Restored Barn Find: 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 440

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Sometimes, many years can elapse between the time a classic is unearthed in a barn and when an owner finally returns their discovery to its former glory. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case with this 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. It seems the owner dove into their build immediately, performing a comprehensive restoration that has left this beauty looking superb. The only thing it appears to need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Charger listed here on eBay in Templeton, California. Bidding has climbed to $65,800, though it remains below the reserve.

Dodge’s Second Generation Charger range reached the end of its production life in 1970, with its replacement waiting in the wings. Sales remained strong even as muscle car sales were declining. The first owner ordered this 1970 Charger R/T in stunning Code B5 Bright Blue with a Parchment vinyl top. The seller discovered the car in a barn in 2019, and it appears they began a high-end restoration almost immediately. Stripping the vehicle to bare metal revealed no evidence of prior accident damage. Any existing rust was professionally repaired, the panels were massaged arrow straight, and the Charger then received fresh paint and a new vinyl top. Faulting its presentation is challenging, with no visible cosmetic shortcomings in the listing image gallery. It features the distinctive reverse-scoops on the front doors, introduced for 1970, although it doesn’t score the hood blackout treatment. I don’t think the appearance suffers from that exclusion, though the new owner could add it easily if they felt inclined. The trim and glass look excellent, and the R/T sits on aftermarket 15″ Weld wheels.

Dodge offered 1970 Charger R/T buyers a choice between the legendary 426ci Hemi and two versions of the 440ci V8 to power their new toy. This car’s first owner selected the 440 “Magnum,” and while it is considered the entry-level engine, it still delivered 375hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque off the showroom floor. A three-speed A-727 TorqueFlite transmission handles shifting duties, and this car also features power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this classic is numbers-matching, but it appears that the vehicle underwent a mechanical refresh during the restoration. Nothing escaped the builder’s attention, and the only identified flaw is a slight fluid weep from the power steering. The seller believes this is due to a lack of use, and it may settle once the new owner uses the car as its creators intended. The R/T is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well.

One thing that attracts me to this Charger is its interior. Black or Parchment are common trim shades, but this car’s first owner continued the exterior’s Bright Blue inside this classic. It looks stunning and is guaranteed to draw attention. Finding anything deserving criticism is virtually impossible, although there may be some minor scratches above the right-hand corner of the gauge cluster. Otherwise, the lack of wear suggests this gem hasn’t seen much action since its restoration. The seller indicates that the air conditioning may require a recharge to blow ice-cold. Combine the trim color with splashes of woodgrain, bucket seats, a console, an AM radio, and a Rallye gauge cluster with a Tick-Tock-Tach, and this Charger looks more like a winner the closer we look.

I believe that the only thing better than finding a desirable classic squirreled away in a barn is seeing that vehicle returned to its former glory. That is one reason why I find this 1970 Dodge Charger R/T so attractive. The first owner’s trim and color choices guarantee it will draw crowds, and the V8 hiding under the hood promises exhilarating performance. It seems that others share that sentiment, as demonstrated by the listing statistics. It has attracted 320 views in the last day, with 131 people adding the Charger to their Watch List. Therefore, the bidding tally of 32 is unsurprising. How high will the price climb? Only time will tell. What do you feel is a fair price for this stunning classic?

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Comments

  1. Moparman MoparmanMember

    A beautiful restoration, but I don’t care for the wheels at all. My non R/T ’70 500 interior is a carbon copy of this one; love the blue! GLWTA!! :-)

    Like 10
    • Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

      Agree with you RE:the wheels, Moparman. Maybe a set of deep dish chrome reverse with baby moon hubcaps? 😱 Just kidding, but that’s the only thing that detracts from this monster and to that end it’s to each their own.
      Just a minute-Is that a spot of drooling on this computer screen? You’ve good taste IMO considering your own ride, Moparman..
      Very nice ride here though way out of my spare cash fund for awhile.
      Both Chysler then Daimler must’ve thought the styling on this year Charger was timeless too as it is reflected in the styling cues like the door scoops and especially taillight treatment they borrowed for the sacrilegious FOUR door Chargers.
      And Curvette scores again!👍🏻

      Like 6
      • gary

        American 5 spokes, they look good on everything

        Like 1
      • Steve R

        Slot/dish mags would be era correct. They look good on anything from the late-60’s to mid-70’s. They’ve made a comeback over the last several years, 15’s, especially pairs of 8 1/2” or 10” have risen significantly in price.

        Steve R

        Steve R

        Like 0
  2. SirRaoulDuke

    That blue interior really puts this one over the usual examples.

    Like 6
  3. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    Beautiful Charger B5 is my favorite color. The Weld wheels if I remember are from late 70s or early 80s. Magnum 500 wheels with red line tires would step this Charger up. And that appearance would make people bid more. I think the seller is looking at $70,000 to sell it. 13 hrs to go will it find a new owner?🇺🇸🐻

    Like 6
  4. Steve R

    It’s listed on the dealer/listing services website for $120,000, that a big asking price for a car with a salvage title.

    Steve R

    Like 10
  5. Paul

    Ended unsold at $66,300.

    Like 0
  6. stillrunners stillrunnersMember

    Not sure about the salvage title from the late 80’s or….maybe out of an estate back then and before the bonded title thing came about….should be able to clean that off with sales to your best buddy or wife….nice car.

    Like 0

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