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Plum Crazy Project: 1970 Dodge Charger R/T

For collectors, this second-generation Dodge Charger checks a lot of big boxes. It’s the desirable R/T (Road/Track) model. It has a 440 big-block V8. And it left the factory painted FC7 Plum Crazy (verified by the cowl tag). Located in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, this is a project car that may or may not be complete, but what’s there may be solid. The Dodge is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $32,000 OBO.

The Charger appeared mid-year in 1966 as a sporty derivative of Dodge’s B-body intermediates. It didn’t start delivering impressive sales numbers until the second generation appeared for 1968-70. The R/T was the upscale performance edition, with adjustments to the suspension and drivetrain to provide maximum smiles. The Charger was changed slightly for 1970, featuring a large wraparound chrome bumper and the grille was no longer divided in the middle. Electric headlight doors replaced vacuum ones. The R/T got new rear-facing scoops with the R/T logo mounted on the front doors, over the door scallops. It was a down year for the Charger sales at 46,315 total units and 9,370 R/Ts, but they had some internal competition with the hot, new pony car, the Challenger.

From the looks of things, the seller’s ’70 Charger R/T is a work-in-progress that will require another party to complete the work. At 60,000 miles, the body has been stripped and primer grey is where Plum Crazy purple once was. If there was any rust, we assume it has been repaired, but the seller doesn’t mention any progress made on the car. The chrome trim, bumpers, and grille assembly may be somewhere inside the car, either in the trunk or the passenger compartment where seats once were.

There’s a 440 V8 under the hood (numbers matching?), the 4-barrel version versus the hot Six Pack that arrived in the Charger in 1970 for the first time. We don’t know if the motor runs or if the TorqueFlite automatic is in operating condition, either. This car’s siblings had a big year in NASCAR in 1970 with 10 tens and capturing the Grand National Championship. This would be a cool car brought back to the way it was new, but the cost of just getting into the game will not be for the faint of heart.

Comments

  1. Avatar George Mattar

    In better shape than most 70s Mopars on here. But at 32 large I pass. Plenty of work to do.

    Like 15
    • Avatar Gary

      Don’t believe it’s worth the asking price. I restored a 71 Challenger & was told it’s value was 30,000. All said & done I have that into it.Great machines to restore but Dodge is the most expensive. Most that put these up for sale are on a get rich quick idea because of the Dodge muscle car era. This obviously needs TLC & no mention of running condition or what parts he has for completion.

      Like 3
  2. Avatar 8banger Member

    Never considered swapping a ’71 Chevelle rear bumper to a ’70 Charger front one, but hey…

    Like 2
  3. Avatar RobA

    “Listed 26 weeks ago”

    Many Facebook Marketplace ads are stale. Many sellers never take them down for some reason.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Gary

    You would have to be plum crazy to buy this, that is for sure. Those of us old enough to have owned cars like this back in the day remember that they really were not all that great of cars. Trouble is, some of us old timers are getting a tad senile and feel nostalgic, old memories tend to smooth out the rough edges and they forget the cold hard truth of these cars. As a car to actually drive, a modern car beats this out every time, and anyone who says these are better is lying to themselves or trying to make a quick buck. Would I like one today? Sure, maybe for a half an hour or so twice a year, but unless the Powerball made my day, I would never commit the kind of money needed just to make this a running car, much less an attractive one. Big question is, why do we crave these? Is it to relive the days of our youth when the joints didn’t hurt and you had no need of a little blue pill to feel amorous? Or is it to look cool to others when you drive by? That is a childish emotional state, plus a silly one because the young people could care less, and the old farts who might be impressed are dropping like flies. Want to create a good impression? Take the 75 grand this will cost to make presentable and take your family on a great vacation, one that will leave them with wonderful memories, the biggest one being, of about how you loved them so much you did this for them. Years from now when you are rotting away, they will remember that nice time together as a family, but if all they have is some 60 year old piece of antique metal which probably got sold off soon after your demise, they won’t remember that, or you, much at all.

    Like 19
    • Avatar Chris

      Or, do both? What are you even doing here if that is your opinion about old cars? With some tasteful (or not tasteful, I guess) updates, a lot of these old cars can drive great. Though not as good as new cars, admittedly, but that is not that point that you seem to completely miss.

      Like 25
      • Avatar Old F@rt Member

        “Each To His Own” is the old saying. Everyone should be able to share their opinion with out being judged here.

        Like 6
    • Avatar Alan

      Couldn’t agree with you more. God do I miss my 73 Charger 4 speed 400, the 440 4 speed 69 Roadrunner, the 72 Cuda, and especially my 67 Chrysler 300. And do I have enough money to buy one of these crazy expensive restored cars, YES. But I agree with you, taking it out from a garage 2 or 3 times a year for a nervous ride around the neighborhood would never be as gratifying as giving that same amount of money to one of my kids to help them pay for their mortgages or a great vacation together while I am still topside. If the Hobby had just not gotten so crazy expensive!

