For Sale at Auction: 1970 Dodge Challenger in Newport, Rhode Island

Chassis No. JS23R0B245618

The Challenger nameplate has long been a pillar of Dodge's performance catalog, one that reaches back to the model's introduction in 1970. Even in its inaugural year, the Challenger came out of the gate swinging with an arsenal of high-performance trims, packages, and engine options. The Road/Track (R/T) trim offered many upgrades including the Rallye instrument cluster, which gave the Challenger a 150-mph speedometer, three-speed wipers, and a wood-grain surround. Its engine selection was headlined by the 426 cu-in Hemi V8, which featured two four-barrel carburetors and the now-legendary hemispherical combustion chambers to produce 425 horsepower and just shy of 500 lb-ft of torque.

According to noted marque expert Galen V. Govier, this is one of just 287 Dodge Challenger R/T Hardtops equipped from the factory with the top-of-the-line Hemi V8. This example is finished from the factory in Black and sports matching Black vinyl bucket seats. Its accompanying window sticker reveals a host of desirable options in addition to the sporting combination of its R/T trim and Hemi powerplant, including 15-inch Rallye Road wheels and the desirable Super Track Pack-which added power brakes, Sure-Grip differential, heavy-duty Dana 60 rear axle, 26-inch performance radiator, and several other performance enhancements. The Challenger was also optioned with the TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, locking gas cap, Music Master AM radio, and deletion of the longitudinal paint stripe.

Built on 5 February 1970 at the Hamtramck, Michigan plant, the heavily appointed Challenger was delivered new to Harry Miller Garage in Hudson, South Dakota. Only months into its original ownership, this example had its original engine block replaced under warranty, which has been confirmed by Govier to be correct and of the same year-produced 30 January 1970. Prior research also mentions a more recent "professional, no expense spared rotisserie restoration," which is believed to be accurate as observed by the consigning Broad Arrow Car Specialist upon inspecting this rare Challenger-noting its current, stunning presentation both inside and out.

Today, this example remains a well-equipped representation of the first model year of the Dodge Challenger. It is furnished with several key original production documents, including its original window sticker and production broadcast sheet, and Govier Registry entry and Decoding Report.

As an exceptionally rare Dodge Challenger R/T equipped with the desirable 426 cu-in Hemi V8 and well-chronicled by its coveted original production documentation, this is a truly outstanding representation of the very first iteration of the Dodge Challenger.