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.
I think a lot of the value of this one is who is selling it. It belongs to Mark Warmon from Graveyard Cars. He bought this one to clone his lost 70 Charger. He posted it for sale on thier site after he found one that is a near duplicate of his original. I’m sure the new owner is hoping for a cameo on the show.
Who cares? What a baffoon. It is people like him who have priced many o
What a baffoon?
You got the “O” and “A” backwards, but your right, this is a Mark Worman car. I’m honestly a little surprised the eBay ad doesn’t mention the offer for GYC to perform a restoration. I also think there is added value in all the documentation, even if this car isn’t all that exotic.
Like most Mopar fans, I’d prefer a 440 and 4 speed in a Charger of this vintage. But a nice clean, numbers matching 318 w/ AC would make a really sweet cruiser. I hope whoever buys it brings it back to original.
I think that is what Mark is hoping – someone will buy it and pay him to restore. But, it will never make it onto the show – too common of a Charger.
I owned a 1970 Charger with 383. Same colors too. Sticker price back then was $4700- it was my first new car.
I know where their is a 1 owner 74 Trans Am –with a 455 all original low miles a lot cheaper then this. Star looking in your neighbor hood and you will see them. This car is WAY OVER PRICED
Why does BARN FIND –NOT put any message–that down play WAY OVER PRICE CARS?
Because BF lets us comment on the pricing. They are just presenting us with cars to talk about.
Both manual brakes AND steering (unusual). BTW, those OR plates appear to be fakes.
My
Yes it’s a straight, unmolested Charger. But it’s a base 383 2 bbl. car with minimal options like the wheel lip moldings, passenger side mirror and A/C. $35k? I hope so, but somehow don’t see it. I own it’s sister, 383 Magnum Special Edition, all original never wrecked or rusted, with LOTS of options you don’t see here. Makes me think mine is worth $90k but I know better.
You’re buying an old unrestored Charger here, not marrying Mark Warmon’s daughter.
vw.dodge: It isn’t even as nice as you say. It’s a 318, not a 383.
Not to be pedantic, but again, it’s Worman, not Warmon. If we’re talking smack about the guy we should at least spell his name right.
I agree with you 100% on what this car SHOULD be worth in today’s market. But if you see some of the rusted hunks of “B” bodies have been selling for, none of us should be surprised if this thing goes for well over $35k.
P.S. I wouldn’t kick Alyssa our of bed for eating crackers. She may not be a stunner, but there is something innately hot about a woman that knows anything about how to restore cars.
Sure they have a reputation for rusting out, as do the other B bodied cars- its not just Chargers. They also rust just as fast as Mustangs and Camaros , it just depends on where the car spent it life that determines its condition