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Hellcat Nap! Rusty 1970 Charger R/T 440

After being “found” four years ago, this 1970 Charger R/T in Belleville, Illinois figured to swallow a Hellcat motor and terrorize the Land of Lincoln as a neck-snapping restomod. Instead it’s offered for sale in “as found” condition here on eBay where it can become part of your dream instead for the Buy It Now price of $12,500.

Green is not everyone’s favorite, and this one has it inside and out. If you’re going the restomod route, none of that matters because this car needs, well, everything! Choosing a genuine 375 HP HiPo 440 cid (7.2L) Charger for a Hellcat project wouldn’t please many purists. The new owner can decide the car’s fate, but let’s hope they have the resources to get it done. Weathered codes on the fender-tag hamper accuracy but there are a bunch of them. Legible codes including air conditioning, B51 power brakes, validation of the XS29 R/T and E86 440-4 barrel, M21 Roof Drip Rail Moldings, R31 Dual Rear Speakers, and V8W Transverse Stripe in White. Thanks to stockmopar.com for some details.

A “rebuilt” 440 of unknown provenance has never been started. A 727 automatic three-speed chooses the gears for you, a stout gearbox that draws few complaints. The paint seems a bit on the red side for Hemi Orange, but paint will be the least of the buyer’s concerns.

The rare trunk-mounted transmission helps the Charger achieve nearly perfect weight distribution. Running the transmission dipstick through the lock cylinder hole lets you check the fluid without opening hood or trunk. I believe Smokey Yunick pioneered this shortcut. Genius! We must assume the inclusion of the photographer’s finger is accidental as a. it’s not covering the license plate and b. it’s hard to imagine anything on the right more frightening than the left tail light floating in the disintegrated tail panel. On the up-side, corrosion has liberated enough metal from the unibody to reduce quarter-mile times by at least a tenth, just like a factory lightweight. All joking aside, this Charger puts the “uhhh” in “Ruhhhsty” and many people will simply pass, but it is a real R/T. If that was the original motor things would get interesting for sure. What’s your top dollar on this green giant?

Comments

  1. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    “The rare trunk-mounted transmission…” LOL!

    Thanks for the grins, Todd. Sometimes write-ups can be kinda dry. Anyone taking on this project may well loose their sense of humor dealing with all of the rust.

    Like 16
  2. Avatar Chebby Member

    Paint a Jamaican flag on the roof and call it The Rustifarian.

    Actually that would be pretty badass! Like a General Lee for the cannabis crowd of today vs. the moonshiners of yesterday.

    Hey, when are you guys going to hire me? :)

    Like 9
  3. Avatar Jeepster

    “this Charger puts the “uhhh” in “Ruhhhsty”” – absolutely hilarious and entertaining article, thanks so much for the laughs!!!

    Like 9
  4. Avatar Steve

    Holy Smokes! That makes rusty porsches look ok in comparison!

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Jwinters

    I showed this article to my dog, and asked him what he thinks of this car. his answer was “Ruff”

    Like 11
  6. Avatar Raoul

    Joke of the day… LOOOOOOL !!!!

    Like 1
  7. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    $12500 for a vin tag and title, that’s some deal! Save the vin, maybe the engine and throw away the rest, it’s done.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Dave

    In the running for the Rust-eze Medicated Bumper Ointment car of the month!

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Mike

    Yikes!!!!!! I’ve junked better cars.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Murray Shane Member

    Barrett Jackson 2020. Here we come. I can hear it now….30…35…40..45…50…55…60..65…70…75…beautiful restored mint condition …soldsoldsold. $80000 Just imagine buying this bonds bucket looking all dolled up. Yuckkk

    Like 2
  11. Avatar Jay

    It has been run on ebay twice the first time it got bid up to $8500.00 with reserve not met. Wow I would have taken the money and run run run

    Like 5
  12. Avatar Benjy58

    pull the motor junk the rest.

    Like 2
    • Avatar bone

      And who knows what that motor came out of ? Its not the original , it could have been pulled from a smogged out 76 Town and Country wagon . Restorable ? yes, anything is, but is it worth it….

      Like 0
  13. Avatar bigdoc

    You did a great writeup for a ruhhhhhst bucket. Like others have said pull the engine junk the car.

    Like 1
  14. Avatar Del

    Grandma’s patch work quilt.

    No thanks

    Like 1
  15. Avatar Jonathan

    I bid 50 bucks.

    Like 0

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