Just one year separating a car moniker can change things substantially, and the number 500 is a key example when it comes to the Dodge Charger. Back in ’69, the Charger 500 was a separate model that featured a flatter grille and a flush rear window, in hopes that the revisions would improve aerodynamics enough to make the car more competitive in NASCAR racing. After unsatisfactory results followed by the Daytona proving beyond capable, the 500 then simply became a higher trim level indicator for the ’70 Charger. This Mopar here on eBay is an example that the seller says is wearing that badge, and while this one’s a project, it seems fairly solid overall when compared to many in the marketplace. This 1970 Charger 500 is in Hickory, North Carolina, with the current bid of $13,100 not enough to eliminate the reserve-not-met status.
As an old kid who still appreciates all the different High Impact colors Chrysler was offering during this period, it might be a daunting task for me to have to decide on a favorite. However, Plum Crazy just rocks on a B-Body, and that’s stated as the shade this one was originally wearing. Some remnants of this hue remain in the door jambs, under the hood, and on the exterior where a vinyl top once resided, so it’d be a no-brainer for me to return this one to paint code FC7. Some body smoothing will be needed first, but fortunately, rust doesn’t appear to be a major issue on the sheet metal. As long as this one will assuredly never again be parked outside in the rain, I vote for putting the vinyl roof back on as well.
Opting for the 500 package on a ’70 Charger didn’t put you in the same coolness league as R/T buyers, nor did it include the flush front or rear window plug as found on its predecessor. However, high back bucket seats were a standard perk, with those two removed components needing new upholstery. The dash is going to require refurbishing, as will the console, but I’m impressed by how sturdy the floors are looking. Ditto on the trunk pan.
Originally equipped with a 383, a non-running 440 is now residing in the bay. No additional information is provided, such as a date code or whether the motor still turns, so it’s unknown if this big block is worth fooling with or if sourcing a different big block would be a wiser option. However, two advantages here are the overall solid nature of the steel and the factory purple paint, so I’d probably give a thumbs-up for considering this one as worthwhile project material. How about you?
This Charger seems to be mostly complete rust free and priced some what ok.
The cost of classic muscle cars has gotten insane. It was not too long ago that you could buy a running, driving one for less than the current bid. I own 3 Mopars, a 69 Sport Fury Convertible, 70 Roadrunner and 72 Cuda. The three together are worth more than I paid for my house.
Yeah, but can you do a burnout with your house?
Yeah, but can you do a burnout with your house?
I would keep my favorite and sell the other two. Place into an all market index fund. cars from our generation are going to quickly fall for all sorts of reasons. I feel financial security in the near future is going to be increasingly important.
Rarity comes at a cost…the market will ALWAYS validate the price values..The very same goes for your house. I am sure you would not want what you paid for it either…
The buy it now price is $27 k, you would have to be plum crazy to pay that. It’s worth restoring, but paying that much is crazy.
So is paying over 6% interest for a mortage….however, they do it every day…and that is plum crazy…join the crowd
I will correct being the first comment. This price is insane now at buy it for 27 grand Yeah right.
Complete with rust and wasp nests for only what? Sorry, but this one gets the first “you’ve got to be kidding” award for the month.
All this car needs is a full restoration- a 70 charger 440 will always hold value. The buy price will end being what the market is willing to pay. I see Torreto doing a wheelie in it. Let’s all watch the gavel drop
I would keep my favorite and sell the other two. Place into an all market index fund. cars from our generation are going to quickly fall for all sorts of reasons. I feel financial security in the near future is going to be increasingly important.
Chad I have heard that one for the past 50 years regarding these cars, and the sky has not fallen yet, nor will it anytime soon! The demand will always be their, these cars are Americana. Checked out a new movie last week, guess what car they were driving throughout the movie…wait for it…Yeppers a 70 Chevelle SS,,,,,and yes it was going away in the movie VERY Fast…LOL
You are right. There is a correction happening, but the cars most effected are those which don’t have a strong following. That’s not a car like this. There will always be fluctuations in the market, which are cheered on by some, but the cars which have been popular and sought after for decades are not going to collapse.
You hear the same sort of claims about an upcoming stock market collapse too. Everyone has an opinion, some are better than others.
Steve R
@Steve R, I recall people saying similar things in the summer of 1929. Optimism is a good thing, usually. Just learn the meanings of the words possibility and probability.
You were around in 1929?
You are quite correct. The musclecar market has always been a great indicator of overall economic heath. Prices, especially for finished / restored cars are dropping dramatically. That coupled with a shrinking consumer base is bringing down once stratospheric prices.
Here’s a tidbit for the group – see the decal on the dash? Mario Rossi? Check out the back story on him. The NASCAR crewchief who disappeared.
I read an article about Mario Rossi Wow!
Ended at $17,700
Reserve Not Met
41 Bids.