The 1968-70 Dodge Charger is a long-coveted classic that has done nothing but increase in value over the years. It isn’t the 1980s anymore, so these cars certainly can’t be had for what might be considered “reasonable” prices anymore. However, good deals can still be found when compared to the current market. A rusted out Charger of this vintage can be had for $3,000-$5,000 in most circumstances, while something that runs and drives will easily cost mid-high $10,000s if not more. This 1970 Charger is listed at $35,000 and is in largely original condition with extremely minimal rust. While $35,000 may seem like a lot for this car, it is important to consider the current market. Find it here on craigslist in Los Angeles with 92,000 actual miles. Thanks to Michael for sending this in!
The engine is the original, numbers-matching 440 Chrysler V8. Although the car was swapped from an automatic column shift to a four-speed manual at some point in the past, this is still a desirable car that is sure to be lots of fun! The seller states that the engine itself is all original and unmodified except for a set of headers. The seller says nothing about drivability, but for the price I would certainly hope it is functional!
This charger was originally an Arizona car, which would explain the clean sheet metal, but that also explains the sun damage to the dashboard. Aside from that, the interior appears to be in good driver condition with a little bit of age on it. In storage since 1979, I suspect this is why the interior is well-preserved. With a good cleaning, this could be a great car to cruise around in as it is!
There are some dents and dings, scratches and the roof has some damage from where there was a vinyl top. As these cars come the metal is in great condition. Rocker, quarter and floor rust plague B-bodies so to see one still in this condition is always a pleasant surprise. The seller states that it is wearing its original paint and was originally a Go-Wing optioned car. As per the rust situation, the seller says “the trunk floor, and a little in the drivers lower quarter, floorboards are in great shape.” With an original set of wheels and a new Go-Wing, this car would be a great candidate for cruising.
This is an obscene asking price. Maybe we should all boycott these sales and prices will become reasonable again. I am tired of cars being treated as investments, lets bring back fun an affordability into the hobby. Nuff said, let the grumpiness begin.
I think there are still plenty of bargains out there, it’s the buyers that aren’t willing to put in the work to find them. They need to look beyond Craigslist, eBay and a handful of other websites. Everyone complains about flippers, but they are finding these cars somewhere.
Steve R
I agree totally with Steve R’s comments. One has to get off of his or her backside and put in the time and effort needed to locate the cool rides they’re keen to own. I’d add that those who do so be prepared to be disappointed, with reticent sellers, stuff not being quite what it seems, a dozen return trips to seal the deal, etc.
While online sites can give you an idea as to what might be out there that might be of interest, and maybe a bit about market pricing, the best way to find something is still word-of-mouth though connections you nurture, yourself.
I’ve recently explained to a buddy of mine, over here in NZ, there are basically two markets: one for ‘investors’ and one for ‘enthusiasts’. If he wants to score the best deals, he need to go to the USA on a repeat basis to connect with the latter.
I’ve owned a lot of interesting and unusual machinery over the decades and all the really rare – and sometimes surprisingly valuable – stuff came via connections with others.
Some of you guys know via my posts that I buy collectable motorcycles and scooters via dealer auctions, ex-Japan (see photo). I’ve noticed that in recent months, the prices for the older stuff has gone nuts – my agents there tell me there are a lot of folk who are willing to pay a premium (read: stupid prices!) for ‘retro’ machinery.
What gives me a laugh is seeing buyers pay more for ‘Retro’ mopeds from a company called – wait for it: Fuki Planning – that are still being made, for 30%+ over the cost of a new model from the same range!
I just keep bidding on stuff at realistic-for-New-Zealand buying rates (and I tell my agents that every time I bid!) where I could make an honest buck once all the import, compliance and licensing costs are factored-in. I do this as a hobby and want to ensure that anyone I sell to gets a fair deal.
