No Reserve: 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A

People often say racing improves the breed, and that was certainly true in the Trans Am Series in the 1960s and early 1970s. The “Big Three” subscribed to the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” marketing philosophy, producing classics like the Camaro Z28 and the Mustang Boss 302. Chrysler joined the party with the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, producing a roadgoing version for racing homologation. This T/A is a tidy driver featuring a 340ci Six-Pack under the hood. It is a turnkey proposition, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here at Bring A Trailer in Sebeka, Minnesota. The bidding is at $50,000 in a No Reserve auction.

Dodge released the Challenger in 1970 on the same Chrysler E-Body platform as its Plymouth Barracuda cousin. The company saw potential in the highly competitive Trans Am Series, so it produced the T/A variant as a homologation special. Externally, the Challenger received a fiberglass hood with an enormous scoop to feed cold air to the engine. It added front and rear spoilers, plus stripes and Rallye wheels on each car. The seller says this car was repainted at some point, in its factory-correct Hemi Orange with a Black vinyl top. The car looks tidy and should be considered a driver-grade classic. The paint retains a healthy shine, and the stripes look crisp. The vinyl top is in good condition, and the underside shots help to confirm the Challenger’s rust-free status. Potential buyers focused on a paper trail will welcome the news that the deal includes the original Dealer Documentation, Broadcast Sheet, Shipping Notice, and Owner’s Manual.

Racing versions of the 1970 Challenger T/A featured a destroked 340ci V8, reduced to 303ci to comply with Trans Am Regulations. Roadgoing cars received the 340 in its original form, but equipped with a Six-Pack induction setup. Dodge quoted power and torque figures of 290hp and 345 ft/lbs, but as with the Mustang Boss 302 and the Camaro Z28, many people believed both figures were significantly understated. This T/A features the optional three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a 3.91 Sure Grip rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The listing images appear to indicate that this classic is numbers-matching. It is unclear how well it runs and drives, but I see nothing in the image gallery to suggest it’s anything but a turnkey proposition.

Trimmed in Black vinyl, this Challenger’s interior features an aftermarket radio/cassette player, a column-mounted shift light, and a tachometer and oil pressure gauge attached to the console. Overall, it presents as driver-quality, but some potential buyers may want to address a few shortcomings. The seller identifies a hole in the back seat, a burn on one rear armrest, and general headliner wear. None of these shortcomings require immediate attention, but fixing the faults would improve the appearance. Otherwise, the front seats and carpet look good, the dash and pad are excellent, and the console has no issues.

Although it has been on the market for only a day, this 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A has already received five bids. However, that figure pales in comparison to the listing statistics, suggesting the action could intensify significantly. It failed to sell a month ago because the bidding didn’t reach the reserve. There is no danger of that happening now, because this is a No Reserve auction. Interest is partly because it is an inherently desirable car, and potential buyers know they can take it home if they are the highest bidder, regardless of the price. If you’ve longed for a slice of Mopar muscle, could this T/A be a contender?