1970 Dodge Challenger

[moparnut]

1970 Dodge Challenger - $44,000 - Manitowoc, WI - All vehicle trades considered, including classics and performance.
This 1970 Challenger R/T is one of the most desirable examples of Mopar muscle. The sporty lines of the E-body look as good today as they did 45 years ago, and continue on with the 2015 Challenger. And the low miles and excellent condition of this example, along with a few selective upgrades, make it particularly attractive.

This real JS-code Challenger R/T has seen only 51,700 miles from its three owners. The original owner in Ohio put on 16,000 miles until he sold it in 1974. The second owner, also in Ohio, added 28,000 miles. The third owner in Wisconsin purchased the car in 2002. It has been well cared for throughout and remains a straight, solid car without any rust issues. The last owner also had the car professionally repainted in 2003 using its original code FJ5 Sublime. It looks excellent and is hard to miss.

The car retains its numbers matching 383ci 335hp engine. It remains mostly stock except for a Mopar performance hydraulic camshaft installed by a Chrysler dealership in 2009. The original column-shifted 727 Torqueflite transmission was replaced in 2007 with a very nice (and expensive) Keisler 5-speed manual setup. This included a new steering column, driveshaft, crossmember, and hydraulic clutch (all original parts are included). The 0.64 overdrive fifth gear makes life much nicer at 70 mph, even with the factory 3.91 rear end.

The white interior is in excellent condition throughout. Everything works on the A62 Rallye dash except the clock. Note even though this car was an automatic, it had a tachometer from the factory. The horn, wipers, radio, interior lights, and e-brake all work properly as well. The shoulder belts are present too.

The 1970 Challengers have proven to be some of the most desirable cars of the era, and this car is no exception. It is a Sublime R/T in excellent condition with low miles, and having desirable updates that enhance both performance and appearance. It exemplifies what makes them so popular and represents a sound investment as well.



Link to ad on Hemmings.com

 

[Dr.Jass]

This looks like a nice car, with a lot to like. However, it's nowhere near a $44,000 example. Things I don't like include the "hides nasty repairs well" mega-thick black underbody, the butchery of the exhaust that comes with using a headpipe designed for an HP manifold with a station-wagon 2v manifold (where else were corners cut?), and the electronic ignition in an otherwise-prett-correct engine bay (when will these people start using Pertronix?!). Additionally, the Keisler conversion is great but ultimately hurts the value of an original automatic R/T.

As "a sound investment" I could see a max of $30K on this car, after a very-thorough inspection for body numbers, etc. If it's someone's dream car, maybe $35K. $44,000 is just too high.