My next move is to connect with some fellow enthusiasts in Japan and see if I can find an alternative pathway to acquire interesting and fun vehicles that I can enjoy owning and using and/or sell to fellow enthusiasts.
I’m with you 100 percent on this matter Billy OO7, unfortunately it is an expensive world we live in now days. I know people who spend twice this much on a dune buggy so they can go play in the sand dunes on the weekend and then spend a whole bunch more on repairing it, go figure.
Junk $3500 maybe
From Arizona with Texas plates, listed on Los Angeles Craigslist with no phone number. “Title in hand”, but is it in his name? That’s an awful lot of money, no wonder the listing is 27 days old.
Steve R
35k for a tired Charger that may or may not drive. The world’s gone mad.
Grant: Yes.
This always makes me chuckle “don’t have to sell, and won’t for any less”. That’s good because the car isn’t going anywhere unless you have a fool come along who has more money than sense.
That there is known in High economics circles as “The Greater Fool Theory” and is the governing principle of collecting at all levels.
Not even original for that price.
There’s a sucker born every minute. I’m afraid its easier to find the sucker then it is to find that one in a life time find. Blame the auction houses…they set the pace.
Bear in mind the auctions only provide an opportunity for the buyer and seller to get together and charge a commission for this service. Competition between bidders determines what any item at auction brings. Collector cars are a commodity . Two people(bidders) ultimately determine what an item is worth.
$35 Large will get you a much nicer classic car than this if you keep looking and do your homework…..
What is meant by the “Go” wing?
I am not a Mopar guy but I would say the Go wing means that the car originally had a rear spoiler. Plus you can see the holes in the decklid where a spoiler would have been bolted on.
Hmm looks like ac compressor is missing, no rad cap, battery tray is almost dust. Maybe this was parked back in 19-odd-tickety-two for a reason. Does this guy even know of this is a runner?
This example raises obvious questions, but a ’68-’70 Charger is still one of the top 3 American designs of all time, even in this state.
On the other hand, this one’s way overpriced.
Wow/ The price is a little high/. You can ask anything you want for a vehicle, does not mean your going to get it. Maybe this person is just taking a shot, hopes somebody hits on it. There might be just a person out there that doesn’t know the difference, if the asking price is to high. This day and age who the hell knows anything any more. Price is a little to much. Just read the AD he has, attitude might be a problem.Just my opinion.
I had a car like this in the late 70’s. Not a R/T and a 383 for $500 bucks. It had plenty of steam, and would blow the mufflers off on power shifts. It handled like a pig, and poor brakes. I didn’t have it long, as I went the British roadster route. I sold it to someone who wrapped it around a tree ( or something)
is it overpriced? if you take in the rise of inflation, like every other car i.e. a new charger today it is not overpriced.
also keep in mind what it will be worth if running, however its not a true 4 speed car and WHERE IS THE GO WING?
The fact that the listing is almost 30 days old, in Los Angeles is a good indication it’s overpriced.
Steve R
You can always go down in price. Up not so easy.
The cella is out of his mind
These guys are crazy. Thanks to flip shows and auctions like B—–t J——n
everyone thinks they have a gold mine. Wake up the, the toast is burning
These are indeed beautiful cars to look at but I had a new one in ’69 and it was junk. Sold it with 11K miles after replacing the clutch, horrible drum brakes twice, rattled and leaked everywhere, and filled up with water when I drove thru a carwash. If you spend a ton to have one I hope you plan to just look at it.
Looks like a hack job on the 4 speed conversion. They didn’t change the steering column out, you can see gear shift indicator sitting on top of the column.
Personally I take issue with the Honest Survivor headline.
I have a 1955 Olds Holiday 4 Door Hardtop that only has 69,000 original miles on it. The front end was resprayed back somewhere in the 60’s (not from a wreck, from gravel chips on back roads) so it is no longer considered a survivor.
Other than that it is pretty much the same as it rolled out of the assembly line in 1955.
Survivor or not?