Statistics often tell part of a classic car’s story, which appears to be the case with this 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible. The seller makes a bold claim about its drivetrain configuration, but drilling down suggests it might be rarer than they realize. It presents superbly and is listed here on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $49,900 in a No Reserve auction.
Chrysler’s E-Body models, introduced in 1970, never fail to please. They look sharp and muscular, and it’s easy to see why they remain desirable in the classic market. This 1970 Challenger presents beautifully in Bright Red with a White power top. The paint shines magnificently, with no evidence of significant blemishes. The panels are laser-straight, and the underside is almost as impressive as the rest of the vehicle. There is no evidence of rust, just the same shade of Red that graces the panels. Although the listing doesn’t mention a prior restoration, the condition of every aspect of this Dodge suggests it may have recently been treated to frame-off attention. The top with its glass back window looks excellent, as does the trim and chrome. The car rolls on a set of Rally wheels equipped with BF Goodrich tires, with that combination filling the wheel wells perfectly.
The best way to describe this Challenger’s interior is immaculate. The supplied photos reveal no signs of stains or abuse on the White vinyl upholstery, with the dash and pad looking perfect. The Black carpet provides a welcome contrast, and the faux woodgrain is free from damage. There are no visible aftermarket additions, but the car arrived from the factory with a nice list of options. The new owner receives air conditioning, a power top, Rally gauges, a factory tachometer, a console, and an AM/FM radio.
The engine bay is where business becomes serious with this Challenger. Lifting the hood reveals the numbers-matching 340ci V8. The original owner added an A-727 TorqueFlite transmission, an 8¾” rear end, and power brakes. The 340 wasn’t the most potent weapon in Dodge’s armory, but it still provided a push in the back that should send this Convertible through the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph. Those figures may not seem impressive by today’s standards, but they equated to a rapid drop-top motoring experience in 1970. The seller makes a claim bout the rarity of the drivetrain combination, but, as we will shortly see, I believe they have underestimated the figure. Although we have no specific information about this Challenger’s mechanical health, combining the seller’s use of the term “ready to go” with the presentation of the engine bay and the news should be positive.
This 1970 Challenger Convertible appears to need nothing and would suit a fastidious buyer. The seller describes it as 1-of-963 Convertibles produced during 1970. However, the information I have via Galen Govier indicates that of the 4,243 Challenger Convertibles of all types built in 1970, only 178 buyers selected the 340/A-727 drivetrain configuration. That makes this a rare beast and partially helps explains the fifty-two bids submitted. Of course, with almost every version of the ’70 Challenger highly coveted, I suspect the action will intensify as the auction conclusion looms. What do you think will be the winning bid?
383 or 340?
Thanks for the question, Raoul-F. No matter how often I proofread an article, sometimes a mistake creeps through. That’s a great pickup on your part, and I’ve corrected the error in the article. I hope you continue enjoying our work.
Thank YOU. I was too lazy to check the VIN. Anyway…the barnfind site is by far the most visited by me. It’s simply great..and brought me to get two awesome cars. Merry Christmas 🎄!
For a dealer, price seems low with so few built. Gorgeous car.
George, it’s an auction with 3 days left, the price will go higher.
The price for this car on their website is 95K, so if this No Reserve auction does not make it close to that number, it will become one of those auctions that mysteriously ends early because of an “error in the listing”.
https://www.kdsautosale.com/details/used-1970-dodge-challenger/90515736
I’m not a Challenger fan, and seldom give a second glance. This machine, however, is BEAUTIFUL! And perfectly powered.
Kowalski would approve!!!
Kowalski didn’t care about cars, he abused them. That’s like saying Dr. Mengele approves of an orphanage. He might utilize what’s inside, but will he treat them well?
