After decades of storage in an old shed, this two-owner 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible has emerged into the cold light of day. For its next owner, it represents a major restoration project. However, with its original triple-black color and trim combination, it should be a stunning and head-turning car once the work is complete. If you feel up to the challenge of returning this Challenger to its best, you will find it located in Assonet, Massachusetts, and listed for sale here on eBay. Solid bidding has seen the price soar beyond the reserve to $8,300.
This Challenger rolled off the production line wearing Code X9 Black with a Black power top. I believe that somebody performed a repaint at some point because there is no evidence of the original red stripes that this car wore from the factory. Time has taken a heavy toll on this classic, and the buyer will face some significant hurdles in returning this car to its former glory. The panels have accumulated a few dents and bruises, but there’s nothing severe. However, plenty of rust will need to be addressed before a fresh coat of paint can be applied. The rear quarter panels are pretty bad, and the best option would be to replace them entirely. There is rust in the front fenders and many of the other lower body extremities, but the rear floors, rear frame rails, and trunk pan are sound. The front floors, front inner fenders, and driver’s side front frame rail will require replacement. The owner describes the original soft top as trash, but the frame and rear glass are good. A couple of badges are missing, but most of the remaining trim is intact. Some may require a trip to the platers, while some might respond positively to some hard work with a high-quality polish. The original owner ordered this Challenger with tinted glass, which is in excellent condition.
From a positive perspective, this Challenger is a numbers-matching classic. The engine bay houses its original 318ci V8 that produced 230hp. Bolted to this is a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, while the vehicle also features power steering and power brakes. If pointed at a ¼ mile in its prime, this Dodge would have covered the distance in 16.7 seconds. Surveying the engine bay reveals plenty more surface corrosion, and the motor will need to be pulled to at least be detailed if the restoration is to be completed to a high standard. It isn’t clear when this V8 last roared into life, but I suspect the time could be measured in decades. The owner doesn’t indicate whether it turns freely, and the level of corrosion suggests that a rebuild may be on the agenda. However, given its originality, it could be worth the effort.
If this Dodge is set to spring a surprise, that occurs when we examine its interior. It is by no means showroom fresh, but it does have some redeeming features. The door trims and console look like they may respond positively to a deep clean, while the same is true of the dash and pad. We don’t see the upholstery on the seats, but the buyer may face spending some money on new covers. They will also need to drop $200 on a carpet set, and will definitely choose to dismantle the interior entirely to refresh all painted surfaces. Once again, this is an aspect of this Challenger that should present stunningly if returned to its original splendor.
Determination is a wonderful personality trait, and the person who tackles this 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible restoration will require it in abundance. This is not a project they will complete in a few weeks. It will take time, dedication, and money before they achieve the ultimate goal. Many readers will believe that it is beyond salvation, but there will also be many who will feel that it is a viable proposition. Without an in-person inspection, this is impossible to determine. With what you’ve seen, do you believe that this is a project worth tackling? If you do, would you be tempted to bid on this classic?
…up to $10,200.00 now…whenever I see surface rust on things like the glove compartment lid, heater and radio controls, gear shift lever, I think there must be rust under the dash, seats, and wiring…that said, I really hope someone will be able to restore this beauty…very nice find!
Living in the canadian cold means rust, rust ,rust
It took me 3 67 firebirds to build one !
And a new floor pan and trunk, quarter panels and inner fenders
On and off , it took 8 years
I wouldn’t do it again because of the slimeballs , labor was bad and has not gotten worse
Having to listen to the never ending lies and excuses from these god complex a holes is a good enough reason to buy and drive a younger convertible
Good luck to whoever chooses to tackle this labor of love
It is a nice car and it would be awesome as a triple black restomod
Smart man a great flip
I used to have a big block challenger convert. It ran pretty good and turned a lot of heads in it’s sublime and black paint.
No great pleasure to drive though and the topless unibody was reeeaally flimsy. If I had it back, I’d sell it again.
I agree, i sold mine to use the cash to renovate a real estate project and wouldn’t want to replace it
Newer cars are definitely better performing , way more driving satisfaction but
The old ones are way nicer looking
So the old cars have to be shown and looked at and the newer driven for enjoyment!i will stick with the fun , life is too short …
This convertible is definitely worthy of a $10,000.+ paint job.
Another Mopar dreamer. These are horrible riding cars even when restored by GYC. Beautiful. However, my 2020 Hemi Challenger R/T gets 25 mpg on highway with AC on because I don’t drive 98 mph. . The wife loves it and always wants to drive it. She can drive stick, but refuses to drive our 50 year old Corvette.
Of course even restored its going to be horrible riding compared to your 2020 Challenger , just as this Challenger was a great riding car compared to a 1920 Dodge . Its 51 years old , you cant expect 21rst century technology in any antique car . Enjoy an old car for what it is , if you cant accept that, stick to new cars
This is a big project-but very worth it. How much it sells for will be interesting.
The triple black is rare, never seen that before. The rust looks bad, I wonder where the rust has got where you can’t see. Good luck to the buyer.
It’s already head turning, turn away in horror…
If this were a ’70 Barracuda Convertible in this condition, it would sell for double what this will go for.
A Triple threat of tetanus
Must have been a good looker 50 years ago. Kind of like the old lady I saw at the beach last summer.
I should list my rusty convertible challenger that I drive regularly so I can George’s professional opinion.
Its a Mopar, so you can guess his opinion ! LOL
Of course even restored its going to be horrible riding compared to your 2020 Challenger , just as this Challenger was a great riding car compared to a 1920 Dodge . Its 51 years old , you cant expect 21rst century technology in any antique car . Enjoy an old car for what it is , if you cant accept that, stick to new cars
AMEN and HALLELUJAH!
Some people will never “get” the old car hobby.
Getting out of a car sweaty and smelling like exhaust is half the fun. For those other days, I’ll take the daily driver.
Another “rust bucket” Mopar!
You know what they say about opinions and as the bids increase it’s obvious that opinions like yours mean absolutely nothing.
It will take a bit of rust repair to make her nice again, but as long as it is structurally sound, it will make a nice car again.
Cool color combo. Weird that someone ordered such a bad a$$ looking car & then checked the box for the 318 lol. Might be something I would have done, except I think I would have gone with the 225 /6.