It is common to see First and Second Generation Charger project cars suffering catastrophic rust problems. That makes this 1970 Charger 500 appear like a breath of fresh air. It isn’t 100% rust-free, but its issues are so minor that the next owner could address them with simple patches. It is an unmolested vehicle that would suit a purist, making it easy to understand why it has attracted a bidding frenzy. The Charger is listed here on eBay in Springfield, Oregon. The bidding sits at $32,200, although it is yet to reach the reserve.

This classic has a bit to unpack, but it is worth starting with the best news. Early Chargers developed a reputation for rust problems, with floors, trunk pans, and rear frame rails all areas of concern. However, this car is an exception to that rule. It is rock-solid, with nothing but surface corrosion on its underside. Externally, there are small sections of rust appearing in the lower rear quarter panels, the rear valance corners, and the usual small bubbles around the back window and under the Black vinyl top. The good news is that the deterioration isn’t severe, and it is conceivable that the new owner could address them with simple patches. If you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of wholesale panel replacement, this Charger could be a hot prospect worth a closer look. The seller indicates a previous owner repainted the car in its original shade of Light Green Metallic, taking the opportunity to replace the vinyl top. With the rust issues present, the buyer may elect to repeat the process to achieve a flawless appearance. The chrome and glass look good for a survivor, and the Charger features the desirable concealed headlamps.

The positive vibes continue when we lift the hood and check the drivetrain of this Charger. The engine bay houses a numbers-matching 318ci V8 producing 230hp. That feeds to the rear via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, allowing the Dodge to cover the ¼ mile in 17.2 seconds. That may not have made it the most potent weapon in the company’s armory for 1970, but it would still satisfy all but the most hardened enthusiast. For potential buyers, this classic is a turnkey proposition. That leaves them with the option of enjoying a project car that runs and drives exceptionally well while undertaking any restoration work as time and circumstances allow.

The seller believes that while most of this Charger’s Green vinyl upholstery is original, the front buckets may wear new covers. Once again, the presentation is very acceptable for a vehicle of this vintage. There is the usual wear on the black gauge fascia, but the gauges look crisp and clean. The faux woodgrain shows no problems, and there’s no crumbling plastic. The armrests on both doors have split, and the vinyl on the door trims has wrinkled in spots. The buyer will have no choice but to replace the armrests, but I think they could stretch the vinyl into shape. The original owner elected to equip the car with ice-cold air conditioning, a console, and an AM radio. The buyer receives a significant collection of documentation, including the Window Sticker, Build Sheet, Owner’s Manual, engine starting instructions, Warranty Card, original Sales Contract, and the original Title.

The 1970 model year marked the final for production of the Second Generation Charger. Its successor would feature radically different styling and would also mark the beginning of what became known as The Malaise Era for the American automotive scene. Many enthusiasts prefer the coke-bottle appearance of the Second Generation cars, mainly because the subsequent “fuselage” styling gave the Charger a heavier and less graceful appearance. This Charger’s impact on the market is reflected in the bidding history. Its overall condition and lack of significant rust have seen nine people submit twenty-nine bids with time remaining on the auction. Recent sales results suggest the bidding must be nudging the reserve, which raises the question of how high it might climb before the hammer falls. With values rising at a rate higher than the market average, it will be fascinating to watch this one to see where it goes.