There is something to be said for "day two" car builds, and this 1970 Charger carries on that spirit of mild adaptations to bring a classic more up-to-date. This is a factory Charger R/T, the top-of-the-line in Dodge’s midsize models and in its final year of the so-called Coca-Cola bottle-like styling. Ordering any R/T meant performance was standard equipment, and here the matching-numbers Dodge 440 CI V-8 engine is still between the engine bay stamping.
With the original fender tag and door tag as part of its provenance, the engine is equipped with a dual snorkel air cleaner with a 440 Magnum-lettered piepan, CVF billet serpentine belt layout that is finished in black powder coat, orange engine paint, an Optima battery and electronic ignition. It is backed by an A727 3-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, with upgraded power Wilwood brakes front and rear and aftermarket air conditioning. The refinished sheet metal wears EV2, the factory color Hemi Orange and the black longitudinal stripes have been applied as well. There is a mostly original black interior, with an upgraded Pistol Grip shifter in the center console, 150 MPH speedometer and Tic-Toc-Tac in the dash, factory radio, passenger-adjust air conditioning vents, and woodgrain appliques.
The seats feature cloth inserts and a highback design. Outside are the R/T door décor and headlamp cover emblems, flip-open gas cap, front and rear bumper guards, dual outside mirrors, chrome exhaust tips and factory-style hood blackout. The changes are finalized by a set of American Racing billet Magnum 500-style 15x8-inch front and 15x10-inch rear wheels, which wear new BF Goodrich 245/60/15 and 295/50/15 tires, respectively. These were considered solid road machines back in the day, and the Charger maintains a strong following in the modern era. This example, a true R/T, retains the factory DNA of Dodge’s legacy while also being retrofitted for enjoyment today. Make no excuses. It needs none.
