Great Garage Find: 1970 Dodge Charger R/T

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Although it sports a few minor and reversible changes, this 1970 Dodge Charger R/T is an unmolested and solid classic. It recently emerged from decades in storage, leaving a new owner to choose between retaining it as a survivor or if returning it to its former glory is the most appropriate path. It has generated plenty of interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Hilton, New York. Bidding has raced to $60,100 but remains below the reserve.

While many sources state that Dodge built 10,337 examples of the Charger R/T in 1970, the Charger Registry places that figure at 9,509. That is the number the seller quotes, and their claim that only 637 wore Code F4 Light Green Metallic paint also gels with the Registry. They say it spent years in storage but emerged in surprisingly good condition. The paint shines nicely for anyone considering preservation, with no significant flaws or defects visible in the excellent collection of supplies photos. The panels are straight, but the lack of substantial rust is the best news. Some small areas are evident in the lower quarter panels, but these would respond well to patches rather than wholesale panel replacement. The trunk pan shows some problems courtesy of a water leak, and the new owner must choose between repairs or potential replacement. Beyond those two issues, this Charger is as solid as the day it was built. The floors and rails are clean, with a consistent layer of undercoat and no signs of problems. The wheels aren’t original, but they are period correct and don’t look out of place. The trim is in good order, and the glass is crystal clear.

For buyers ordering a 1970 R/T, the entry-level engine was the 440ci V8 producing 375hp. Only 112 buyers upgraded to the legendary Hemi, and the additional cost was generally why they didn’t. The Hemi added a significant $648.25 to the Charger’s $3,711.00 sticker price, which was a substantial slab of cash in 1970. This car’s original owner sought an effortless driving experience, teaming the 440 with an A-727 TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Effortless it may have been, but poking this beast with a sharp stick could return a ¼-mile ET of 14.4 seconds and a top speed of 132mph. The seller claims that apart from the carburetor and intake, this R/T retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. They have the original Build Sheet and Fender Tag confirming its details and specifications and supply this YouTube video of the car running. Although it effectively spent decades in storage, the previous owner ran the Charger regularly, having it state-inspected as often as possible. This Dodge drives, but after such a long period of inactivity, the seller wisely recommends a thorough check and service before hitting the road.

The original owner ordered this Charger with its interior trimmed in Green vinyl with bucket seats. The Registry confirms that only 946 buyers selected this trim option, but it combines perfectly with the exterior paint shade to add a touch of class. Aftermarket additions include a radio/cassette player, a graphic equalizer, and some gauges mounted below the dash. The interior needs love, but it isn’t as bad as things first seem. The door and rear side trims are wrinkled, but careful work might stretch them into shape. The front seats need new covers, but the back seat might be okay. I’d probably splash the cash on a new carpet set, but the remaining trim looks acceptable for a survivor. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, but the console and N85 tachometer/clock add to its desirability.

If the new owner repaired or replaced this Charger R/T’s trunk pan, that would address the worst of its rust issues. The remaining areas are pretty minor and would represent straightforward repairs. With that work complete and the aftermarket changes reversed, it would become a tidy survivor guaranteed to draw respectful looks and comments. The desirability of this classic is reflected in the bidding history, with nine people submitting twenty-four bids in under a day. It hasn’t reached the reserve, and it will be fascinating to see if our readers can accurately guess the final sale price. Are you willing to have a go?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. StanMember

    Mopar 440ci w the 727 autoloader torq-flite was a formidable combination 🙌🏁😎

    Like 7
  2. Rw

    Please don’t put MasterCraft white letters out, just my opinion.

    Like 0
  3. Dave Constable

    Everything I have read is definitely right on except for the 132 mile an hour quarter. maybe 102mph

    Like 0
  4. Shuttle Guy Shuttle GuyMember

    Does anyone know the significance of the “XS29U06” Vin Code?

    Like 0
  5. PRA4SNW

    440 + R/T + Charger + little (visible) rust = Permission to print your own money.

    Like 6
  6. Mark

    Apparently people have more money than brains. These Mopars are ridiculously high. I like them but not for $60k needing rust repair.

    Like 3
  7. Gary

    I’m a Charger fanatic, having owned many, including a 70 purple/white interior/stripe R/T, but no way, no how $60k+ for a god awful green/green car needing 4-5k+ in repairs. A black/black or a Purple/white R/T yes but not this one.

    Like 0
  8. 64 Bonneville

    Sold ! $70,000 Dealer also has a road Runner 440 6 pack 4 speed w/ lift off hood option, not sure on price, but bidding is around 40 Grand.

    Like 0
  9. TA

    I’m a Charger fan but not that big of a Charger fan.

    Like 0

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