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 slightly
smaller 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 VIN tag SE, however it
has the big block 383 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 mostly 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 R/T 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" badge on the
vinyl roof gives the car the SE badge 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. Gray steel 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,
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 an 8 track that
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 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 Suregrip is on the 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, independent front torsion bars are on and for the back
leaf springs.
Drive-Ability
This 383 big blocker fired right up, 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.
Trim tagged an SE, however either a dealer employee or someone who
had a thing for getting around higher insurance had this car built
as an SE, 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.
VIN DECODE
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.
