Recently Restored: 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A

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What price perfection? That is the question posed by this 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A. The seller recently completed its rotisserie restoration, which resulted in a classic in as-new condition. However, they had a decent headstart on the build because they commenced it from an admirably solid foundation. Since downing the tools, the seller has only clocked around 200 miles behind the wheels but feels this T/A deserves a new home. This is your chance to park a legendary American classic in your garage.

The Trans Am Series was probably at the height of its power in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It certainly was from a manufacturer perspective, with teams attracting factory backing from Ford, Chevrolet, Mercury, AMC, and Dodge. The under-5.0-liter category was ferociously fought, with race success bringing measurable sales improvements. Dodge utilized its Challenger as its weapon of choice, producing the 1970 T/A as a homologation special. All cars received the spoilers and scoops that eventually saw service on the racing machinery. The seller recently completed this Challenger’s rotisserie restoration, and they started the process from about the soundest foundation you could want. This car was a genuine Californian survivor with no history of accident damage or rust issues. It retains every square inch of its factory steel, and all the builder had to do was massage it to perfection before applying a fresh coat of Dark Burnt Orange paint. They added the correct stripes and hood black, and this classic looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Actually, that isn’t strictly correct because the panel gaps and consistency are probably better than those Dodge achieved. The trim and glass are spotless, and this beauty features the correct Rallye wheels and side exhaust outlets.

Dodge reduced the capacity of its existing 340ci V8 to 303ci for racing purposes. However, the road cars received the 340 that inhaled through a factory Six-Pack setup. The company quoted power and torque outputs of 290hp and 345 ft/lbs, although many believe both figures were conservative. This Challenger retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, with the power feeding to a 3.91 Sure Grip rear end via a four-speed A833 manual transmission. The driver benefits from power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes for an effortless motoring experience. The seller commenced the restoration in 2010 when this classic had a genuine 75,000 miles on its odometer. The process took twelve years, and the car has seen little active service since. The process included a complete drivetrain refresh, and the only non-original component is the electronic ignition system. However, they include the factory distributor for those preferring a factory look. They say the Dodge runs and drives like it did on Day One, a claim I find readily believable.

The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Challenger. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and the interior presents as it would have when the car rolled off the showroom floor. The seller rebuilt the Rally gauge cluster, and even the often troublesome clock works as it should. The seats and upholstered surfaces wear spotless Black vinyl, with the carpet the same shade. The dash and pad are immaculate, while the woodgrain trim and console add a luxurious feel. This Challenger features no creature comforts beyond an AM radio, although the factory tachometer and pistol grip shifter convey a sense of purpose.

This 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A is a stunning classic that is located in Upland, California. It has spent its life in that location, retaining its original blue plates and dealer plate frames. The restoration has returned what was already a solid survivor to as-new condition, making it easy to see why it has attracted twenty-one bids. The action has pushed the price to $94,100, which is below the reserve. You will find the T/A listed here on eBay, and I wish you luck if you decide to join the bidding party.

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Comments

  1. RetiredstigMember

    $94,000 in bids so far, appears to be a shop selling it. One of my buddies in high school had one with an automatic trans. Paid about $2,000 for it in ‘74, which was actually considered quite a lot for what was just another used car then. He owned it just long enough to cover the Go Mango or Vitamin C paint with ‘70s fashionable root beer brown.
    He wanted a four speed, so he sold it and bought a ‘68 Z/28, back when they were all real. Ah, those days..

    Like 0
  2. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    It’s at 95K right now with 3 days to go.
    If I were in the market, I would take a T/A or AAR over a Hemi.

    Like 5
  3. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    I thought the name of the seller was interesting, so I looked them up. Although a muscle car might be out of their normal wheelhouse, they sound like a really high quality place.

    Like 2
    • Stan

      Wow. Serious performer here w the hi-winding 340, 4spd, and 3.91 ⚙️ best hang on. And it’s going to sound great, running thru the gears, and on the downshifts 👍😎

      Like 1
  4. Mike

    For that kind of money, and restoration, please replace the battery with the correct one.

    Like 1
  5. stillrunners stillrunnersMember

    Grit my teeth….those door latch strikers should not be painted…..

    Like 1
  6. Moparman MoparmanMember

    Was the black finish on the top of the inner fender and the cowl specific to the T/A? I’ve always seen the entire engine compartment as body colored. Nevertheless, it’s a neat touch! GLWTA!! :-)

    Like 0
  7. Greg G

    Don’t know which one is nicer this one or that beautiful plum crazy BF advertise on May 1st. Dream cars both. Now throw in a nice 70 AAR and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

    Like 1
  8. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    SOLD for $115K.

    Like 0

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