This 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible ticks most of the boxes Mopar enthusiasts focus on when searching for a classic to park in their garage. It is the desirable R/T variant and is finished in an iconic, desirable paint shade. Its presentation is stunning, and it should provide plenty of power to the person behind the wheel. The listing images suggest that the only thing it needs is a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Challenger listed here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Of course, classics of this caliber are rarely cheap, with the seller setting their BIN at $149,900.
There are two things that I have never hidden since becoming a Barn Finds writer. The first is that I typically prefer classics wearing the Blue-Oval badge. However, I also think that the E-Body Challenger is one of the most attractive production cars to emerge during that decade. It features bold, aggressive styling, with this Convertible emphasizing those traits with its Plum Crazy paint and White soft-top. The seller states that the car is one of several to recently emerge from a private collection, and is 1-of-936 R/T Convertibles produced during the R/T drop-tops sole model year. The car underwent a meticulous restoration in 2016, and its overall condition makes the seller’s claim that it has only clocked 995 miles since the work ended seem plausible. It retains all of its original Dodge steel, having never suffered any accident damage or rust issues. The paint shines like glass, and the soft-top fits as tight as a drum. The trim is in as-new condition, and the glass is crystal clear. If first impressions count, this Challenger is a real winner.
The 1970 model year is often considered the moment when the American automotive power race reached its peak. This Challenger demonstrates that, because although the 383ci V8 under the hood was the R/T’s entry-level engine, that year’s Sales Brochure confirmed that it delivered 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed this car’s numbers-matching V8 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and a 3.23 Sure Grip rear end, adding power steering and power front disc brakes for an effortless driving experience. We’ve already established that the 1970 R/T Convertible is rare, but the drivetrain configuration raises those stakes. Only 692 buyers ordered one of these classics with a 383, with the number dropping to 516 if they teamed that motor with a TorqueFlite. The seller states that the restoration included a mechanical rebuild, and the lack of action since the rebuild means that it is barely broken in. The Challenger is a turnkey proposition, and the deal includes the original Owner’s Manual, Broadcast Sheet, Sales Invoice, and Warranty Card.
If this Challenger hasn’t already captured your heart, its interior should seal the deal. Trimmed in White vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, a Slap Stik shifter, air conditioning, power windows, a Rallye gauge cluster with a tachometer, and an AM/FM “Multiplex” radio. As with every other aspect of this classic, the interior is in as-new condition. There are no dirty marks, signs of yellowing, or aftermarket additions. If the buyer arrives at a Cars & Coffee with the top lowered, it will help this Dodge to draw enormous crowds.
I struggle to find anything to criticize about this 1970 Challenger R/T Convertible. Its presentation is first-rate, while its engine and options combination promise an enjoyable, comfortable classic motoring experience. My only reservation is a personal one, because I prefer the look of the Hardtop over the Convertible. Of course, I wouldn’t say no if someone offered to park the R/T in my driveway. Would you be interested in this stunning drop-top, or is the price beyond your reach?
Nice.
Beautiful car, I could see the $149k if this had 3 pedals and a 440, but it appears to be very clean and original, so maybe someone will drop that kind of cheddar. Clean and original E&B bodies, do bring in the dead presidents, but the muscle car market is soft right now. My guess on value would be $115k.
I actually saw one of these in Plum Crazy at a car show with a factory 225 Slant-6.
About 20 years ago I had to pass on that exact same car! My neighbors daughter got the car in her divorce, I could have had it for $10K but I already had too many cars and not enough money. The slant six was all chromed out, beautiful car like the one in the listing…where did you see that Plum Crazy slant six?
Beautiful design.
Nice car, well optioned and documented. Expensive for a reason.
Steve R
Like the writer, I love the Fords, ybut this is Stunning !
Plumb Crazy color is the best stock color ever by the big 3.
Stan – Get a grip! All you can say is “nice”? NICE??? It’s drop-dead GORGEOUS!!! I know if you had it to do over you’d rate it higher.
As usual, Steve R hits the nail on the head with classic understatement – “Expensive for a reason.”
Sweet!! And pricey, but might be worth it. Seller has a mini bike at $10k.
Actually, my brother was the Mopar man in the 70s and 80s. He owned the challenge of convertible and a barracuda convertible but he liked the barracuda convertible better. I drove the challenger one time.
Hey Bill did u live in Chicago/Ft.L?
No, I used to live in New Jersey.
But I moved to Alabama, but my brother Gary still lives in New Jersey, but he’s retired. Has a lot of health issues But they still call him the Mopar .when we go to the track meet ever one call hem the Mopar Man. he probably own every mobile Mopar you can think of.
Nice car. My mother ordered a 70 Challenger convertible new. It was banana yellow with a black top. Nicely optioned but it was a 318 V8 and automatic. It would chirp the tires if you have it gas, can’t imagine what a hemi would do. Dad didn’t know about it and was in shock when she pulled into the driveway. Dad went out and bought a new Country Squire trying to balance out our car needs. Sadly, it was the same day as the Kent State shootings. Mother went to pick up student who was like another daughter to her. A day we would not forget.
nice but too much for me.
Pretty and all, but the big block and asuto kill it for me. All pony cars need a small block four speed combo. All of my Mustangs have been as such. Plus, why are Mopars priced in the stars? Time to fall back to Earth for us regular guys to enjoy them. A similar Stang would cost nowhere near this, I am glad for that as I buy cars not to invest but to enjoy. Any idea why Chryslers are priced as such? Not like they are Ferarris or anything like them.
My opinion is, many MOPARS faired poorly in the rust department and there aren’t as many still around. JMHO
Maybe one of you guys will win the Lottery and will get this. Just a dream for me ….
Absolute looker. When you look at these the premium edition is evident similar to the Cougar and Firebird.
Always thought the Firebird was the best looking of all the Pony cars.
Do not see enough of them.
Love it but unfortunately another one that used to be able to bought at a reasonable price but no more. Add to my list is a 70 Super Bee. First couple years of 3rd generation Chargers, actually had a couple before prices skyrocketed, still ‘reasonable’ compared to the 2nd generation Chargers. 70 Chevelle or El Camino, had BEAUTIFUL Hugger Orange with black vinyl roof and interior. USED to love early Broncos but now the prices absolutely disgust me. Another for my list is 67 to 70 Mustang Fastback. Especially a 67. Now for Joe Average they are unattainable. I can still afford a late-ish model Challenger. The fact is the newer ones can outperform and considerably better handling than the average old school Challenger. Darn shame the older of most any car on my list is unaffordable for the average guy. Do I’ll still look on the bright side. At least the newer versions of some of are still affordable. Do they carry the ‘legend’ of the old ones but at least you don’t have to get a home mortgage or sell body organs to get a nice used one. Times have changed and I just have to live with it.
You’re a member of a big club.
I’m surprised for that kind of money they don’t have the right air conditioning compressor that is right on top in front of you!
I’m surprised for that kind of money they don’t have the right air conditioning compressor that is right on top in front of you! The only other obvious thing is the battery which has not been available for the last five years.
True, but do you remember how awful those were? I bet they took 20 HP when they kicked in. Better to use a modern efficent one. A purist can always change it over later. Heck, I have one sitting in my garage. Make me an offer boys! (We changed out a friends engine on an old Mopar in my garage. The compressor was left over. Got sat on a lower shelf. I bet it has been there at least 20 years. Just one area where Mother Mopar dropped the ball, like rust protection and that horrible loose power steering)
Beautiful car for sure……..but not the best choice of engines!
340 over 383 all day long. This style car was designed for a small block. Not a drag car but a track car!