When Dodge unleashed the Challenger to the public in 1970, even the base models in more mundane colors stood out in a crowd, and it didn’t really take much extra for these cars to make a bold statement. However, for just a few additional dollars, buyers could choose a High Impact hue, assuring the driver that there was zero chance for him or her not to get noticed on the roadways. One such possibility was corporately known as code J5, which indicated Sublime green at Dodge, or Limelight Metallic for the folks over at Plymouth. That’s only one of several desirable boxes this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T here on eBay ticks, and while it’s a project, I’m thinking there are probably numerous Mopar fans who’d love to get their hands on this one. This cool E-Body was assembled in Los Angeles, and the seller says it’s never left The Golden State, with Santa Ana the present location. So far, 52 bids have taken the price up to $12,700.
Even in favorable climates, these cars were prone to rust, and this one is no exception. There’s some corrosion in the quarters, fenders, doors, and quite a bit around the rear window. However, I’ve seen far worse starting points, and a skilled bodyman may be able to save some of these panels. The trunk pan and rear floors have also been gnawed on by the tin worm, but fortunately, the frame rails appear to remain reasonably solid. In addition to the bright green exterior, this one also came from the factory with a black longitudinal stripe along each side, and I hope whoever restores this Challenger R/T puts it back to exact factory specs on the outside.
Although born with a 375 HP 440, a ’69 dated 383 is under the hood now, along with an unmarked 727 TorqueFlite. The seller states that it’s been decades since this car ran, and with the license plate expiring in August of 1989, I’d say that’s probably accurate. The owner also indicates that it may not have been operational when parked, so it’s probably time to yank that engine and install a proper 440 back into the bay. This one also came equipped with the Super Performance Axle Package, which included 4.10 gears inside, so no worries about having plenty of low-end power once a new motor is in place!
Like the rest of the car, the interior will require some attention, but it’s good to see that this one’s got the Rallye Instrument Cluster, plus a woodgrain steering wheel resides underneath that laced cover. There’s lots of work to be done before this one’s ready to be driven again, but given the pedigree, it’s probably well worth the effort for someone with the skills to take on as a project. All things considered, what’s a fair price to pay for this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T?
Make a clone of David Frieburger’s “Vanishing Paint”, lol! I really don’t know what a fair price is for this car. Some people think it should be free. The days of a pocket change project car are long gone. Looks like a lot of work, but the right Mopar guy can bring it back.
Probably at least 25k and just rust repair, body, and paint. It’s a major restoration project that would honestly be less expensive to just buy one all done. I do like the options on it however.
“A32 super track pack which includes:
4.10 Dana with sure grip
26” radiator
Power front disc brakes
Factory FJ5 paint (original paint)
Black stripes
Black interior bucket seats and console”
This will appeal to the hard core Mopar aficionados. Like you said, it’s rough, but was equipped with a lot of very desirable options. I think when it comes to the desirability hierarchy, performance options generally outweigh convenience and appearance options, unless they are married to the same car, this car check a lot of those boxes.
It will be interesting to follow this auction to the end since this is a no reserve auction.
Steve R
Sold on 7/6/25 for a high bid of $25,100.
Steve R
True Confession time: 15 year old me was such a dope I first thought the “High Impact” colors were more durable to door dings……always liked this color; a friend had a Limelight flat hood ‘70 Barracuda back when it was just a used car.
I’ve been keeping the High Impact flag flying- I’m on my second TorRed Challenger R/T since ‘09
A good candidate for Graveyard Carz
Steve well put it nothing else to say.
I’ve never been a big fan of Mopars but the ‘70 Challenger definitely catches my attention.
There was a guy, same age as me, got an RT for a graduation present. His had a 383/auto and not a lot else. Painted yellow. I thought it was a nice car.
Well, he decided to burn some donuts in the approach to town, not realizing that he was creeping out onto the highway. Along came another local kid in his new Celica (another graduation present). He came around the corner and T-boned the Challenger.
Two new cars with less than 5K miles, wiped out in less than a second.
The kid in the Celica was driving a new one within a couple of weeks. The kid with the Challenger had to settle for a Vauxhall or something to that effect. He never lived it down…
If an LA car all it’s life – why all the rust stuff ?
Parked outside, likely on dirt, probably a in an area that had a log of shade either behind a building or under a tree. The rear window rusted through, any water accumulation in the trunk would turn into a sauna during the heat of the afternoons until the trunk floor rusted through, since the area between the trunk and interior is permeable that will cause surface rust on metal surfaces.
I’ve seen this before, a friend just bought a 74 Trans Am that is a lifetime California car rusted in a similar manner, it spent several years parked on the northeast side of a house under a tree. The rear window and trunk are shot, so is the deck lid and inner taillight panel. There is no penetrating rust anywhere else, even underneath the car.
Steve R
440 auto with 4:10’s. Hmmm, any ideas why the original engine is gone? This would have been a terror. Great candidate and a cheap entry point. I would imagine it will be double that before it is sold as it has a lot of desirable options and one of the best colors!