Low Reserve! 1970 Dodge Charger
We’ve seen some pretty sad and sorry classics over the years at Barn Finds, but the sight of this 1970 Dodge Charger is almost enough to make the toughest enthusiast weep. To say that it has fallen on hard times would be an understatement, and the harsh reality is that few people will view it as a viable project candidate. However, the seller’s decision to list it with a low reserve might make it worth a closer look for those seeking a few original parts for another project.
The 1970 model year marked the end of the line for the Second Generation Charger, with its replacement waiting in the wings for 1971. Our feature Charger rolled off the line resplendent in Light Gold with evidence that it also featured a vinyl top. Time has not been kind to this classic, and its history is unclear. However, there is no hiding the fact that rust has exacted a high toll on the Dodge steel. Almost everything below the glass has waved the white flag, meaning the floors, trunk pan, rails, rockers, and lower exterior extremities have dissolved beyond salvation. The trunk lid might be okay, and there are trim and chrome pieces that are salvageable. The windshield is smashed, but the rear glass looks okay. It doesn’t seem like there is much that is worth grabbing from this Charger, but it is worth remembering that many of the little brackets and clips that typically disappear during a project build may be intact. That could save a lot of frustration should the builder discover their loss at a critical point. That makes this Charger worth a close look if the price stays low enough.
Break out the leaf blower, because hiding under all that debris is a 318ci V8. The first owner teamed this with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and with 230hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, performance would have been adequate for most owners. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Charger has a hood, which is an important consideration if anyone is tempted to revive the V8. If not, it means that water has almost certainly found its way inside the powerplant, which will have done it no favors. There is no information regarding whether it turns, but I probably wouldn’t bet the farm on it. Once again, the engine bay may be a source of small parts, rather than major components.
The “small parts and brackets” theme continues inside the Charger. Most of the interior hardware is AWOL, including the seats, upholstered items, gauges, and most of the heater components. There are a few visible items that could see a new life, but parts like the wiring will only be fit for the bin. However, it would be worth climbing behind the dash to locate clips and associated items that could help in another build.
The seller listed this 1970 Dodge Charger here on eBay in Elcho, Wisconsin. The price has surged like a runaway freight train to $510, which is below the reserve. Actually, it crawled there following six bids. It would be intriguing to know what the reserve is, especially since the seller admits they have it listed locally. That means the auction could disappear at any moment. What would you be willing to pay for this sad classic? It will be interesting to compare your comments with the sale price when the hammer falls to see if anyone scores a bullseye.
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Comments
Pretty obvious what’s going on here. Every rust bucket that has sat for lo, these 50 years, suddenly, has some thinking, “get the tractor, Verne, we’re going down to the swamp to fetch gramps old Charger”, hoping for some glorious return. All this shows, is the desperation, junk the darn thing already. As some gasp in horror, this was actually quite typical of cars in Wisconsin. Rust notwithstanding, wrapping them around a tree usually did them in.
It’s not even worthy as yard art, and 318’s are a dime a dozen.
Totally agree with you Howard.
Why?
Biohazard and eye pollution
This thing doesn’t even qualify for the “you’ve got to be kidding” award.
All kidding aside, one of those head lamps just might work.
It will buff out.
One owner? Low miles? Was driven by Steve McQueen?
What’s the price of scrap these days? anybody have an idea of weight? I’m trying to fine tune my bid…
At least one notch below basket case, this wishful dream definitely downgraded to nightmare.
Pure junk..
Correction pure American made junk.
It wasn’t in this condition when it got parked, so I’m guessing it was a classic case of “No, I don’t want to sell it. I’m going to fix it some day”, but they never did, meanwhile it sat outside under a tarp for decades. Across those decades the owner likely received several offers, which he quickly turned down, thinking it’s worth a lot more than that. And now look at it. It’s worth absolutely nothing. Perhaps he enjoyed looking at it every day while it sat in the yard. What a shame.
Hi Todd, I agree. I’m not sure if we should laugh at them for even keeping it around, or praise them for holding out for that someday it may be worth something. I mean, it’s kind of complete, motor and all, maybe Verne was on to something all along,,,
Yes, I knew a guy had a 427-435hp Vette went off the road with it needed minor suspension repair,let it sit for 40+ years turned multiple offers,he finally decided to sell it,that’s pretty much what it looked like,90%rusted out, basically junk
I wouldn’t even waste time loading this thing on my rollback to haul it to the shredder. Parts? What parts? Anything good was plundered when Reagan was president. Watching nice copies of many cars are starting to drop. I have seen many reasonable things lately. Folks with junk like this are in for a reset.
