Original 383: 1970 Dodge Charger

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Many enthusiasts will confirm that there is no more satisfying feeling than dragging a desirable classic back from the brink of extinction. Giving an iconic car a second chance is not something we will all experience, but that opportunity awaits the new owner of this 1970 Dodge Charger. It suffers from many of the rust issues typical of Mopar models from this era, but it hasn’t passed the point of no return. If you feel up for the challenge, you will find the Charger listed here on eBay in Springfield, Oregon. Bidding has raced to $14,100, although that figure remains below the reserve.

Dodge’s Second Generation Charger hit showroom floors in 1968, enjoying a short three-year sales run before being replaced in 1971. Our feature car is from the final production year, with its original owner ordering it in an attractive combination of Dark Burnt Orange paint with a White vinyl top. It is unclear whether the car has undergone any repairs or restoration, although that is largely irrelevant because it is begging for love that the seller can’t provide. The panels have a few repairable dings and dents, but rust will consume the winning bidder’s attention for many hours. It has impacted the rear quarter panels, rear valance, lower front fenders, inner and outer rear wheel wells, and trunk pan. The floors may require attention, but the cowl, firewall, and frame rails are said to be restorable. The Charger retains its original grille. However, the seller says the headlight doors only operate with direct power. That suggests a minor electrical gremlin lurks inside this classic, but the simple nature of the associated wiring should make tracing the fault pretty easy. The glass is in good order, and the Dodge rolls on its original Rallye wheels.

This Charger’s interior provides an equal helping of good and bad news. It is complete, and nobody has added aftermarket items like an updated stereo or additional gauges. It is trimmed in Burnt Orange vinyl, featuring intact factory air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, a pushbutton radio, and a Rally gauge cluster. It doesn’t look bad given a passing glance, although a meticulous new owner will probably treat it to a retrim to regain its former good looks. There is nothing horrendously bad about its presentation, and it would serve in its current form if the buyer’s budget is tight. However, when you combine the minor seam separations, marks, and small areas of physical damage to items like the door trims, a refresh seems the most obvious solution.

The seller states that this Charger is a numbers-matching classic that runs and yard-drives. Its engine bay houses a 383ci V8 that produced 290hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. The original owner chose to equip the car with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, an 8¾” rear end, and power steering. That wasn’t the most potent combination offered by Dodge in 1970, but the low-end power and torque delivery of that V8 means the driver doesn’t need to rev its heads off to extract its best performance. While it runs and drives, the seller emphasizes this classic is nowhere near roadworthy. It has an exhaust leak and multiple fluid leaks that require attention before it gets close to that point. However, they seem optimistic that no significant problems are awaiting the new owner.

The seller took the time and effort to enter this classic on the official 1970 Charger Register. They learned it is the only example on the Register featuring this combination of paint, trim, and drivetrain components. That does not necessarily make it unique because it is guaranteed that thousands of these cars are roaming our streets where owners haven’t considered placing them on the Register. It probably also hasn’t weighed heavily on the minds of the twelve people who have submitted twenty-five bids at the time of writing. The desirability of Second Generation Chargers ensures that the figure will climb before the hammer falls, but will you add to that total?

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Comments

  1. Zen

    Assuming it’s ok or repairable underneath, and not hopelessly rotted, this would be a wonderful candidate for restoration. A numbers matching 383 automatic with factory A/C and buckets and console, in an unusual color will be beautiful. It doesn’t look half bad now. I’m a little disappointed to see manual brakes, though I’m sure during restoration that power brakes could be added and made to look original.

    Like 4
  2. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    This Charger got rust and holes in the floor area. Need quarters panel or lower half. Since it’s at Marks place aka Graveyard cars.. I wonder how much to fix it? Just the holes or a complete floor. I seen this car on the show. So I wonder if somebody there that put this Charger up for sale? 🤔

    Like 2
    • Nick P

      Its more than likely a customer car that was there for restoration and they decided against for any number of reasons. IE money, divorce, death, etc. I’m sure Mark owns enough cars and doesn’t want to buy every one someone else backs out of, especially a base model.

      Like 2
  3. Bill

    If @markworman thinks it’s so bad that he is not going to repair it then it’s a sure bet to pass on it.

    Like 5
    • PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

      Mark is probably looking for someone with a few $$ to buy it so that he can then sell the buyer a restoration.

      Hey, the car is already there, so Mark knows what it needs.

      Like 0
  4. Ffred

    All the repair panels are available with the exception of the inner roof and inner rear window area so if you (and friends)time, money and some skill you can do it yourself and save a lot. because paying for a restoration will cost you 60-100K.

    Like 1

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