Dodge opened the flood gates of options for 1970, and the Charger was no exception. High-Impact Colors like Panther Pink and Plum Crazy have become iconic representations of ’70s style, and the 440 Six-Pack only graced second-generation Chargers in ’70. This 1970 Dodge Charger in Baldwinsville, New York featured another interesting 1970 option, the V1G “Gator”-grained black vinyl top. Though that special top has been replaced, and not very well, with a normal-grain tan vinyl top, replacements in the Gator grain are available, and would certainly add interest to this 318-powered automatic transmission Dodge. The full chrome grille surround identifies the 1970 model from afar. The listing here on eBay shows the strength of these popular cars even when a missing Gator Top is the vehicle’s most interesting feature. At least nine bidders have elevated the market value beyond $18,000 with about a week left on the auction as we go to press.
What looks like a shabby respray approximates the original FT6 Tan Poly paint. Wide tail lights grace the posterior of the ’69 and ’70 Charger, and that flip-up fuel filler comes straight out of the racing world, though ironically most racing Chargers ran a more traditional quarter-panel fuel door. I’d venture nearly any other wheels and tires that didn’t come from a Prius will look better on this sweetly styled Dodge. Thanks to Hemmings for some details.
The plebeian 318 may not win many street fights in stock form, but they can be built to make crazy horsepower. The nearly virgin appearance of this engine bay may beg a simple refurbishment and return to stock. The G-code 318 cid (5.2L) two-barrel V8 made 230 HP for 1970. My late grandparents towed a travel trailer all over America with their 318-powered 1969 Dodge Coronet, and Grandpa reported no problems ascending hills “Out West.” Air conditioning makes a rare appearance on an Empire State muscle car of this era.
The tan theme (T5 Saddle Tan) continues within. Options of note beyond air conditioning include M31 Belt Molding, M21 Roof Drip Rail Molding, and the larger 26-inch radiator. Thanks to the body tag decoder at Stock Mopar for some details. Be sure to check out another 1970 Gator-topped car, an amazing Challenger T/A here on Barn Finds. How far above $18,000 would you bid on this Gator-roofed special?
You gotta put the Gator top back on it.
The gator top may have made it more interesting to look at but once in the car and driving it’s just another 318 Charger. If that’s exciting or thrilling, great!
Nice looking car, needs at least mags to compliment that hot body.
It IS just another 318 Charger , except 99% of the surviving 318 Chargers have all become big block muscle cars . I would venture that there are more big block Chargers on the road then when they were new. This is your everyday car , something you would see everyday on the highway, sort of a sporty Coronet . Sadly these have all but disappeared . This one looks complete , and it has a lot of options . It would be nice to see it restored to the way it was- there’s enough plum crazy RTs already !
Blue, must be blue. No plum crazy purple or panther pink, go mango,,ha, crazy Dodge guys….
I don’t think that the (lack of) gator top increases the value or desire of the car over the fact that 68 – 70 Chargers are all very popular.