One of the common denominators among many Mopar E-Bodies is that most are either restored to the max and unattainable for many would-be buyers, or basket cases that require tremendous effort and expense just to get them back on the road. It’s a treat to run across one that’s just a nice driver, such as this 1970 Dodge Challenger here on eBay in Hayward, California. This one’s not quite perfect, but it seems very solid, and the buy-it-now price of $28,000 sounds reasonable. There’s also the opportunity to submit a best offer, so it’s possible you could be behind the wheel here for less. Great find, Curvette! Thanks for the tip, and please keep them coming.
Being equipped with a big block (or a 340) is one of the factors that drives up the cost of first-generation Challengers and third-generation Barracudas, and though it’s not as desirable, this one features a 318 V8 under the hood. This won’t give you any special bragging rights, but the 318 is an adequate performer with a reputation for longevity, and the seller reports it runs great. The small block is mated to an automatic transmission, and while the seller doesn’t mention whether either component is original, things in the bay seem to be in fine order, so hopefully there will be no mechanical work needed for a while other than routine maintenance.
The owner mentions that the paint looks old, but still has a decent shine overall. There’s a small area of damage on the rear that affects the bumper, trunk lid, and chrome trim, but it’s minor and probably wouldn’t require much effort to straighten out. Thankfully, the sheet metal appears straight otherwise and solid overall, and even the vinyl top seems to remain in very good shape. It’s a tough decision whether fixing the back and respraying this Challenger immediately is in order, or if just enjoying driving it as-is for a few seasons might be the better option.
The interior is in surprisingly nice shape for the most part, and while it’s got the basic dash instruments, it does feature a console and front bucket seats. Some duct tape can be spotted underneath the driver’s floor mat, plus the headliner could use replacing, so there are at least a couple of things needing attention if you want to bring the aesthetics for passengers up a higher level. For me, the real beauty here is the car’s solid nature, presumed excellent mechanical condition, affordable price, and desirability as an early model. What’s your evaluation of this 1970 Dodge Challenger?
……….Not a fan of the color, or those hubcaps. ……I would like it sooo much better a different color and some cool rims.
That is the most reasonably priced Challenger that I have seen in at least 10 years. Wow.
It appears that this was a black car at one time looking at the engine compartment and truck area. Dodge usually painted their engine bays the same color as the body. Fender tag pictures would have been nice., Easier to decode what this car started with. Not a fan of the vinyl roof.
Hard to find this era Challenger or Cuda, in this condition, for the asking price. The 318 is an excellent engine, so no problem there, for me at least. This would be a “driver” for sure. Enjoy it as you fix and clean up some things.
Looking at the trunk it may have been orange at one time.
Don H , thanks . yes it looks to be orange in the trunk area. Someone bought a can of black spray paint to hide as much as they could. Looks to be a rust free
California car. Which may be a good starting point to restore.
I agree the 318 is a good engine if maintained properly it’s good for about 150000 miles . I’m sure the person selling it does not know what they have , they think a 318 is equal to 7 L . If there is only 35000 miles , lots of life left to it . but if speedometer has rolled over the drive train is going to have to be rebuilt shortly . About $15000. Good luck to how gets it .
In 1981 I met my future wife in my ’73. The car is long gone, but I still have the wife :)
Bummer they changed it from orange. Looks like it was owned, loved and taken care of for a long time. In 1982 or so somebody must’ve grown tired of the orange. I really like what look like chrome reversibles under the dog dishes.