      Like 6
    • Avatar Bigjohn

      Old cars can be fun to drive because you actually drive them! No back up cameras, lane departure warning, following to close brake assist, etc.They are easier to fix with limited electronics. I wished I would have kept my old Z28!

      Like 7
    • Avatar John

      You are surely entitled to your opinion. One can only imagine what might have happened in your family to draw out this kind of commentary. The one thing you need to understand is if a person wants to buy a vehicle or anything for that matter in a “free country” it is their decision to spend their money as they see fit. Many times when folks buy vehicles it is the intent to involve their family and make or build memories that way. A vacation is not always the answer. There are also lots of folks that don’t have a family to share vacations with. If one wants to spend their money and time this way then what difference should it make to you. By the same token if someone can afford to buy something or do something and they earned the money to do that then who are we to decide how or why they do it? It may not make sense to us but it is their choice. It seems odd that someone commenting on this site would actually make the statements you did but then, like I said, you are entitled to your opinion.

      Like 16
    • Avatar Tom Jones

      What a wonderful reminder of how to prioritize where we invest time, energy and money. I love this forum!

      Like 6
    • Avatar $ where mouth is

      Dead Gary ,
      Wow, i must THANK YOU, that is some legit, solid advise, wisdom and guidance.
      Yes, there is a massive collector and/or driver, not to mention part industry that drives the hearts and minds of smart an stupid alike for generations.
      The TRUTH is, most people lack principle and ethic these days.
      They shop at walmart and amazon, while driving toyotas and slap a US flag on it.
      Buying a bunch of chinese made parts to build a classic American musle machine is the sickest ironie.
      If people truely valued these machines, and were true Americans, they would go out of their way to source appropriately and respectfully.
      Too far gone ?, likely,
      yes, its dieing fast.
      For what its worth, there are a minority of us who do it right, but too few.
      Either we have some great awakening, or what once led the world, will be gone.
      Wake up people, the hypocracy and laziness is palpable.
      In the end, it is ALL about the Love, and family is at the core of it.

      Like 4
    • Avatar Mark

      Well it’s safe to say that old timers loose their testosterone so the opt for mini vans and other ultra boring cars of the like. If you want to drive a new cookie cutter car that is exactly like the one across the street knock yourself out. I would take a nice 1970 Charger over any new car made because they have style, unlike the new plastic junk.

      Like 5
  5. Avatar Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

    Why do you visit this site??!!!…..to complain.?..pull your head out !!!!

    Like 4
  6. Avatar Toorichformyblood

    I get where Gary’s coming from. At the crazy prices some of these rattle traps are fetching, it should make people rethink their priorities. If I was the guy who found it in the barn and wrangled it out for a few thousand, I’d feel differently, but for that kind of money and work involved, I’d be just as happy seeing one at the car show. And like he said, If Id have won the powerball and had money to burn, sure I’ll take it but how many of us are in that group?

    Like 3
    • Avatar Gary B

      Well problem is I see I should have put Gary B. That being said I’m not smokin just the 1st Gary. I wouldn’t change 1 step I did to restoring my 71 Challenger. I brought it back to original as the other owner had no respect for it.

      Like 1
  7. Avatar Servicevet

    The no obscenities clause in the comments keeps me from saying how I feel about the asking price.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Vern

    A solid project car for sure! Do I feel the price a little optimistic? yeah but will probably sell for close to asking price. If it were a 68, would have been sold already.
    The demand for these second generation Chargers is huge and the prices reflect that. Read one of the comments saying that only old farts want these cars for sentimental reasons. Way off on that. That may be true for the Tri-5 Chevys but not these cars. Go to any car show and see the interest in these cars from younger people. That 50 year old body style is still beautiful by todays standards and being resurrected in film and television doesn’t hurt their appeal.
    I think that negative comment is just sour grapes from someone thats priced outta the market.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Rasputin

    Lesson learned. No more mentioning of little blue pills. Does it matter I was talking about my vitamins from GNC?

    Like 1
  10. Avatar erik j

    To each there own. The way i see it is if a classic car floats your boat its a must have, as with me. And within means spending $ for a memorable Vacation is well worth it. But as with a lot of us car guys, our families get memories from the classics we enjoy. Spend time with your ride but include them as best you can with those interested. How many times do you here about grandpas cool purple hot rod and how fun it was to ride with him. Or a spouse remembers the fun we had and how he loved and enjoyed family, friends as well.

    Like 1

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