340s w torqflites, equipped w 3.91 ⚙️ are a rocket
This site doing some funky things, I’m sure living in the Rocky Mountains far away from civilization has nothing to do with it, but denial aside, probably does. Where did this come from? Much more like the Indy Pace car crash I posted on that derelict one. It was red and I wouldn’t pay $50 grand for one, even if John Glenn peed on the seat. I think, what happened, they say someone misplaced the cone when the driver was supposed to stop, but I think, they underestimated the speed of Indy Cars, even on a pace lap, had that Challenger pedal mashed, and the throttle stuck. Judging by the prices on the other cars, ol’ “KD” decided, they want to make it rich before the big bust. Oh, it will go on for a while, quite frankly, why not? Florida has been through some REALLY rough times, and “KD” probably picked these classics up for peanuts from desperate folks that lost everything, save for their classic car that was at a secure location. People have been getting rich off others misfortunes since money was invented. Even if I had the money, I wouldn’t go for such thievery.
In answer to Howard.A ‘s recient comment, I have admired your posting to this site but no-one know the circumstances of the previous owner. If KD (a used car dealer) has this for sale at no-reserve, it is going to be sold. I looked carefully and see that this is a regular Challenger, NOT a very rare RT. All collector vehicles seem to be on a decline in value right now. I, myself, am interested (see my posting on the white Challenger conv.) recently. I’m also sure that in a few days, it will be far out of my reach.
Well, bizarre ramblings aside, I don’t remember mine having that inflatable spare in the trunk. The car is worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it and I don’t see this as out of line.
Like most, when I see a listing/auction from Florida I begin to wonder.
A beautiful car, would love to own it. KD seems to offer some interesting cars at retail ( not BJ) prices. They aren’t it the flood areas and seem pretty legit.I like seeing their cars here and have even talked to them about one.
I just viewed his site and auctions on eBay and you are correct. Many caught my eye. Someone is going to buy a decent ’62 Chev Impala today.
I’m in trouble. Serious trouble. This is almost the replica of the ’70 Dodge Challenger convertible I grew up with. Red, white interior, white convertible. Ours was a 383, slapstick, with the R/T package and rally wheels. I’ve been dying to find it and this is so damn close and only 3 hours away from where I live in Punta Gorda, FL. “Honey…..yeah, that house renovation we were gonna do? Well…..”
Frame off restoration ? On a Unibody ?
Crazy huh.
Two Challengers within a few articles of each other.
Before & After.
It might help boost the price on the ‘Before’ one.
Had similar Rally Wheels on my Charger.
So, nice to see them again, since I won’t get to see the ones I had again.
And come to think of it…..the car either :(
Egads, I’m old. To think at one time you bought cars like this for what a Cobalt brings as scrap. I bought a 318 who cares one decades ago. Pulled the tired 318 from it and dumped a 71 440 in it from your then neighborhoods friendly local old man’s low mileage NewYorker. You also required some help from some dead or mortality wounded Roadrunners and such for manifolds, radiators and so on. You drive it around a few years until you tire of it and it then spends the next 3 decades doing nothing. Worthless as it no longer has its original drive line. Then one day you decide that something else deserves indoor space and you place it in its final resting place of cars you’ll never fix that will be scraped upon your death. These were fun cars but not as much fun or reliable as others of that time. Mine had that inflatable spare, that I promptly tossed away….long ago. The crap to expand it wasn’t there and I drove distances and didn’t trust not having a good spare. The car was peppy with the 440
I never touched the 8 and 3/4s rear, so it went down the highway effortlessly and wasn’t and evil drinker. Fun times long ago.
Chris Cornetto…We have to remember that back in those days, I, myself, was working (hard physical labour) for less than a dollar an hour. I was a kid and was ripped off my times by employers. I love the memories and have the photos but those were not really all that good a time.
Nope, not all good, grew up in a rough urban environment. No dad, a mother that could care less. Flipped burgers, toiled away in a junkyard and so on. I look back and laugh. Cars were my escape and freedom. I kept all my things that made happy through life and went to great extremes and lots of work to do it. Getting used and ripped off by who and whatever is as old as written history. I carry what was good with me. As the song went back then, Don’t know what you got till it’s gone.