American manufacturers were not the only ones to delve into the world of the vinyl top, but they offered a greater variety than was seen on foreign shores. This 1970 Dodge Charger R/T SE demonstrates that thinking perfectly courtesy of its “Gator Grain” Black vinyl. It is one of the attributes that help this classic to stand out from the crowd. The car has clocked a mere 1,200 miles since undergoing a meticulous refurbishment, and the drivetrain combination hiding below the beautiful exterior guarantees a rapid motoring experience. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Allen, Texas. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $75,200, with plenty of time for interested parties to stake their claim on this beauty.
The 1970 model year marked the last of Dodge’s Second Generation Charger production. The following year would bring a new model featuring significantly different styling that seemed to polarize opinions. This car is nothing short of stunning, with the seller confirming it has only clocked 1,200 miles since undergoing a rotisserie restoration. I subscribe to a different school, preferring to consider it a faithful refurbishment. I base my opinion on the fact that while the panels, paint, and trim are all correct according to the Fender Tag, it appears some major drivetrain components aren’t original. Still, we’ll cover that shortly. The presentation of this Charger is all you would expect, considering its recent history. The Code EW1 White paint sparkles beautifully, cloaking panels as straight as an arrow. Mounting this car on a rotisserie allowed the owner to access every square inch of steel, ensuring the R/T was rock-solid. History shows that Chrysler’s rust prevention practices during this period were not the best, so it is likely that this car is now better protected than its creators ever envisaged. The Bumblebee stripes are crisp, while the trim and glass are in as-new condition. I would stick my neck out and describe the Gator Grain vinyl top as the exterior’s defining feature. This wasn’t the only Charger ordered with that option, but it isn’t one seen every day.
The Fender Tag confirms the original owner ordered this Charger with a mouthwatering selection of mechanical components. Topping the list is the company’s mighty 440ci Six-Pack V8, producing 390hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds through a four-speed manual transmission to a 4.10 Dana rear end, while power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes means the driver won’t need to wrestle with this classic. Performance figures are all you might expect, with the R/T blitzing the ¼-mile in 14.1 seconds. The engine bay presents as beautifully as you would rightly expect, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The car runs and drives perfectly, and the low odometer reading represents little beyond break-in miles. There is a “however” that some purists might wish to consider, which is why I referred to this build as a refurbishment. The seller confirms the rear end is original, but they describe the engine and transmission as date-code correct. That means it isn’t numbers-matching, and under the strictest definition of the term, that makes this a refurbishment. There is no arguing it is a faithful one, but that would be the approach taken by a judging panel if this Charger were ever entered into a show specializing in Mopar products. Opinions will vary, and I know we will receive plenty of feedback on the topic.
The spotless presentation of this Charger continues when we open the doors. Describing a car of this age as being in as-new condition is bold, but it seems fair in this case. The seats feature leather per the Fender Tag, while the console, pistol-grip shifter, and Tick-Tock-Tach are also correct for this car. I noticed what might be a crack on the wheel rim, but if it is (and I’m not sure), that is the only defect worth noting. I don’t believe the radio is original because its appearance doesn’t gel with a Dodge radio/8-track player from 1970. I could be wrong, and I’m happy to be corrected if that’s the case.
Cars like this 1970 Dodge Charger R/T SE don’t come along every day, and it is easy to see why it has attracted forty-eight bids. It is early days in this auction, and, incredibly, it has soared to the current price after opening at $500 under four days ago. How high will it climb? Recent sales results suggest it will probably have to pass $80,000 before hitting the reserve, although I wouldn’t rule out a higher figure due to the car’s condition and recent history. Will it get there? Only time will tell. However, the frantic action so far suggests it will. It could be worth watching this auction, even if this classic is too rich for your taste. The action in the closing minutes could be spectacular.
It’s a really nice car and I’m not drowning it one bit but if I’m going to spend big $ it’s gotta be #’s matching imo.If you ever have to or want to sell it for whatever reason in the future it makes a big deal to a lot of people who are spending big $ on a classic imo and past experiences and you’ll attract a much larger buying audience.glwts.
