Vehicle Description
While the modern Dodge Challenger is proof that imitation is the
sincerest form of flattery, the real Challenger from the early
1970s is where it's at. This two-owner car has been fully restored.
At a cost of over $130k with full documentation and a 31' 3 ring
binder full of receipts. The gentleman we purchased the car from
purchased the car from the original owner.
Made on September 22, 1970, in Chrysler's Hamtramck, Michigan
factory (VIN code B), this R/T Hardtop remains in its factory
color, Cintron Yella (code Y3), with a black sport hood (code J54)
and roof drip-rail moldings (code M21). This example has the
optional tinted glass (code G15). The paint and trim are in overall
excellent shape, the bodywork is straight and solid, the engine bay
is extremely tidy, the Optima battery looks new and the chrome
bumpers look brilliant.
This Challenger rolls on BFGoodrich Radial T/As, size 235/60R15 in
front and 255/60R15 in back. Each tire is mounted on a factory
alloy wheel. The tires and wheels are all in very good order.
Under the hood is a matching number 340 CID V-8 engine with
four-barrel carburetor, breathing via dual exhausts (code N41) with
chrome exhaust tips (code N42). The engine block and heads were
disassembled; the block was cleaned, along with the connecting
rods, pistons and heads. The cylinders were deglazed @ .030 bore
and forged pistons were re-ringed @ .030. The main crankshaft and
rod journals were polished. There was a three-angle valve job, and
the intake runners in the head were polished. A new comp cam kit
was installed with new lifters, retainers, springs, valve seals and
brass freeze plugs. The engine also has a new water pump and
thermostat. Backing the engine is a A727 TorqueFlite three-speed
automatic transmission and a 3.55:1 rear end.
Driver convenience features include power steering, three-speed
wipers (code J25) and power brakes (code B51).
Inside is a black vinyl interior. The front buckets (code C55) and
rear bench seats are in overall excellent order, as is the matching
carpeting and headliner. A three-spoke steering wheel frames a
woodgrain dash with Rallye instrument cluster. The car has full
door panels (code 000) and a center console with woodgrain accents
(code C16). The dash, doors and console are all in excellent order,
as is the console-mounted shifter. A factory AM radio (code R11)
rounds out the interior.
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 more than six years earlier. 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.
The Challenger's longer wheelbase, larger dimensions and more
luxurious interior were prompted by the launch of the 1967 Mercury
Cougar, likewise, a bigger, more luxurious and more expensive pony
car aimed at affluent young American buyers. The 110-inch wheelbase
was two inches longer than the Barracuda's and the Dodge differed
substantially in its sheetmetal, much as the Cougar differed from
the shorter-wheelbase Mustang. Air conditioning and a rear window
defogger were optional. With 1971 being the sole exception, the
front ends of both cars differed from each other in that the
Challenger had four headlights and the Barracuda had only two; a
trend replicated by offerings from Chrysler's rivals.
The exterior design was penned by Carl Cameron, who was also
responsible for the exterior designs of the 1966 Dodge Charger. The
pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger
arrived. Sales fell dramatically after 1970 and though sales rose
for the 1973 model year with over 27,800 cars being sold,
Challenger production ceased midway through the 1974 model year. A
total of 165,437 first-generation Challengers were sold.
Documentation includes original owner's manual, duplicate Missouri
title from 1979, Challenger R/T badging and other badges, original
Dodge Scat Pack club membership form, two Challenger brochures and
a binder full of 200+ restoration receipts and invoices. Also
included is a flash drive with over 2,000 photos of the restoration
process.
Competition to this Dodge in 1971 included AMC's AMX and Javelin,
Chevrolet's Camaro, Dodge's own Charger, Ford's Mustang, Mercury's
Cougar, Pontiac's Firebird and Plymouth's Barracuda.
If you're looking for an original Dodge Challenger, stop by
MotoeXotica Classic Cars today to check out this '71 Challenger R/T
before someone else drives it home!
VIN: JS23H1B150507
This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis,
Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 72,420 miles. It is
sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title.
GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!
Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that
pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.