Drive Or Restore? 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
When the Dodge Challenger made its debut as a 1970 model, not only was there a great lineup of engines to choose from, but also a wide variety of attractive colors. For those who wanted to stand out from the crowd even more, a smaller selection of optional more eye-catching paint billed as High Impact was also available, all bright and screaming for attention such as the Top Banana finish this 1970 Challenger is wearing. However, this one began life with a different High-impact hue, although the owner claims the respray was performed over 30 years ago.
The seller tells us his Mopar sat in a garage for nearly 25 years, with the storage conditions obviously favorable, as the metal is showing little rust after more than half a century. Though the body isn’t perfect, just the fact that there’s not a lot of corrosion here makes this one stand out as a strong candidate for restoration, as the tin worn is often a problem with many E-Bodies that have been sitting out in the elements. Interestingly, according to the fender tag, this one left the factory in the desirable FC7 Plum Crazy color, so the next owner will have to decide whether to retain the current yellow or go back to the roots.
Under the hood is the numbers-matching engine, with some good news being that this one’s a big block, featuring a 383 cubic-inch V8 factory rated at 335 horsepower. It’s also still got the original 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, with the only information provided regarding the drivetrain being that the car runs, drives, and stops. How well it performs any of those tasks is a mystery, but at least everything in the bay appears to be in decent order.
Most of the interior components seem to be in acceptable condition if it’s just a driver you’re after, and it’s always nice to find the Rallye instrument panel staring you in the face when you get behind the wheel. This one’s also equipped with the optional 3-speed wipers, bucket seats, and console.
Another strong area is the platform, with the rails appearing to remain solid and no obvious serious issues hiding underneath. All things considered, for $27,500, I’m a bit surprised this one hasn’t found a buyer in the 8 weeks it’s been listed for sale. If you’re ready to make it yours, this 1970 Dodge Challenger is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and can be seen here on Craigslist. Would you leave this one as a fun driver and stick with Banana Yellow, or get started with a restoration and go back to Plum Crazy?
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Comments
I’d have to go back with the original purple, although I’m not plum crazy about it.
Good project, 8 weeks on the market says it’s overpriced based on its condition. It’s probably one turn past being a good deal.
Steve R
If you frequent FB marketplace, you’ve probably noticed a lot of collector car prices are getting reduced lately. That would be great for the hobby if the rising costs of everything else wasn’t sucking our pockets dry. I just bought the stuff to do a brake job on my late model Challenger. 550 bucks! Just for pads and rotors!
You should ck the inSANE selection of inexpensive pads & rotors on Rockauto for late model Challys, where many pads & rotors are cheaper than those for this 1970 version!
You must have gone to the dealer for the parts – & paid close to 5 times
what the aftmkt ones cost at Rockauto.
Melton, I’ve noticed that too. Hopefully buyers will become disciplined enough so that cars won’t be endlessly flipped for a profit, that’s happened before and will likely happen again.
Unfortunately, most prices for stuff like your brakes won’t go down, with a little luck they just won’t go up quite as fast.
Steve R
Hi JoeNY, I bought from Jegs, which offered me a 50.00 discount. Rockauto also charges for shipping, and rotors are heavy, so the kit I wanted wound up being about the same price from both suppliers. Rockauto had kits that were much cheaper, but I’ve learned my lesson on that stuff. On brakes, tires, and driveline internals, FAFO applies. Don’t get me wrong though, I have those little Rockauto magnets all over my beer fridge.
Melton, I used to work in automotive, where I worked changed hands and now is a supplier for Rock. They’ve switched brands several on several occasions to accommodate them, which often entails re-boxing the existing merchandise. I’d prefer to buy from someone like Jegs, Summit or another supplier that controls their own warehouses than relying on an outside vendor.
Steve R
Take it back to Plum Crazy, then restomod with the modern 392, big brakes and some serious handling upgrades.
Partial to gun metal gray.
Always said about prices, keep paying the asking price? (Makes the sky
the limit!
Melton, Rockauto carries Raybestos & Bendix brake pads & they are reasonably priced.
My friend put on Centric brand bonded shoes on his 4 wheel drum brake nova & is pleased with them.
As far as disc ROTORS go, that is another story, tho. Lot of junk out there, even from the corner auto parts store.
I prefer the older GM cars from the ’70s with THICK heavy brake rotors – mine are original on a ‘250k mile firebird.
I have a good laugh at the Mickey Mouse thin rotors on many modern vehicles that are prone to warping, can’t be turned, & have to be thrown away with many brake jobs.
I have a aftermarket front rotor from my Shovelhead leveling out my settling front porch. no more warping!
Boy, those exhaust pipes sure have been beat up ! Surprised it can still breathe !