Hemi/4-Speed: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Some classics tick so many of the right boxes that you begin to question whether they may have achieved motoring perfection. That could be the case with this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. Its presentation seems flawless, it is as solid as the day it was born, and its mechanical configuration is the best that money could buy in 1970. If someone is brave enough to commit, they could find it parked in their garage. The seller listed the R/T here on eBay in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. Although the bidding has raced to $135,100, the figure falls short of the reserve. There is a BIN option for those wishing to bypass the auction process. Are you sitting down? Good. It could be yours by simply handing the owner $350,000. That isn’t a lot if you say it really, really fast!
Dodge offered an enormous color choice for Challenger buyers in 1970. Some of those shades, especially the high-impact colors, have become legendary and desirable. However, buyers seeking subtlety could opt for a shade like Dark Green Metallic. That is what graces this car’s panels, perfectly complemented by a Dark Green vinyl top. The presentation is virtually flawless, with no evidence of imperfections in the panels, paint, or vinyl. One interesting feature that adds a touch of flair is the transverse stripe across the back of this Challenger. While many companies chose the vinyl decal route, this one is a painted version that must have added to the production cost. The exterior and underside shots confirm this classic is rust-free, but you would expect nothing less from a car with a six-figure price tag. The original owner ordered this car with twin chrome remote exterior mirrors and hood pins, with these items remaining intact. The trim is in as-new condition, as is the glass.
The fantastic presentation continues when we examine this Challenger’s interior. It features trim in Dark Green vinyl, contrasted by faux woodgrain on the dash, door trims, and console. Although I hesitate to use the term “showroom” when describing the appearance, it is hard to avoid that word. There are no signs of wear or damage, and I doubt anyone has ever used the back seat. The carpet is spotless, and the dash and pad show no signs of cracks or other issues. My favorite feature is the pistol grip shifter, which is one of the coolest you will find on a volume production car. There are no aftermarket additions, with this classic retaining its Rally gauges, factory tachometer, and AM radio.
Okay, I’ve kept you waiting long enough. Lifting the hood reveals why this Challenger could command the BIN price. Its engine bay houses the legendary 426ci Hemi V8. The Hemi’s 425hp feeds to a four-speed manual transmission, but the original owner’s decision to add the optional A34 Super Track Pack makes this one of the most potent Challengers available in 1970. That options package meant that performance-sapping air conditioning wasn’t a consideration, but the car received a Dana Sure Grip rear end with super-short 4.10 gearing and power front disc brakes. Although a top speed of 116mph sounds pretty tame, this R/T should storm the ¼ mile in 13.1 seconds. There wasn’t another car within the Challenger range that could match that figure, and few four-seaters from the opposition could show it a clean pair of heels on the drag strip. It is worth noting that only 137 of these classics rolled off the line, but the included report from the Chrysler Registry confirms that only two of those featured the paint and trim combination we see on this R/T. The seller also includes the original Broadcast Sheet and other documentation verifying its authenticity.
Although Dodge arrived late to the pony car party with the Challenger, they did so with a car that has become one of the most desirable in American motoring history. The company sold 84,037 Challengers across all variants in 1970, but only 137 buyers selected the R/T Hardtop equipped with the Hemi/4-speed drivetrain combination. That makes this a desirable vehicle, with its rarity increasing due to the Super Track Pak, combined with the paint and trim combination. The BIN figure is eye-watering, but it isn’t without precedent. This Challenger has already attracted interest and bids, and if it heads to a new home before the auction ends, I won’t be surprised.
Auctions Ending Soon
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1Bid Now21 hours$7,100
2003 Porsche Boxster SBid Now22 hours$6,000
1966 Lincoln ContinentalBid Now1 days$500
2000 Jaguar XJ8LBid Now4 days$1,250
1977 Datsun 280ZBid Now5 days$275
Comments
I like to see a picture of the barn that they found this Holy Grail .
What an Outstanding Machine.
