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.