I have often wondered whether there is a bad angle from which to photograph a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, and I believe the answer to that question is a resounding “no.” These cars exude style and a muscular presence, an impression our feature car reinforces following its extensive restoration. It presents superbly and would be ideal for someone who likes the good things in life. The R/T is listed here on eBay in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Frantic action has pushed the price to $50,600 in a No Reserve auction.
It is easy to see why potential buyers have been tripping over each other to bid on this Challenger. It presents beautifully in Code B5 Bright Blue Metallic and has seen little active use since undergoing a rotisserie restoration. The paint shines like a mirror, and the panels are laser-straight. The beauty is more than skin-deep, with the underside shots revealing floors that are, well, flawless. There are no signs of surface corrosion, and penetrating rust isn’t a consideration. The Black hood treatment and stripes are perfect, and the chrome is in as-new condition. The First Generation Challenger inherently features aggressive and muscular styling, an impression accentuated by the hood pins, scoops, Rallye wheels, and rear spoiler.
Purists will welcome the news that this Challenger retains its numbers-matching engine and transmission. R/T buyers could select from several engines, with this car’s original owner teaming the 440ci “Magnum” V8 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 440 would have produced 375hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque when new, delivering a ¼-mile ET of 14.1 seconds. However, the seller took the bull by the horns, installing a genuine Six-Pack induction system during the restoration. The cost should be justified, lifting the engine’s original figures to 390hp and 490 ft/lbs. The change would be readily felt under the right foot, with the ET slashed to 13.8 seconds. The Challenger runs and drives as well as it would have on Day One, with the seller claiming it has plenty of power and torque. I find that unsurprising, and potential buyers should consider this R/T a turnkey proposition.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Challenger, with the interior receiving a retrim during the restoration. The lack of action since the work ended means it is in as-new condition, with no wear or other issues. This might be a hard-edged muscle car, but the bucket seats, console, and faux woodgrain add a welcome touch of luxury. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and it appears the dash retains a factory radio.
Some classics generate considerable interest, and determining why is a mystery. This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T is a desirable muscle car that presents superbly. That is why it has attracted sixty bids, and I expect that tally to climb as the auction draws to its conclusion. It should comfortably top $70,000 before the hammer falls, although a higher figure is possible. Will you be the one who submits the winning bid? I won’t blame you if you are.
I don’t know how you get any better than this. There isn’t a panel on the car that wouldn’t excite a pure car lover. love this one!
4 speed would be better
Even a “Slap Stick”
Absolutely gorgeous !!! .Someone is going to own a beautiful car. .❤️
I’ve always much preferred the looks the Plymouth ‘Cuda version of Chrysler’s early ’70s pony car.
A H.S. friend bought one new, in a deep purple color. I can still picture that car like it was yesterday…and the awesome rumble.
Another buddy had a brand new Boss302 Mustang (1970), in a blinding yellow.
$60k now with 77 bids, also has a Camero with no reserve. What a beauty this is in blue!!
460
I’ve always been amazed at number of muscle cars back in the day that were ordered with automatics, half the thrill of driving a high performance car is grabbing gears and chirping tires. I was only 13 in 1970, so all I could do was look and drool, had I been a few years older, and had the bucks, I would definitely have checked the box next to manual transmission lol. But I’m sure the price will hit the roof on this one, somebody did a beautiful job
No, it was far worse in the 80s when nice ones were the equivalent of pennies today and so so ones went into the yard and were picked by the local gearheads and then pressed flat.
I wouldn’t have traded my 70 SS 427 Chevelle 4sp for a date with a braless Linda Ronstadt… but I have to be honest. Swapping cars and taking various buddies B&M equipped automatics down Van Nuys Blvd (and getting my ass kicked enough times by some) gave me an appreciation for “the other guys”.
Nice rig. I have to wonder if the rear wing is original – every restoration seems to have one. I never saw a wing in the wild, only on restorations – maybe they were not an option on East coast cars. Sorry to see the A/C go, but I guess a 6-pack is fun too.
From what I could find it was not installed by the factory, A45 should have been the code on the trim tag if it was, it’s not there. You are right, it’s ugly, the car has much better lines without it.
Steve R
You’re right about spoilers. Hardly ever saw them on any muscle cars back in the day. Now, they’re on everything, including cars that did not have them as a factory option. Agree with Steve, on most cars those towel holders just end up detracting from the body lines. Nowadays way too much over-accessorizing in restoration.
They weren’t too common by the 80s when they were hitting the scrap heap. 71, 72 Mustangs were real common. I scraped a W30 Oldsmobile with one and a GS Buick. I don’t ever recall one on a Cuda or Challenger and we did in quite a few RTs and so on.
& on many 4 doors older & new, including 4 cyl imports & the 21st cent 4 dr only charger.
One minor quibble Roland. A wing creates lift, a spoiler creates downforce. It’s a spoiler.
That may be true, however, Chrysler called it “Go Wing” in their literature.
Steve R
Regardless, neither a wing or a spoiler are effective at highway speeds. With the exception being Daytonas and Superbirds I find both to detract from a cars lines. They look out of place on these cars in my opinion and serve only as an appearance accessory.
This is a beautiful Challenger!
I had a 69 Daytona charger that had a big wing on it. Worst car I ever owned. Wish I had it now
An Air Force captain were l was stationed had one of these. He use to drive really slow around the base
I don’t know if was the base speed limit or to make low life’s drool as he passed bye. White with white cov. top l don’t think it was a v code. But it sure was a gorgeous car.
I was able to acquire this one owner/lo-mileage ’74 Challenger in 1978. I changed the color to blue; 46 years later, I still own it, w/ 69K actual miles! :-)
Spoiler ruins it. Challenger best looking E Body ever.
I would want a automatic on it. After all twisting a 440 past 6,500 is a big no no. My 69.5 coroner 440 6 pak through a rod at 6,800 rpm. The rotation weight was never designed to live above 6,500. Unless you spent the money.
My 340’s I built would sing at 7,500 and with some care 8,000rpm. But I learned very early spend time with the oiling system. Best $6 I ever spent was on Ed Hamburgers manuals 340 only.
You cannot simply just put a Six Pack intake system to make it a true 440 Six Pack.
https://imgflip.com/i/8gubvc
Please see the link, the internals and block were beefier and upgraded as well:
https://www.allpar.com/threads/the-history-of-the-440-six-pack-chryslers-ultimate-street-motor.229981/
Wow, not a molar guy but this car could convert me. I did build an engine for a kid that lived next to the shop where I worked in 73-76. It was a 69 road runner. As I recall the first thing we did on any mopar was trash the stock distributor and relax e with an Accel. We had a Sun distributor tester. The dwell variation on a stock mopar was unbelievably bad.
I’m not a molar guy either, my dentist had to pull them, sure makes it hard to chew
Sold $80,100. 108 bids.