This rare 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 is the famous “70 Sunroof Challenger” from the hit T.V. show Graveyard Carz. This car is in show quality condition and only has 383 miles since completion. It retains its original “OEM” factory broadcast sheet, VIN tag, trim tag and color combination. This car was factory processed as a “Special Handling Car” and is heavily optioned. It was most likely used as a sales and marketing promotional vehicle based on it being a special order and highly optioned vehicle. It sports its original Plum Crazy high impact color. This car is one of only 196 1970 Dodge Challengers shipped to the USA market and one of only 82 R/T models a with the factory power sunroof option M51. This vehicle is one of only 37, 1970 Dodge Challengers in the Mopar registry. This vehicle is one of one in this high impact color and powertrain combination with a sunroof in the MMC Detroit Global Vehicle Registry. This car was restored by Graveyard Carz which is documented with photos and videos from the T.V. show. The dash pad and inside trunk lid is signed by the Graveyard Carz cast during the time of the build. It was featured in the April issue of Chrysler Power magazine that is included. The cover and page of article was signed by Graveyard Carz owner Mark Worman. “The Wise Vehicle Report” from Mopar expert David Wise of MMC Detroit, LLC is also included. It’s powered by a 440 Magnum V8 with Torque Flite 727 transmission.
The exterior of this car is in beautiful overall condition. It’s truly like eye candy with its sweet color combination. The body shell is all original with exception of the trunk floor. During the restoration the hood, fenders, doors and trunk lid were replaced. The body is very straight with great gaps throughout. The hood, doors and trunk lid close very nicely. The car sports its original color of Plum Crazy with a black rear stripe. This is one of the most desirable Mopar colors among collectors and enthusiasts. The PPG paint is show quality and virtually flawless. It has recently been detailed to a brilliant shine by MS CLASSIC CARS. The paint color is complemented with a new black vinyl top that looks great. The vinyl top was installed by Larry of Larry’s interiors. The sunroof is barely noticeable with the vinyl top. The front windshield was replaced new. All of the remaining glass is original and in good condition with normal signs of age. All of the window trim was restored or replaced and is in very nice condition. The bright work on top of the doors and rear quarter is in good condition with normal signs of age. Everything on the exterior has been restored or replaced and is in excellent condition. Some of these parts include the wipers, antenna, hood pins, grille, headlights, front bumper, drivers mirror, door handles, luggage rack, rear tail light bezel, lenses, rear bumper and emblems. The car sits on the correct style 15” Rallye wheels that are wrapped with Firestone Wide 60 Oval F60-15 tires. Graveyard Carz has a great reputation for doing nice body and paint work which is evident with this “70 Sunroof Challenger”.
The interior of this car is also in beautiful overall condition. It’s very comfortable and well designed. It was restored in its original high grade black/white cloth and vinyl buckets. The upholstery is complemented with simulated wood trim on steering wheel, dash fascia, center console and door panels. The headliner was done just like the factory did around the sunroof which wasn’t perfect. The sunroof mechanism was serviced by MS CLASSIC CARS and works very nicely. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced such as the rear view mirror, gauges, knobs, switches, heating controls, steering column, steering wheel, door panels, door hardware, power windows switches, console, shifter, bucket seats, rear seats, seat belts, pedals and carpeting. Everything in the interior is in working order with exception of the radio. Some of the working items include the interior lights, headlights, turn signals, horn, gauges, clock, key buzzer, remote mirror, heating system and power windows. MS CLASSIC CARS added the new steering wheel. The dash pad was signed by the Graveyard Carz crew which included Mark Worman, Allysa Rose, Dave Rea, Will Scott and Royal Yoakum.
The trunk compartment is also in beautiful overall condition. It was restored and finished in body color. It has a spare saver with tools and a factory style trunk mat. The bottom side of the trunk lid was also signed by the Graveyard Carz crew which included Mark Worman, Allysa Rose, Dave Rea, Will Scott and Royal Yoakum.
The engine compartment is highly detailed with many correct parts throughout. The backside of the hood was finished in body color and new hood insulation was added. The entire engine compartment was also finished in body color. Everything has been restored or replaced such as the hinges, wiring, wiper motor, wiper fluid bottle, power brake booster, master cylinder, power steering pump, hoses, radiator, fan, etc. The car is powered by a period correct 440 CID V8 w 1x4bbl 375HP Magnum engine. MS CLASSIC CARS researched the engine based off the VIN number and found the gentleman who sold the engine to Mark Worman the owner of Graveyard Carz in 2014. From the information gathered the engine was from a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. The engine was completely rebuilt on Graveyard Carz Season 5, Episode 5. The show segment was labeled “The return of the 70 Sunroof Challenger”. The engine that was originally installed when the car was restored had a mechanical failure so the owner brought the car back to Graveyard Carz. MS CLASSIC CARS completely serviced this engine and installed a new correct style battery. MS CLASSIC CARS also installed a battery power cut off knob for storage. It runs and sounds excellent. It’s equipped with the correct style Carter AVS 4bbl carburetor that works great. “The Wise Vehicle Report” lists many of the engine compartment part numbers such as the block casting, block date, carburetor, water pump, radiator, starter, distributor, exhaust manifold, etc. The engine breathes through factory manifolds and a correct style dual exhaust system. The engine is coupled to a period correct Torque Flite 727 transmission. From the information gathered this transmission was completely rebuilt. It operates very nicely through the gears. The power is transferred to the Chrysler 8 ¾ rear axle. The third member casting indicates it’s from a model year 1972. From the information gathered the rear end was completely rebuilt. “The Wise Vehicle Report” also lists many of the transmission and rear end part numbers.
The undercarriage is nicely detailed with many correct parts throughout. This undercarriage isn’t over done but still nice enough to display with mirrors at a car show. The floors were first finished in body color and then a portion was covered in the correct style black undercoating. Everything was restored or replaced such as the fuel lines, fuel tank, steering components, suspension components and braking system. This car rides and handles very nicely down the open road.
