A 1970 Dodge Challenger project like this one comes with a story that feels familiar to many enthusiasts: a long-term restoration started with good intentions and left unfinished after life changed course. In this case, the seller explains that the project originally belonged to their father, and the car is now being offered to someone willing to pick up where he left off. It’s clearly not a light undertaking, but it does sound like a solid starting point for someone comfortable with sheet metal work and classic Mopar restoration. You can see it here on Facebook Marketplace; thanks for the tip, Mitchell G.!
The seller is upfront about the condition. The Challenger will require a fair amount of body work, including panel replacement and general metal repair. To help move things along, a brand-new floor pan and trunk pan are included with the car, suggesting at least some of the heavy lifting has already been planned for. The engine cradle and suspension crossmember have reportedly been replaced as well, which could save a future owner a significant amount of time and effort during the rebuild process.
One of the more appealing aspects of this project is the collection of parts that come with it. The seller notes that they have most of the components needed for the car, along with additional pieces beyond that. Having parts in hand can make a huge difference with a Challenger project, especially when it comes to keeping momentum going once the work begins.
Powertrain options are also part of the package. The car comes with two 440 engines. One reportedly came with the vehicle when it was acquired, while the other was removed from an older Dodge camper and was said to be in good running order at the time, with approximately 34,000 miles on it when pulled. That alone gives a future owner some flexibility when deciding how to approach the build.
There are also signs the previous caretaker had a clear vision for the finished product. A fresh gallon of Plum Crazy purple paint is included, hinting at the direction the restoration may have been headed before it was paused.
Projects like this tend to appeal to a specific kind of enthusiast—someone who enjoys the process as much as the finished result and appreciates the opportunity to bring a classic back to life. With parts, engines, and structural work already underway, this Challenger could become something special in the right hands. Would you take on a project with this kind of story behind it?
Looks like 30 min drive south of Salt Lake City. The seller obviously has little knowledge. If the VIN indicates this is a 440 car ( I didn’t decode it) then who knows, the first 440 might be matching numbers and the owner was just going to swap it out for a working 440. Worth a trip for someone local.
It’s was originally a 318 V8 car. So no harm or foul in a colour change either.
Indeed, the car is a base model Challenger that began life with a 318 but was intended to end up an R/T clone. Neither 440 is shown, so there’s no way to know if “the one that came with the car” is a true 440 Magnum/Super Commando/TNT that would be needed to be a proper clone or not.
Don’t forget you must change the front cross member and torsion bars to get it to work?
Yeah I agree, 5th digit in VIN is “G” so 318 car. JH so base Challenger. Yeah who knows if the 440 came with the car actually had it installed? As Patrick mention you need the big block k-frame and torsion bars.
Nice clean slate to work with without to much guilt except for how much you”” spend fixing it up. If your the type that like Elizabeth says and enjoys the process, this might be for you!
What is the price, I am not on FB. Thanks.
$8,500
You do not need to be a member of FB to view the listing. I am not a member and I had no problem seeing it. When you click on the FB link it will bring up the listing and in the middle of the screen will be a sign in box. Just close the sign in box and the listing will be fully visible.
CATHOUSE, that’s not always the case. I’m not a member of Facebook, never have been, there are occasionally short stretches of time where links to Facebook ads will open, the vast majority of time they won’t. I use my phone, I’m not sure if it’s related to that.
Steve R
buyer has their hand full and hopefully the pockets to match
Care taker ?? Looks like “The dismantler ” would be the better word here. This one would be a trip to the dip strip , completely start from scratch, bare bones job. To see exactly what you have. Why not be some what smart, and keep the original color and just put a 340/ 360 in it ?
This might be a good buy for a Mopar parts seller. That is, after it has been on the market for awhile and the seller gets desperate to get it out of the garage.
That might be an advantage for FB Marketplace ads. The seller is a member of FB, so a potential buyer can save the link to the seller and reach out to them a few months down the line to see if the item is still sitting there and potentially make a good deal.
Resto mod her. Give it a fun future.
Ditch the plum Paint though.