Original Paint! 1970 Dodge Charger 500

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1970 was the final year for the second generation Dodge Charger before the ’71s went to a more streamlined appearance, commonly known as the fuselage-style body.  I’m a fan of just about all the B-Bodies, and while I also have a strong appreciation for the third-gens it’s just hard to beat the looks of a 1968-70 model in my book.  We see quite a few Chargers coming our way here at Barn Finds, everything from total projects to meticulously restored examples, but it’s always a treat to run across one of the largely original and well-preserved varieties such as this 1970 Charger 500 here on eBay.  You can find this one in Allen, Texas, with bidding up to $30,200 already yet still short of reserve.

I really like that this Charger just about meets the criteria we typically look for to be deemed a survivor, and the Dark Burnt Orange Metallic paint we’re seeing here is said to be the original factory finish.  The seller mentions that the car spent many of its days in California, with the only spot of corrosion on the body said to be a very small rust spot beginning to show on the passenger side lower quarter panel, but to be 50 plus years old now it still looks really good overall on the outside.

I can’t tell for sure if it’s just some pitting in that one area of the vinyl top or if it’s actually underneath, but the rear window seems to be clear of the typical rust that often forms around the back glass, so hopefully, the roof metal is all still solid.  We also get to check out the trunk pan which is stated to have one small rust hole, but it appears like most of what we’re seeing elsewhere here is primarily on the surface.

The car is said to still have the numbers-matching engine and transmission, and according to the fender tag that would be a 383 motor and 727 TorqueFlite.  There’s no word on whether or not either has ever gotten a rebuild and no mention of the Charger’s mileage, but things under the hood are looking to be in good working order plus a few dress-up pieces have been added such as the valve covers and Edelbrock air cleaner.

Most of the interior is stated as original except for the seat covers, and if that’s the case it seems like a good testimony to the level of care this one has had throughout the decades.  A few shots of the underside are provided as well, with everything down below seeming to check out as structurally sound.  Not being an R/T model may hurt the final price a bit, but the condition and amount of originality left here add significant value if you ask me.  What do you think?

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    More great Mopars. Perfect example of how the longer automatic shifter, looks so much better than the next generation.

    Like 8
  2. RoadDog

    Love it! Now if I could just win the lottery tomorrow…😋

    Like 6
  3. CCFisher

    There’s a lot of variation in the paint color, but it has a consistent shine. I suspect it’s been clear-coated. And whoever buys it should vow to never get the roof wet again, or replace the vinyl roof immediately.

    Like 5
  4. Stephen

    Non of these handled well. Tank.

    Like 3
    • Gary

      Compared to other intermediates (GTO/Malibu/Cutlass) Chargers had torsion bars and cornered better/flatter.

      Like 9
    • Billy

      Say, has anyone else noticed all of the other Mopars in the background of the pictures taken in the quanset hut??
      Pretty nice little collection going on there.

      Like 1
  5. Maggy

    Nice Mopar.68-70 was my favorite.Chrysler ruined the Charger in 71 ugly imo.I’d definetly do a vinyl , wirebrush and clean the trunk and por 15 it then spray to match.Get the rear window resealed or trunk seal replaced and have that small spot of rust pro fixed and blended in to the original paint.Get some ignition wire separators too.Glwts.

    Like 6
  6. TorinoSCJ69

    … and put OEM air cleaner back on, please.

    Agree with Maggie here.

    This is beautiful – I hope this goes to a mature caretaker that will drive it.

    Like 6
  7. Richard Barag

    Not a 500! 500’s had flush front grill/headlights and flush back glass made for NASCAR.

    Like 2
  8. Richard Fasano

    The 500 u mentioned was only in 69 70 is the way u see it here

    Like 8
  9. Stephen

    There’s not a single day that I do not miss my ’70 Charger 500 383 4 speed automobile.
    Seeing this fine example brings back fond memories of the many car shows I enjoyed and the cruises on South Congress in Austin Texas.
    My advice to the seller, hold out for as long as possible.
    Hemmings, is where I sold mine. Had it listed for a few months and then did the online auction feature they provided. It sold for much less than I thought it would but was happy it was going to a good home in NC area. The new owner had a ’69 Charger that was similar to this example.
    And had a few other Mopar’s in his stable.
    30k$, is not even close to the bare minimum. Should these owners decide to let their 2nd generation B-bodies go for less than what Hagerty Valuation tools classification suggest….
    Then they are doing the hobby a grave dis-service.

    Like 4
    • LotusLoverMember

      The hobby is moving too far into trophy ownership; cars bought for so much money that they are never driven again. That discourages anyone new to join in and enjoy the styles of the past and the feel of driving old machinery. Do we really want the “hobby” to consist of only brokers and museums, and never see the cars we love actually turning a wheel?

      Like 9

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