This is the same setup as that Detroit car, w the Africa sticker. Can’t recall the name of the video, he roamed the streets w his black Challenger , guy was a cop. Seemed a pretty cool cop for sure. Good video.
The Black Ghost, Stan
I do believe you are referring to the Black Ghost Challenger, owned by Godfrey Qualls, that ruled Detroit’s Woodward Avenue.
The Black Ghost had the additional SE option added onto it.
If ‘Back to the Future’ did wonders for the DeLorean then ‘Vanishing Point’ did the same for these. I have never seen one in the flesh here in Australia but just on the pictures alone they are probably my favorite car of the era.
This is a beautiful car and even allowing for its rarity the price would seem a fraction over the top.
I know most State-siders put a premium on matching numbers and originality which isn’t really the case here where good restorations are valued highly.
You could probably restore one of these to be the equal of this one for far less than what they are asking for it.
Here you go!! Already done ready for shows or that beautiful Sunday ride! Why dump Mega bucks 💸💸 into a rust bucket! That 70 Challenger convertible RT you be pouring money hand over fist !! This one is done! And it’s beautiful! This is worth the investment! Good luck to the next owner!! 🇺🇸🐻🇺🇸
350K? Only if it has it’s original paint, the original engine and transmission it was built with, documented mileage and approval by at least one top expert on these cars.
Is this color combination with the green vinyl roof & lite green rear stripe kinda rare, regardless of the motor?
Do i need glasses or does the SHAPE of these 2 mounting screws not quite match? …
https://cdn.dealeraccelerate.com/cam/34/709/10387/790×1024/1970-dodge-challenger-r-t
Hey joe NY, let me know when you get your new glasses and tell me if the odometer is conscientious ! i am thinking about it .
In the late ’60’s the cars data plate was installed on the unibody with only one loose screw. As it was painted the area of the data plate was painted with the data plate in one rotated position and then again in another rotated position. At final assembly an unpainted screw was installed and the two screws were secured. This is documented in my 99 point 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi 500.
Did that change later on ? My Duster 340 has both screws painted, and its never been off the car
Robert
Impressed with your 99 point 500. What color is it?
I own the first Hemi automatic press car. Maybe 90 points.
This was one of the most boring color combinations of the era and time hasn’t changed my opinion. It may have the desirable engine, but the color is going to restrict its value.
Not if someone likes green.
I totally agree with Bert & Joe…..better have that documented & gone over with a fine tooth comb…..and guess what? Even after all that, it’s an ugly color combo…..no one in their right mind, would spend that figure on this car…..but then you have lottery winners, and the deep pocket people with the drinks in their hands……
This car is being sold through Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown. Someone bought an entire abandoned mall and they now sell consigned cars. I was there in the fall, there are probably several hundred cars in the place, all makes and models, and most overpriced. I vaguely remember seeing this car, but I certainly don’t remember the sky high price they have on it.
Jay E. hit the nail right on the head….
Kinda at a loss for words on this one. Why is it here and not at a Mecum auction?
The seller has 730 vehicles listed, and their feedback number is only 31. This might do better at a big name auction, with strong drinks flowing.
Americans lack in car styling taste is of course epitomized with the god awful homogeneous things driven around today, like suv’s & hybrid crossover eggs on wheels.
But this goes way back…to this era too. How on Earth wasn’t this car a huge seller….and only lasted as a model for 4 years ?
Instead people were buying Mavericks & other such heaps.
Emel, back in the day, i bought a barely used ’69 camaro with superior optional quicker ratio steering because i thought the Challenger & even Cuda models were just plain TOO WIDE for parking spots & everyday use, tho they certainly were better looking.
& after experiencing the “handling” & slow power steering of a ’67 Falcon,
i skipped the other later good looking Fords with the same designed later-to- be-squeaky front end. lol
Lambert, the Black Ghost Challenger never encountered a lighter Hemi Dart or even Hemi Duster on Woodward?