The last new player to enter the “pony car” wars of the 1960s was the Dodge Challenger. And it didn’t arrive until 1970 as the demand for muscle cars was beginning to wane. This 1970 Challenger was built with a 383-cubic-inch V8, but it’s now a roller. But it was also produced as a Special Edition (SE) with the smaller rear window. Located in a garage in Nevada, Texas, what’s left of this former parts car is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $260 (reserve unmet).
Early prospects for the Challenger were bright, with sales of 77,000 units in 1970. But demand quickly fell off for both it and its E-body companion, the Plymouth Barracuda. So, both autos were discontinued in 1974. Less than 6,000 Special Editions were produced during the first year with a V8 engine. So, the seller’s “car” was in somewhat rare territory when new and certainly now after 56 years. It had a 383, which was typically the base engine in the R/T model, though it may have been a 2-barrel.
The smaller SE rear window surely didn’t help with visibility for the driver. In addition, the SE came with a vinyl roof, leather and vinyl bucket seats, and an overhead console to add to the luxury side of the ride. As the seller used this Challenger for parts, it has no engine, transmission, seats, and probably a lot more. Plus, it has a busted windshield. The body has rust, especially in the floorboards, which are of the see-through variety.
On the positive side, we’re told the frame rails appear solid, and the trunk floor is probably okay. If you chose to go the parts car route, we’re not sure what’s left that would be terribly useful. You could also opt to restore this once great machine, but that’s going to require sourcing a LOT of components and pieces. The seller no longer has a need for the Challenger, so it’s taking up space. Hopefully, it won’t do the same in your garage.
O Brother. Y Bother.