Looks like you’re fishing for a comment non automotive related. A lot of people work hard, save and invest. If you blow your savings when you’re young it’s your fault. Quit whining and mind your own money affairs.
The dog dish hubcaps eave me scratching my head on an SE. Given the other trim upgrades that the SE package includes, I would have thought at least full wheel covers would be part of the SE package. Otherwise a gorgeous car, even if white is not my first choice of colors for this body style.
I agree 100%! When these Chargers came out NONE had the poverty caps. I haven’t seen the build sheet but this car doesn’t seem right.
I agree totally. And the carpet appears dirty and may be aged. Bottom line way to much cash for a car with many questions.
Wouldn’t this be a great Sunday driver. Plenty of carbs, gears and pedals to break the joy meter. Wheels would be nice but those wide steelies give this a business like vibe. Drive it like you know how and be the envy of every onlooker.
Hood Bad!
When you buy a 1970 Dodge Charger RT/SE make damn sure that it comes with every option available that you can think of when it comes to mind and I mean every option when it comes to mind.
Fully Equipped Fully Loaded Fully Powered. Power Bucket Reclining 60/60 Seats, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Steering, Power Front & Rear Disc Brakes, Highly Buffed, Highly Polished Chromed 5 Spoke Rally Sport Stainless Steel Rim Wheels, Air Conditioning, with 4 to 5 Manual/Standard Shift or if you’re not in the mood for Shifting get an Automatic 5 Speed with Cruise Control,AM/FM Stereo with 8-Track Tape Player or Cassette Player and Dual Remote Control Mirrors on Front Driver & Passenger Side Doors.
Now For the Power Plant Option: Big Block 4BBL 383, 426 or the Beast
440 Hemispherical Magnum Magnum Hemispherical Power Plants under the Hood.1966 was the
Introduction of The Dodge Charger along with the 440 Big Block 4BBL
V8. The 383, 413 and 426 were already out also Under the Hoods of the other Chrysler’s, Dodges & Plymouth’s. They even Built, Made & Manufactured Charger in Convertibles as well, again that’s what you would ask for options when buy said Ride.
That’s the way how I would Buy My Ride back in the day even if I saved up my funds and also practice living with in my means. The same would go for Luxuriously, Luxurious Luxury, Muscled Rides and Fully Sized Beach Wagon/Station Wagons you already should know what options I would have in those Wagons.
I never leave a comment on these articles BUT, I owned a 1970 Dodge Charger RT/SE. EV1 with black vinyl top and interior. VIN XS29U0G…… automatic, 440-4bbl, Tic Tov Tach, Light group and speed control (pretty rare). Sold back on ‘04. It’s now in Western Europe (Scandinavia, I think). Oh, had Rallye wheels.
Love it. Tuxedo 🤵♂️ paint, no spoiler.
But brings the heat w the big cubes, 4spd and low gears. Probably a drivers race w that awesome Superbird.
I’m glad I can’t afford this car because I would be so disappointed when I went to turn on the A/C lol!
What a pity 😭! 4.1 axle… much too short for Europe. Even Dad’s 70 R/T six pack 3.23 was too short… engine blows at 56.000 km at 190 kph on highway. I would install 2.93 or 2.76…and an oil cooler. Only 4.7 liters of oil in the pan are ridicolous less for a 440.
Great looking car for sure ….. but those large 440 numbers on the hood ?
Not so much !!!
So a few things I’ve observed. …the wheels and center caps would either have been full covers or Rallyes on an SE, the steering wheel is most definitely cracked, the dash in places is scratched up, fender tag calls for an am/8 track player…..the car has the basic am radio, and what most have missed….if this is a true Super track Pak car, (4:10 Dana 60 rear) the power steering would have had a cooler attached…..these things considered, he’s asking way too much for the car………remember, it’s not #’s matching either…..
Mine had ac, 3.23 SG rear, no hood engine call outs. Bumble bee stripe.