’s Dodge decades ago, and while they do work well on a B-Body, I’d probably go back with stock Mopar rims at some point.
The smallest V8 found under the Charger 500’s hood in 1970 was a 318, with the next jump up being a big-block of the 383 variety. The latter is what’s featured here, but the details are limited, aside from the owner reporting that the car is presently running and driving. However, everything in the bay looks to be in good order. It’s also nice to see the A/C equipment intact, and a fresh air filter is hopefully an indication that the routine maintenance hasn’t been neglected on this one. There’s also a new gas tank underneath, and all four white-letter tires are reported to be new.
Inside, most of the components are still in fairly decent condition, and likely good enough to satisfy many buyers until they’re ready to take this car to the next level. Some wear is evident on the driver’s bucket, but it’s relatively minor, and the seller mentions the interior could use a new headliner. However, as structurally sound as the seller says this Dodge remains, it’s a real positive that most of the work needed here appears to be primarily cosmetic, and shouldn’t involve extensive sheet metal replacement. In the long run, how do you see moving forward with this 1970 Charger 500?
This is a classic example of why I will never own a Charger. Nice cars, but the price for these are ridiculous. $30k and RNM? This car will need an additional $30k or more, to get it back into shape. It does bring things into perspective though, when I see a beautifully restored car and how much it took to get it there. Obviously this car is worth it to those who are bidding on it. I don’t see more than $30k for this car, in this shape and it’s not even an R/T.
$30k doesn’t reach the reserve? Then the seller is on crack. Overpricing a Mopar that was cheaply made in its day doesn’t make it a classic.
The current bid is $35,000, the reserve has been met.
Steve R
Needs undercarriage pictures. Seems like a ok Charger with some work done to it. Price should be 20-25k here.