That bungee cord in the engine comparment looks fairly decent.
Looks pretty dry rotten to me, maybe that radiator hose clamp is worth 25 cents…
No lowballers. I know what I got. I watch Barrett-Jackson.
Dude, you should be watching Victory Auto Wreckers. As for the hood debate, there’s stuff GROWING on the engine for Pete’s sake. Or Howard’s. Get that guy who offered $510 over there before he sobers up. Even if his check bounces, at least he hauled it away for free. Stuff like this is why I love Barn Finds.
It was parted out a long time ago. What’s still on it are leftover parts that had no value decades ago, but with the passage of time now have some, but not much.
The car is sitting on a trailer, there is a good chance the seller picked it up as part of a property or estate clean up then put it up for sale rather than send it directly to the crusher. If that’s the case, why shouldn’t he get as much compensation for his time and labor as he car while feeding some parts back into circulation. People forget or don’t realize, even for the most popular cars, not every part is reproduced. I have a friend with a small tow yard and the AAA contract in his area, he gets call from real estate agents to remove cars from properties after the owner passes and is getting prepared to go on the market. He’s crushed many viable parts cars because he doesn’t have room or time to deal with them. Maybe that’s the solution preferred by most everyone commenting.
Steve R
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve scrapped nicer b and e bodies than some of the cars people are restoring today. I considered them parted out when good sheet metal was removed left lots of trim and hardware that’s now desirable just because every car had it and never thought it’d be worth removing, hindsight 20/20.
That is so true. I’d always hunt down a parts car when I’d pick up a project, use what I could and sell the rest. For the right car, typically one that was complete and had some good options, you could make enough to cover the purchase cost of the original project car after attending a few swapmeets. Nowadays it’s a lot harder to do since the supply of reasonably priced parts cars has all but dried up and there are far fewer swapmeets.
Steve R
The trailer may be the only thing of any value here
The auction for this Charger is like an IQ test; just how stupid are you?
This looks like it was hit by a “runaway freight train.”
2 freight trains and knocked into the path of a semi.
🤣🤣🤣 It does look that bad.
760 and reserve not met. Only thing I see of value would be the non-air pulleys and alternator bracket. Might possibly have a date-coded starter on it but other than that I would think someone might be buying to say they have a 70 charger.
This Charger sold with a high bid of $2,373.
Steve R
I can’t believe barn finds even wasted they’re time putting this piece of sh**t on her!
Judging by the commentary it is generating I have to say this ones a hit, far from a waste of time.
Bob Dylan was born on the back seat.
Only way this rig has any value whatsoever…
Out on Highway 61?
VIN tags, if they’re present is what’s attracting bidders. I’d wager this car will “live” again but in a very different form.
That may or may happen. The entire VIN number is clearly visible in the ad, all someone would need to do is type it in and do a Google search, that will then bring up this cars write up from this site.
Steve R
VIN placards are very valuable to car thieves Walter
The front bumper does not look that bad.
You should just pay someone to tale it….
My guess is that the VIN is the only thing of value, but if you have that you can take a no-title car and create a driver. Beyond that, not a usable part in sight. Maybe the shredder operator will give a bonus due to it already being partly disintegrated.
Make it stop!!!
Dagonit …I thought that Nissan made the eco leaf electric car and here i see the motor here and this green or brown leaf car was first.
I personally think the reserve has been exceeded on this vehicle.
I would say good luck but I’ve tried to cut back in fibbing.
My dog said it looks pretty ruff!
How much will someone pay for a VIN number? Inquiring minds want to know. 🧐
Being a 318 car with an auto, wouldn’t think much! But who knows.
Bury it, and bury the shovel.
Well we know it was probably running before it came to a screening halt. Seller claims there are many usable parts, scrolling through the pictures I didn’t see any. Now I’m curious to watch and see if it hits his claimed small reserve price.
It’s not a Hemi car and not even a 383 or 440 car, so I’m not sure of the value of the vin tag on this car. Maybe someone who is restoring one sees a grill part that they need or the bumpers that can be re chromed but other than that I don’t see much here. If it were a Camaro or other GM or Ford car it wouldn’t be worth crushing if it weren’t a specific model as parts are readily available for them but being that this is a Mopar any little part can cost a lot of money if you can even find one. I blew up the pics on EBay and took a closer look and there are a few parts there so maybe some parts of this car will travel the roads again.
