Vehicle Description
1970 Dodge Challenger SE
Introduced in fall 1969 for the 1970 model year, the Challenger was
one of two Chrysler E-body cars, the other being the Plymouth
Barracuda. Positioned to compete against the Mercury Cougar and
Pontiac Firebird in the upper end of the pony car market segment,
it was "a rather late response" to the Ford Mustang, which debuted
in April 1964. Even so, Chrysler intended the new Challenger as the
most potent pony car ever, and like the less expensive Barracuda,
it was available in a staggering number of trim and option levels,
and with virtually every engine in Chrysler's inventory.
For consignment an original 1970 Challenger SE, however it has the
big block 383ci V8, a changed out automatic transmission to the 4
speed manual transmission, the R/T stripe kit over faded plum crazy
and other R/T add ons. She can be driven as is or you can take it
to the next level which is a really nice aspect of this particular
car.
Exterior
The coke bottle design can be seen at its finest with this car with
bulging fenders and a straight door in the center with a thin front
end and pinched long oval grille with dual headlights. Plum Crazy
faded paint on most of the panels facing up to the weather, shows
its thinning but no rust. An R/T black stripe kit has been added
on, and the vinyl top went from white to black and sports the
smaller SE rear window which is stamped from the very same machine
that makes the normal roofs, but a plastic insert is put in for the
smaller rear glass, then covered with vinyl....ingenious! Dual
scoops for the hood, nice chrome trimmings for the rocker and wheel
wells and the window surrounds. Bumpers are nicely preserved and
shiny, as are the hood pins and egg crate grille. The "Fratzog" SE
badges show on the vinyl roof, and speaking of badges some R/T
badges have been put on the front grille and rear deck, as well as
a black stripe running the length of the belt line with R/T
knockout type. Also noted is that smaller rear glass indicative of
the SE. Mother Mopar rallye wheels are sporting deep dish trim
rings which shine nicely, and are wrapped by Indy Firehawk tires
with raised white letters on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we've turned on the way back machine Mr.
Peabody, to 1970 where black molded vinyl and plastic form the
panels for the doors. A wood centered applique denotes the Special
Edition badge and cranks and handles as well as overall condition
of the panels is very nicely preserved. The simplistic high back
buckets and rear bench make up the seating, and this is black vinyl
with some tuck and roll stitched areas throughout the seats. A wood
rimmed original steering wheel fronts the dash which is also
original in its looks and condition. A grouping of round gauges is
within the dash front and an aftermarket tachometer is mounted on
the steering wheel column. The original radio with 8 track actually
works, and a rare 3-speed wiper option is on this car too. In front
of the passenger hangs a trio of aftermarket gauges for water,
volts and oil pressure monitoring. Faded original carpeting now
more orange than black floods the floors and a tight black
headliner hangs above. Lest I forget, a center console races
rearward from the bottom of the dash on the hump and sports the
angled wood handled Hurst pistol grip shifter and a glovebox.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in the plum crazy painted engine bay sits a 383ci
big block engine, with orange intake and valve covers. A dual
scooped air cleaner cover covered with years of dust but still;
sporting its original stickers is atop and filters air for a Holley
4-barrel carburetor. A 4-speed manual A833 circa Tuesday January
5th 1971 build is now replacing the original automatic. An 8-3/4
rear axle with 3.55 sure grip is on back and spins the rear
tires.
Undercarriage
Appearing restored with nice black undercoating covering all
surfaces with no rust or even road dirt. Some earlier chip off of a
first coat of rustproofing has chipped off in some areas underneath
the new coating, but it is very structurally sound under here. Drum
brakes are all around, and a nice clean rust-free exhaust system
snakes its way rearward from the engine attached headers. For the
suspension, front torsion bars are on and for the back leaf
springs.
Drive-Ability
This 383ci V8 fired right up with the well-known sound of a
Chrysler starter, and ran smoothly. Wonderful acceleration and the
manual transmission slipped smoothly into each corresponding gear.
Handling was good, and a comfortable cruise can be had on the
highway with this car. I noticed the wiper transmission has been
disconnected.
The VIN denotes this car as a SE, however either a dealer employee
or someone who had a thing for getting around higher insurance had
this car built and then proceeded to put on all the trappings of
the R/T. So it's a mixture, and certainly looking original, with a
snappy interior, and a solid drivetrain and under framing.
JH29N0E114666
J-Challenger
H-High Price Class
29-Special Edition (Small Rear Window)
N-383ci 4bbl V8
0-1970
E-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
114666-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.