For Mopar fans, a 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible project is already exciting enough, but this one, listed here on craigslist in King George, Virginia, comes with more than just a shell. The seller has owned the car since 1979 and has spent over four decades gathering an enormous collection of parts with the dream of turning it into something special. Now, after 45+ years of storage and planning, it’s finally being offered as a full package to someone ready to take on the challenge. Thanks for the tip Mitchell G.!
Originally built in November 1969, this Challenger left the factory as a slant-six automatic car. While not the most desirable drivetrain configuration at the time, that fact opens the door for a complete reimagining. The seller had intended to swap in a 440 Six Pack and a 4-speed setup, and much of the hard-to-find hardware for that conversion comes with the car. Included is a 1966 Chrysler New Yorker 440 engine, a manual transmission with cast-iron bellhousing, correct E-body clutch linkage and pedals, a Six Pack intake with carbs, and even multiple Mopar NOS oval air cleaner tops.
The parts list continues with a Dana 60 rear axle, extra 8 3/4 rear ends and posi units, multiple K-members for both drum and disc brake setups, Super Stock springs, torsion bars, sway bars, radios, a pop-open gas cap, and even NOS R/T emblems and spoilers. It’s less a project car and more of a “kit car” waiting for its builder to decide on the final direction. Whether you choose to bring it back to its stock roots or go all-in on a custom Six Pack tribute, nearly everything needed is already in hand.
The car itself does have rust from an earlier life near Virginia Beach, which the seller began repairing years ago but never finished. Still, the bones of a factory convertible Challenger remain, and with the extensive parts haul included, it’s a rare chance to assemble a highly personalized E-body without spending decades tracking down components.
The seller notes that they will continue to adjust the price until it sells, or keep it as an estate asset if no buyer comes forward. For the right Mopar enthusiast, though, this could be the ultimate long-term project.
Would you return this Challenger to its stock slant-six roots, or finally build the 440 Six Pack street machine the seller dreamed of decades ago?
Given the parts on hand, I’d definitely run the 440-6 and 4 speed which is good for a thrill. The 4-speed will need a different tail-housing for the challenger, but that’s not a big deal. The carbs shown are not original but work good with home-made fuel lines and a simple progressive linkage. They actually offer more control of power delivery than originals. IYKYK. If the dana is correct for an e-body I’d set it aside and run the 8.75 for the sake of convenient gear changes.
The only hard decision would be whether or not to tie the subframes together. I’ve owned a 440-6 four speed e-body convertible in the past and chassis is not really rigid enough for the 440’s torque when combined with good tires. Of course, you could opt for T/A radials and never worry about torquing the chassis much, since they’ll just convert the torque to smoke.
As nice as a 440/4sp is, isn’t a slant six convertible rare? I would rather see that at a show then a knock off RT. The rich people from Virginia Beach used the convertible for what it was designed, top down cruising on a nice day. I think the six would be perfect for that, plus not twist the car on heavy acceleration. Next dig at this, ditch the hood and use the original.
Rare, yes, desirable, not really. If someone really wants to return it to stock they will step up and buy it, then sell the parts which come with it. That would bring in a substantial amount of money to help offset the restoration.
Steve R
378 slant 6 verts; 99 440-6 verts. That said, there are probably a lot more 440-6 verts running around now than Ma Mopar ever built.
Virginia Beach is where a sunny day car is amazing. No big block needed for its intended purpose.
440 6 / pack / 4spd all the way ! Old school rims though and any color you want ! I’d rock this MOPAR !
Your kids will not view this as an estate asset. Sell it now and gift them a living bequest.