Vehicle Description
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hardtop
In the hierarchy of legendary muscle cars, the 1970 Challenger is
up near the pinnacle. It was created to "challenge" the Mustang,
the Camaro, and Cougar and with a few boisterous engine options, it
quickly raced to the top of pony car/muscle car dominance. It ended
up being the precursor to the SRT/Hellcat/Demon dominance of the
modern generation of muscle cars. For a short period of time,
nothing could top the HiPo Mopars.
For consignment, a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, a true V-code car
with some tasteful day 2 performance mods. Relative to most cars
from 1970, it has had low ownership numbers and our consignor, the
car's third owner, has owned it since 2020 and completed the engine
work. The original Broadcast Sheet is included with the car
denoting this as a Super Track Pack ride, and it retains its
numbers matching transmission.
Exterior
Single stage Walnut Metallic paint now covers the factory FC7
finish, (that's Plum Crazy for the non Mopar aficionados),
definitely harkens back to the time period, (who didn't have a
brown car back in the day?), and is accented with gold pin striping
and designs throughout. A flat black covers the power bulge hood
which is flanked by aggressive nostril intake scoops. The chrome
bumpers, window trim, and emblems are in great shape and the body
panels are straight. 15-inch Cragar SS wheels fill the wheel wells
and staggered size tires give the car a slightly raked and forceful
look. Four rectangle exhaust tips fit into the sculpted rear
valance where we happen to notice a long scratch on the surface.
Other imperfections include a filler bump and another surface
scratch. Overall, a very nice survivor exterior.
Interior
Things are very original in here with plastic molded black door
panels are no nonsense and not overdesigned. They do have a center
section of faux wood which warms things up a bit and connects with
wood elements on the dash and console. High back black vinyl bucket
seats are up front, and we note a tear on the driver's seat. More
textured vinyl makes up the rear 2+2 seats and along with the
molded plastic trim back there, look great. The 3-spoke faux wood
rimmed steering wheel looks good and goes well with the wood
applique backed dashboard. Nothing was particularly complicated in
1970 and there are four round gauges relaying all the information
the driver needs. An AM radio is about as basic as we've seen and
all controls are housed in a cove that is canted towards the
driver, leaving the passenger to simply sit back and enjoy the
ride. This includes the center console where we find perhaps the
most iconic shifter ever produced, the Hurst pistol grip based in a
smooth wood applique lined platform. Black loop style carpet covers
the floor in fine fashion and the black, stitched headliner looks
great. The trunk has a fitted mat but it's pretty well stained and
there's also a space saver spare and a cross lug wrench there.
Drivetrain
A non-original 440ci V8 is the heart of the beast and is fed by a
six-pack consisting of three new 2-barrel carburetors. The engine's
been bored .030 over, houses a Comp Cam with .507i/510e lift,
240i/246e duration and a106 intake centerline, and 110 degrees of
lobe separation. Hedman headers send the spent gas southward. The
matching numbers transmission is in place and is a New Process A833
4-speed manual sending a consignor stated 500 horsepower to the
Dana 60 rear end holding 4.10 SureGrip gears. Power brakes, front
disk and rear drum, have the ungodly task of taming this beast.
Undercarriage
Absolutely no complaints here as the underside is super clean save
for some light invasive rust in the center rear of the trunk
flooring. The exhaust shines as it makes its way from the headers
into a pair of Flowmaster mufflers and then takes center stage as
mean looking quad exhaust in the back. We note just a touch of oil
at the rear differential but not an active leak. Torsion bar
suspension fits the front while leaf springs with traction bars are
found in the back.
Drive-Ability
The well tuned carbs take on some gas and the spark ignites the 440
to life and the headers start the cacophony of exhaust notes. The
car has obvious power and very good acceleration, just as the
legendary lore would dictate. Tracking is on point and braking is
excellent. Everything functions with the exception of the reverse
lights.
It always feels like a bit of a history lesson when these vintage
Mopar muscle cars come in. They're usually well documented and you
can practically create a birth certificate and bio for each one.
Here's a clean and well sorted example in a period color and some
upgraded internals. Put your right hand on that pistol grip and
start writing a check with your left before some other challenger
beats you to the punch.
JS23V0B261005
J-Dodge Challenger
S-Special Price Class
23-2 Door Hardtop
V-440ci 3-2bbl V8 390hp
0-1970
B-Hamtramck, MI Assy Plant
261005-Sequential Unit Number
FENDER TAG DECODE IN PHOTOS
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