To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Fort Lauderdale event, 29
- 30 March 2019.
Estimate:
$150,000 - $175,000
- Beneficiary of a high-quality restoration
- Highly desirable 'V-Code' 440 Six-Pack V-8
- Manual transmission, with pistol grip shifter
- Correct shaker hood and Plum Crazy paint
The Dodge Challenger carved out more than a few new niches for
Chrysler's performance brand when it was unveiled in 1969. The new
coupe and convertible had dashing looks. Owners placing orders for
the first Challengers in late 1969 had a wide range of trim
packages and individual options to sort through. With its E-Body
underpinnings, the Challenger also housed a number of engine
options from Chrysler's Slant-Six all the way up to a pair of big
V-8s, including the 440-cu. in. Magnum Six-Pack in the Plum Crazy
Challenger R/T offered here.
With its shaker hood, this early 1970 Challenger R/T from the
second month of production has an imposing stance. The Challenger
R/T's second owner must have known what he had when he parked it in
1982 with the intention of completing a full restoration. Though
that owner never finished his planned rework of the muscle car, he
had the foresight to acquire and stash away a number of date-coded
new-old-stock parts that would prove useful 30 years later.
Those three decades of slumber in Florida allowed the Challenger
R/T to remain off the road and out of the public's eye. Its
original 'V-Code' 440-cu. in. V-8 engine and pistol-grip-shift
manual transmission remained intact, and the gentle southern
climate preserved its bodywork.
The consignor started an extensive restoration roughly six years
ago. The Challenger R/T was refinished in the correct Plum Crazy
with a black vinyl roof, which pairs well with its polished steel
wheels and beauty rings wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
Its original door card is a testament to its preserved state
overall, although rebuilt gauges and new vinyl upholstery help give
the Challenger an as-new appearance inside and out. The only
modifications from stock are front disc brakes and larger sway bars
for drivability plus a period-style radio unit with Bluetooth
functionality. An original radio and additional parts, including
original brakes and sway bars, accompany the car.
The Challenger Registry states that roughly 1,640 'V-Code' cars
with the 390-hp 440-cu. in. Magnum Six-Pack V-8 were built. The
'V-Code' powered cars are the rarest and most desirable MOPARs of
the era, with many collectors preferring this powerplant over the
426 Hemi. This Challenger R/T, with its impressive set of options
and high-quality restoration, ensures that it can be proudly shown,
driven, and enjoyed for years to come.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl19.