This is the one the junkyard turned away.
The only justice that can be done here is a proper funeral. My suggestion to any lunatics who are considering a bid….be like Nancy Reagan and “just say no”.
To all you haters saying throw it away, bidding has already passed $1000 with five days remaining so with that mindset why don’t you guys toss a thousand dollars out the window while driving 70 mph down the highway. Be grateful the seller didn’t send it to scrap for thirty bucks years ago.
The roof can bring a pretty penny. What is that rear diff?
Mopar introduced the 8.25″ rear in full sized low powered cars in 1969-70.
Maybe, if the trailer is included! If given to me it would be fun to tear it down for anything salvageable at all, and try to sell the parts.
Donation to nearest charity!
LOL…low reserve, you say…
I applaud this seller’s sense of humor.
Forward this one to that dude from Graveyard Cars for a reaction
Omg 😱 It’s Christines baby sister Annie! She’s going to come back to life again, just needs another new owner like Arnie! 🫣🍻🥩
Christine would not acknowledge this sibling! Not even close to “as good” as she was BEFORE she started to return to new. “Bad to the bone”. It would have to be different movie.
Doesn’t make me weep. Makes me want to laugh.
In the UK we have a publication called Workshop Warehouse every trim clip every under bonnet (hood) clip various brackets etc etc. I use an agent Bresco run by a man called Howerd very good my scrat around for used when you can buy new. My Legerra project well on its way. Enjoy the autumn . Weekend just gone did open top bus tour of Peak District lovely just like a big tall convertible. Now then ya all drive safely.
RB. The best thing about the car I enjoyed all the sarcastic remarks. I can’t believe anybody would even think of posting this.
Just look at that patina on those fenders and the other parts of this rare beauty. Sure cancer took it’s hold of er but she’s salvageable…. no?
pos!!!!
Gonna fix it up some day.
Even Mark Worman would leave this one buried.
Wow! Bid to over $1000 when I looked and reserve still not met?!? Not sure what the author means by “Low reserve” but that ain’t low enough for this. I think I’ll expand my paper route and save an extra $14000 for the restomod ‘56 Bel Air. Life is short but regardless I couldn’t see wasting any of my time on this
OMG… I wouldn’t even waste a phone call to the crusher!
Why do I have to consistently read these comments from apparently car guys……… The VIN number.
Please it’s VIN jus VIN.
Look it it up, please
Clint, people saying “vin number” to you is like people continuously calling Christine a “Fury” is to me. It bugs me. Car people should know better.
It’s like ATM machine. Everyone does it. It’s not a hill worth dying on.
$1134 and reserve not met
That’s a lot of money for a vin tag
“small reserve” ” $1134, reserve not met”. Somethings not adding up. I guess the vin# plus the trailer might be worth $ 1500.
Gambling or drug addiction aren’t cheap habits.
Wow. All that and it’s lime green too. Plus a two barrel. Wow. So for the $60k it would take to make this shelf solid and this one a runner, you’d end up with a $40k vehicle? Not sure I get it.
I’m not sticking my hands up & under that dash. Back story. 20 odd years ago I was stripping the disc front end from a HT Holden. I’d gone back to get more tools and watched as a 5 ‘ carpet snake (a python, not venomous) uncoiled itself and came out of a stamped hole in the engine bay. Not 12″ from where I’d been working.
To ice the cake, instead of vanishing into the 40 odd acres of dairy farm the damn serpent turned left into the hole where the heater would have been. That hole leads under the dash, where I had planned to be to disconnect the brake booster.
I left early, came back a week later with my mad mate Dave who is unfazed by such things. The car was serpent free by then.
$2250, reserve met, and 1 day left in the auction. Crazy! I gotta hand it to the owner. I never would have predicted it would go this high. The bumpers, roof, steering wheel, quarter windows, and things like the headlight buckets, brackets, etc. are salvageable. The driver’s door looks tweaked. The passenger’s door has rust-through in the rear corner. The trunk lid is bent on the driver’s corner and is rusted through on the passenger’s side. The dash pad has several cracks. Maybe we should all start pulling corroded hulks from junkyards.
$2250 is certainly believable, no? Brother-in-law bought it? Wink wink.
MoparMike is correct in that there are parts on that pile that will return the money spent, and sometimes its not about the money but the part that someone needs badly.
Like the roof, someone that had a tree fall on their car will pay a G just for that, the rear window and sail panel.