As part of a court-ordered estate sale, this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T could be the victim of a divorce, death, or maybe even some sort of dispute. There’s an attorney involved who’s got photos dating back to 1971 and some important documents, with the Mopar on display at a local Texas muffler shop and they’re in possession of a signed title, so this one’s probably ready for a new home once the auction is completed. The Challenger is in McKinney, TX, and can be found here on eBay, with bidding up to $45,100 at the moment. There’s also an ACV (actual cash value) of $57,500 mentioned.
The information supplied includes that the Challenger was purchased from its original owner back in 1985 and is stated as a true survivor, which sometimes has varying connotations depending on who’s using the term. Fortunately, the fender tag is still intact which tells us what to be on the lookout for, and it confirms that the original buyer opted for the 375-horsepower 440 (E86), with the numbers-matching component still under the hood although it got a .30-over rebuild approximately 2,000 miles ago. It’s also equipped with a rugged heavy-duty automatic transmission (D32).
To be deemed a bonafide survivor, it’s preferable for the paint to still be all original, and the tag does verify that Dark Burnt Orange Metallic is the factory color (FK5) with the white stripe included (V6W), with some possible evidence that the finish is indeed from December of ’69 found inside the driver’s door jamb, as the Chrysler sticker doesn’t seem to have any obvious overspray or paint around the far edges plus there’s also a small chip nearby. The body, paint, and even the vinyl roof all appear to be in excellent shape overall and seemingly not in need of any immediate attention anywhere, at least based on the visible angles since we don’t get a shot from the front.
This one seems to have all the right stuff inside, including those buckets with a console between them and also factory A/C. A couple of other cool options that can be found are a dash tach, rear window defogger, plus 3-speed windshield wipers although I’m guessing it’s been decades since the E-Body has been driven in the rain. It would be nice to know the details about the whys and what exactly happened to necessitate the sale, but from what I can tell this is one fine 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T that appears ready for the future owner to get behind the wheel of and enjoy. What are your thoughts here?
One word to describe it
Perfect
Mfg. Dec. 1969. Why is it listed as a 1970?
I’m sure others way smarter than me will chip in, but around October new models hit the showroom floor back in the day, this is an early 1970.
My 1970 Plymouth GTX was built in October of 1969.I have all the relevant documentation such as the fender tag, 2 build sheets and the door tag / decal.
70 models are made in late 69. Just like today, I bought my SRT on 2014 December 31, but it’s a 2015 model. Built in Canada on August of 2014.
The 1970 model year production began in August 1969.
From September on it’s considered to be the next year over
They start building the next years models I August/ September, after they cease building the previous year and retool
Many cars are manufactured the year prior to the actual year of the model.
Towards the fall of this year you can purchase and drive away with next years model.
1970 production would have started in 1969
They started manufacturing them in the third quarter of ’69 for the ’70 model year. Kinda like the first-gen Mustang. Folks call the very early ones ’64 1/2, but on paper, they are all ’65’s.
Built Dec 1969 and built as a 1970 which was the norm back then. We bought a 1974 Galaxie 500 in Nov of 74. Off showroom floor. They had 75’s on the lot .
’70 models started production anywhere from late July or early August of ’69.
In those days the new for next year cars started to roll out in September so a manufacturer date of 1970 was probably correct in December of 69
1970 was the first production model year for the Challenger. I know because I bought a new 1972 model of the Challenger. There was no 1969 Challenger.
Production for new model year began in Aug of the previous year.
Wow… I just wish it was closer to me. For some reason I seen this Challenger before on Barn finds a while back. Unless it was a twin. Any who.. no pictures of the front why? I hope there is no issues with it. This is a rare combination of colors. Burnt orange and white interior. I seen them with burnt interior. White goes well with this. The flip gas cap has the rare gas cap lock. I have not seen one in many moons. I will not be surprised if this sells for over $53,000 . It’s getting very hard to find Mopar’s in this condition . If you watch Grave Yard Cars you know why. Good luck to the next owner..🐻🇺🇸
Lots of extremely nice copies flowing by this month. At this one price one can see why there is no reason to even consider most of the rot box refugees for dumb money that get dragged across here. Beautiful and I like the interior. I hate the white top! That’s me convertible or vinyl I detest white period
Deatt
Divorce
Disputes
Disease
Delinquency
5 D’s of a great deal
Death
1970 models typically came out in September of the year before. It was rare to introduce new models mid year and unlike today when you’re lucky to get a 2024 in 2024…..
$57,000 is a Mopar Bargain for a 440 R/T Challenger especially in this condition.
There is more to the story. Why rebuild such a low mileage car, 30 over?
Amen to that! I live about an hour away from where this gem is located, but my financial situation precludes me from making a move on it. It sure would be a sweet acquisition. Someone is gonna be a happy camper out there. GLWTS.
Do I also see an air conditioning compressor in the engine bay? It does have code H51 which decodes to Air Conditioning with Front Heater. How rare is that with the 440?
With the 440 Magnum (with one 4bbl carb) it would not be unusual; A/C would not have been available with the 6-Pack 440. Anyway, $57k looks like a steal and I wouldn’t be surprised if the new owner flips it in a few months. This looks turnkey and ready to be enjoyed for the summer. Wish the pictures were better.
Not with the Hemi. There was no room for the compressor.
I want it! It would be the perfect replacement for the 383-4V car I lost in a divorce years ago…
I love my ‘74 Rallye to death, but….
I am surprised that no one noticed the paint overspray on the trunk gutter.above the license plate bolts
There is more to the story. Why rebuild such a low mileage car, 30 over?
1. Got over revved and held there and broke a piston ring.
2. Got over revved and sucked a valve
3. Got vandalized by a upset spouse. Look at this anyway you care to.
Just keep in mind to read between the lines on this one.
Have fun all!
It’s not like you were actually going to buy it anyway, lol.
Yes. I would very much like to have and drive this car!
If I didn’t already have my “TOY” in the garage, I would put a bid on it.
1970 was the first model year of production which was introduced on October 25, 1969. (Most new model years begin in the previous September). There have been “new model year” vehicles as early as the previous January.
On Challenger R/Ts, a tachometer was standard, not optional.