Assembly Required: 1970 Dodge Charger 500
To better compete in NASCAR, Dodge developed the Charger 500 in 1969. It was more aerodynamic than the rest of the series, with a flat front end with exposed headlights and no tunnel back for the roof. That didn’t work as well as they had hoped, so the Charger Daytona replaced it the following year. The 500 became more of a trim for 1970, reverting to the standard Charger body. This ’70 example had a running engine that the seller pulled out, and we assume it comes with the car. It’s a project that will require interior work and paint as well. Located in a dark garage in Medford, Oregon, this Mopar is available here on craigslist for $40,000. Who brought us this tip? Barn Finder Gunter Kramer, of course!
In 1969, just 503 of the 85,680 Chargers built were the “500” edition. By contrast, 27,432 out of 46,315 in 1970 carried 500 badging, so it was hardly special anymore. The R/T was still the muscle machine, with 9,509 copies using a standard 440 cubic inch V8. This Charger has a 383 V8 (2 or 4-barrel?) which is said to be numbers matching. And it’s paired, as you might expect, with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. It has its fender tag, build sheet, and factory air conditioning.
We assume the seller bought this vehicle as a project and then changed his/her mind. Why would you otherwise pull a running motor and other parts off the car and put them in labeled plastic bags? So, if you buy this Dodge, expect it to be a roller that once had some rust, which we’re told has been repaired except for the battery tray. The odometer reads 111,000 miles, so we assume the drivetrain was getting tired anyway. It appears to have once had a vinyl top that has been peeled away, revealing surface rust.
What did you get when you ordered a 1970 Dodge Charger 500? It came with bucket seats rather than a bench up front, more chrome bits here and there, and 500 scripts in the front and back. But mechanically, it was no different than a regular Charger and nothing like the NASCAR-inspired version from the prior year. The 500 was carried over one more season when the Charger was redesigned in 1971, and then it was gone after that.
Auctions Ending Soon
1974 Porsche 914 2.0Bid Now1 days$1,450
1970 Chevrolet CorvetteBid Now3 days$5,000
1974 Triumph TR6Bid Now6 days$500
Comments
For $40k it better come with whatever the seller is smokin’
How does someone decide it’s worth 40k? Did they shake their magic 8 ball ? Nice project
A one time 1000 dollar car, if it was running, that is. How sad the way things have gone.
Couldn’t have said it better myself….
These bring a lot on them television auctions, mine should be worth at least a third of that!🤔
Yeah it’s ridiculous, from dreaming of a 1960s muscle car to looking at 1990s Corvettes ZR1 flavor because the average guy doesn’t need to sell his house to own a good fast car & actually retire. This 150,000 dollar car thing stinks worse than a electric car because you will have to pry my gas burners keys from my cold dead hands & they might be booby trapped fyi!
40k? Nope!
OK, but realize that this car being as solid as it (supposedly) is will save at least $20k in bodywork over a car that needs even some work, that is, if you can find someone competent enough to do it. Starting with a really rusty car like a lot of the ones we see here, we’re talking possibly $40k in saved bodywork and parts. Ask me how I KNOW!!!
You are on the money here. Rust gets everywhere and to see clean floorboards is almost a novelty. Odd that they didn’t show the trunk as that is the first spot to go. Big block, with a/c, but no list of other options. The ask is steep, but you appear to be getting a solid car.
It’s blown all apart.
It’s only a 383.
As much as I would love to have this car, NEVER would I pay 40…
The 383 painted blue is a 2bbl 290hp. If it was Hemi orange it would a 4 bbl 335hp. $40,000!! For what! Non running car. And it needs plenty of work. A better price would be $25,000. How sad things change. 🐻🇺🇸
For what it’s worth, the L code 383 2 barrel motor is probably the rarest engine option behind the hemi and sixpack.
69 charger 500 only came with a 440 375 hp or 426 hemi 425 hp no hide away head lights
40K and he is going to restore it at that price? smh
I’ve owned 3 and always hated that weld spot on the rear roof panel that always rusts.
Needs a lot of work but the price is common for a “roller.”
Money is for nothing and chicks 🐥 for free! lol 😂 buy it if you don’t have to worry about money 🏦 put a pistol 🔫 grip 6-speed and a 3000 hp Hemi in that bad boy lol 😝
That steep $40k tag is the reason Mark Worman hasn’t taken a stab at this one….
This car needs a lot of work for 40K. Sellers have to realize buyers don’t want to be that far under water before they even get started. There’s a lot of potential here for the right price.
what goes up must come down, right? isn’t it time for it to come down, so the people who actually appreciate them can afford to own one?
From the pictures that car is NOT a Charger 500. Plain Jane Charger.