1970 was the peak of performance for most automakers. The Muscle Car Wars were entering a new decade and soon would come the oil crisis and reduced performance in order to increase gas mileage. One of the cars at the top of the mountain was the Dodge Challenger. With its optional 426 and 440 engines, they gave everyone a run for their money. This one is said to be 1 of 2,500 convertibles made and can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $14,995. Located in upstate New York, let’s take a closer look, and thanks to T.J. for the tip on this one!
Unfortunately, for value reasons, this car wasn’t born with the 440 or 426. Under the hood lies a 318 mated to an automatic transmission. The ad says it was running a couple of years ago, which is a good sign. If the engine isn’t numbers-matching to the car, there’s no shame in swapping in something a little more powerful. If it is original, the new owner could pull it and save it or rebuild/refurbish what’s there. What would you do?
There aren’t too many photos of the interior (and none inside the trunk). The seller doesn’t say much about the condition other than the car will need a full restoration.
The ad states the car was originally FC7 Plum Crazy Purple. I’m not sure, but it looks black in the photos. If the car has been repainted, chances are the engine isn’t original either. It’s hard to pass up even a base-model car like this one for less than $15k. What do you think?
Arrrgh mateys, LOVE the Cap’n Morgan washer jug!
I think that may actually be a temporary fuel tank. 3/8 hose hooked straight to the pump.
What could possibly go wrong with that setup? Heck, I’d drive it that way!
Is a gallon of rum cheaper than gasoline?
And it’s gone……but was listed awhile back.
For Petes sake, leave the 318! Why would you want all the frame twisting power in a convertible? Converts are for leisurely drives on a warm night to go and get ice cream with the grand kids (at least that is what we do around here) Guys, please try to grow up.
they’re unibody cars, not body on frame…..Chrysler made many 383, 440, 440+6, and hemi challenger/cuda convt’s…..Any chassis strengthening that chrysler did could be done to this car if someone chose to go the larger motor route….whats not your cup of tea might be someone elses…..
Just put in torque boxes and some “frame” ties and it’d be fine. Very common to do on these cars. Is there really anyone thrashing on these cars at this point? Other than race cars on a track.
Exactly. So why put in a big block? Why not have a reasonable engine and drive it? Or are these cars all just for investment? And if that is the case, the bubble is growing ever so quickly and a sharp pin is ever so close. I hope it happens soon. Of course, I will be dead before it happens, but maybe some worthy younger people who could enjoy owning and using one of these, will be able to afford it. Too many sit in a rich old guys vast collection, never used, just taking up space. The resources used to restore are costing the planet and for what benefit? At least when these chemicals are used to restore a car and someone actually uses and enjoys them, well, that is worth something.
As a former owner of a 1971 HemiCuda convertible I can say with great gusto: PPPPpppppppppfffffffffffftttttttttttt! (with fruit).
I knew it wouldn’t last long!
Nothing wrong with the reliable 318 engine. It was in production for 60 plus years and probably the most reliable V8 ever built by Chrysler.
Looks like there is a later model Challenger parked behind this one! :-)
I think its a 71 barracuda . The quarter at the tail light looks more square.
Well Call me crazy but I couldn’t leave it out of my site , and while a small block is thrilling, Its not as thrilling as the big block, its an all or nothing thing, my freind has a great 340, but on the inside i would honestly say, aww bummer. No way i would spend all the money and put a small block in it. I do have a tremendous amount of respect for the 318, its a set it and forget it dependable rock.
The color describes anyone willing to pay nearly 15 Gs for it.
Finally a decent mopar that you could actually get on a trailer without it breaking in half. I have a similar car, 70 triple black convertible, with a 71 340 with 6 pack setup. 15″ magnum 500’s. Looking for a T/A hood, anyone have one?