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Perfect Paint: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

Some cars can’t help but turn heads wherever they go. This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T is one of those vehicles. It presents superbly following a recent high-end repaint. With every other aspect of the car equally impressive, it would suit an enthusiast seeking a spotless driver or a vehicle that wouldn’t look out of place on the show circuit. The current owner is ready to send it to a new home, listing it here on eBay in Macomb, Michigan. Bidding has raced to $39,500, with this figure short of the reserve.

The seller emphasizes several vital factors with this Challenger. The first is that they hold the original Build Sheet for the car, which verifies that it is a genuine R/T and not a clone. More importantly for many, the Dodge retains 100% of its original steel, with no evidence of prior or existing rust issues in its panels or spotless floors. You will be hard-pressed to fault any aspect of its presentation because the seller has focused on fine details during a recent cosmetic restoration. The panels are as straight as an arrow, serving as the ideal base for a fresh coat of clear-over-base Light Green Metallic paint. They avoided the temptation of a mirror finish, achieving a finish that mimicked the original factory gloss. The White stripes offer a stunning contrast, while the Black vinyl top is a classy touch. The glass and trim look excellent, and the Magnum 500 wheels add to the Challenger’s already muscular and purposeful appearance.

The 383ci “Magnum” V8 may have represented the entry-level powerplant within the R/T range, but it offered enough performance to satisfy most enthusiasts. The driver has 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. The original owner teamed this with the bulletproof three-speed A-727 automatic transmission, adding power assistance for the steering and brakes to create an effortless driving experience. This might have been considered the least potent version of the R/T, but its ability to scorch the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds commands as much respect today as it would have in 1970. The engine bay presents as beautifully as every other aspect of this classic, and looks aren’t deceptive. The “Magnum” received a recent rebuild, with an upgraded camshaft almost certainly unleashing a few additional ponies. The car is in excellent mechanical health, with the seller stating that it steers with one finger. It is a turnkey proposition that the winning bidder can enjoy immediately.

There’s a lot to like about this Dodge’s interior, from its spotless Black vinyl trim to the contrasting faux woodgrain that adds a touch of luxury. It appears from the listing that it is original, and the car has never undergone a retrim. It isn’t perfect, with the seller identifying a small dash crack near the speaker and a tear in the headliner under the driver’s visor. However, they include a replacement headliner that the buyer could fit at their leisure. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing. The seats look comfortable, the slapstick shifter looks purposeful, the Rallye gauge cluster includes a factory tach, and the AM/FM radio provides tunes on the move.

I have never hidden my admiration for Chrysler’s E-Body offerings from the early 1970s because I believe stylists hit the nail on the head by creating a car that looks aggressive and muscular. This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T is simply stunning, suiting a buyer seeking a turnkey classic needing nothing. It has attracted twenty-four bids, and with the auction heading towards its conclusion, I expect that total to climb significantly. Is this a Mopar legend you would consider pursuing further?

Comments

  1. Stan

    Mopar Madness this week.
    Tuned up, mild cam, Torq-flite, head for the hwy. Was there a better bargain motor than the strong 383? Beautiful.

    Like 8
  2. Robert Proulx

    Euh i aint seing booster for power brakes. Aside that nice ride

    Like 3
    • Roland

      Agreed. As an R/T it might have 11×3 drums in the front, however, I have never seen those brakes on an E-body. Fruit of the Loom does not make enough underwear for me to drive poke-and-pray brakes with all the distracted drivers and bicyclists’ shenanigans.

      The white stripe with a black top is unusual, but it works with the green paint. Maybe its time to buy a lotto ticket…

      Like 7
      • rayburn

        Well one thing about this one is that it would be well worth updating to the modern brake systems that are available. most enthusiasts do it.

        Like 0
    • Rob Marter

      Perfect setup for a hot cam. No vacuum issues to worry about and PS to make parking easy.

      Like 2
  3. Patrick

    I find it funny that so many people are afraid of manual brakes, I drove mso many no PS no PB cars and they never scared me. Being from that time and knowing a bit about the street, The 383 with a mild cam and headers Holley 750 was getter. They would wind a bit tighter that a 440 or hemi. You rev a 440 too tight and you’ll spin bearings, 6500rpm on a 383 you wouldn’t.

    Like 6
    • JoeNYWF64

      Scary IMO when a power brake car stalls out & then you try to apply the brakes.

      Like 3
    • Pierre

      LS swap!

      Like 1
      • rayburn

        Up to $47,200 3hs to go.

        Like 1
  4. Nelson C

    Great looking Challenger. May have to prepare your stops so you don’t stuff it into the car ahead of you. lol

    Like 1
  5. rayburn

    Well drags racers have been using them successfully for years. I’ve had several car brands over the years and had to put trannies in each brand at one time or other, depends on who had it before the next owner and how it was treated down through the years.

    Like 3
  6. DonC

    $47,200 is current bid with 2.5 hours to go. I have to assume it’s not even 50% of the reserve.

    Like 0

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