Apr 18, 2024 • For Sale • 24 Comments
It’s confession time. I admit I once wasn’t a fan of Mopar products. I treated the various marques with contempt, but the passing years confirm that my attitude was derived from a bitter family experience as a lad. My father purchased a Chrysler that defied all logic and was beset with a long list of mechanical gremlins. The happiest day of the time it spent in our garage was when my father acknowledged that its developing rust was past the point of no return, and he consigned it to the scrapyard. Today, I have a fresh respect for these cars. Chrysler V8s are some of the best motors produced in North America, and the E-Body cousins that graced showroom floors from 1970 scream muscle and attitude. This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T is a perfect example of the breed. It is a rock-solid classic that should provide a straightforward restoration experience for its new owner. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Allen, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,200, with plenty of time for interested parties to stake their claim.
This Challenger wears a coat of many colors, but most of the exterior retains its original Dark Burnt Orange Metallic paint. The first owner teamed this with a Gator Grain vinyl top, electing to follow the stripes-delete path. The results would have been striking, with only a few subtle badges confirming it was a high-performance model. Regaining its former beauty should be straightforward because the car is a genuine dry climate survivor. The panels sport minor bumps and bruises, but the comprehensive selection of supplied images confirms the floors and underside are rock-solid. There will be many hours of work to return the Challenger to its original form, but the grinder and welder can stay safely tucked away in a workshop corner. A competent enthusiast willing to be hands-on could produce excellent results without breaking the bank, with potentially the most expensive part of the cosmetic restoration the cost of sourcing the replacement vinyl top. They are available but typically sell for around $1,200. The trim generally looks good, although a close inspection may reveal components requiring restoration or replacement. The luggage rack will undoubtedly divide opinions, but removing this will add little to the restoration costs.
Interior retrims for Mopar classics are typically more expensive than for vehicles produced by Ford or General Motors. However, the photos suggest the shopping list for this Challenger might be surprisingly short. A new dashpad will lighten the buyer’s wallet by approximately $690, with a carpet set adding $220 to the total. Add a further $600 for new seatcovers, and this interior will be well on the way to looking its best. The console, dash, door, and rear trims should present well with a deep clean, and the faux woodgrain seems surprisingly good. The headliner is an unknown quantity, but these are cheap if replacement proves necessary. The Challenger retains its original radio and Rally gauge cluster with a factory tach.
Dodge didn’t build a slow version of the 1970 Challenger R/T; it was just that some were faster than others. This classic rolled off the line equipped with the entry-level 383ci V8. The term “entry-level” is relative because an engine churning out 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque created a potent package when teamed with the four-speed manual we find in this car. The ¼-mile journey would have taken 14.6 seconds, with the 383 running out of breath as the needle topped 135mph. The seller confirms the numbers-matching 383 disappeared many years ago, but this R/T retains its original transmission and power front disc brakes. The engine turns freely, making revival a potentially realistic goal. As usual, I advise factoring a rebuild into the restoration budget because delving into this engine is a voyage into the unknown.
It seems that time heals old wounds, and my feelings towards Mopar classics are poles apart from those I harbored as a young man. However, my experience has taught me one of life’s most important lessons: We should never let one experience cloud our judgment. Doing so could mean missing out on countless great ones as a result. Today, I look at cars like this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T and wish that I was in a position to tackle its restoration. The results would justify the costs and effort, especially if someone chooses the DIY approach. Are you tempted to accept the challenge? I will hardly blame you if you do.
