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Sublime Rolling Project: 1970 Dodge Coronet

Chrysler got a lot of mileage out of its B-platform, using it for both Dodge and Plymouth. With the Dodge alone, it provided a foundation for the Charger, Coronet, and Super Bee models. This 1970 Coronet 500 convertible was one of just 924 built and looks to be on a way to becoming an R/T clone or tribute. The body and paintwork have been done and preparations made to convert from an automatic to a 4-speed transmission. But the choice of engine will be up to the buyer as none will come with this rolling project. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this ’70 Dodge is available here on eBay where bidding has raised the ante to $19,000.

Between 1949 and 1976, Dodge would use the Coronet name on seven generations of automobiles. From upscale full-size cars to intermediates offered in a variety of trim levels. The fifth-generation included models built from 1968-70 and would be quite popular, especially as the muscle car era was in full swing. The most popular variants would be the Coronet 500 and R/T, which were available with the full range of Chrysler V8s. The seller’s 1970 Coronet 500 convertible left the factory with a 318 cubic inch V8 and a TorqueFlite, but both are gone as this car appears to be on its way to becoming an R/T copy  (Road/Track).

The Chrysler Historical Collection says that out of 110,000 Coronets that were built in 1970, the 500 convertibles saw less than 1,000 made. And R/T convertibles had less demand at under 300 copies. This 500 has had all its bodywork done and painted in one of Dodge’s Hi-Impact colors, Sublime, though we don’t know if this color is original to the car (you can see overspray on the undercarriage). R/T hood scoops have been added to what we’re told started as a rust-free Nevada car. The paint looks good although the seller mentions it has picked up a couple of small garage dings from being rolled around. Front and rear bumpers have both been re-chromed and it seems that most everything is there, though scattered about.

Interior pieces are just partially installed, and the car will come with new carpeting, seat covers, rear window glass, and the convertible top for the buyer to install. The brake and clutch pedal assemblies are provided as well as a 4-speed tranny, steel bell housing, and a new clutch and clutch plate. The car is free of brakes, so the buyer will have to take care of that, too. We’re unsure of the car’s actual mileage as 8675309 doesn’t seem like a viable number.

Once you get everything home, you must decide to continue down the path of making this a look-alike of an R/T drop-top or just turn it into a fun car that will stand out in a crowd at Cars & Coffee.  In original form, an R/T is worth about double what a 500 is, according to Hagerty and other online sources.

Comments

  1. Steve Bush Member

    Looks to have the potential to be a very nice project, especially if you already have or can source the engine and other parts at reasonable prices. Much better than much of the rusted out junk seen here at similar prices. Seller needs to include the ramcharger hood and air cleaner in the sale and provide a bunch more pics.

    Like 7
  2. JACKinNWPA JACKinNWPA Member

    8675309 is a VERY viable number, it got me a date with Jenny.

    Like 31
    • Russ Dixon Russ Dixon Staff

      Now I get it. The seller has a sense of humor. I never made the connection!

      Like 11
  3. Camaro Joe

    Nice car, but be VERY afraid of Mopar convertibles that have been taken apart. If everything isn’t “bagged and tagged” some of the missing parts are things that you will never find and have to make yourself. Convertibles have a LOT of parts that are way different than a 2 Dr. HT. I learned that the hard way, but it was a Chevy so I came out OK.

    Chevys aren’t near as bad, Fords are worse, but there are a lot of Mopar convertible parts that you just can’t get. I restored a 65 Plymouth Belvedere 20 years ago and the body man who painted it was a Mopar specialist who told me horror stories about “taken apart” cars that he’d seen. Make sure you know what you’re doing with this one. It’s still a nice project though.

    Like 10
  4. Raymond

    Beats a rotted Chevelle shell…

    Like 12
  5. Gary Rhodes

    Man, I love 70 Coronets and RoadRunners, along with 68 Chargers.

    Like 1
  6. Mark

    It this was a hard top I would be a bidder.

    Like 1
  7. Michael

    Wow! Look at those rust free floor pans! You never see anything like that in New York.

    Like 3
  8. PRA4SNW

    SOLD for exactly $19,899.99

    Like 1

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