The original Dodge Challenger was only around for five years. But it made enough of an impact to be one of the most sought-after (and highest-priced) pony cars in collectors’ circles 50 years later. The seller has this project car from the nameplate’s first year (1970) and it needs a lot of work, especially as it pertains to the roof. We’re told it’s numbers-matching and the 383 cubic inch V8 has been reworked and ready for reassembly. Located in Valrico, Florida, this piece of unfinished business is available here on eBay where no one has cast the first bid of $4,000 (not to mention meeting the reserve).

To help sort out the Dodge, it would be helpful if the seller had included the VIN or a photo of the cowl tag. But neither of these are here. But the inscription on the inside of the door panel suggests it’s a Special Edition (SE) model which would have had a smaller, more formal rear window. The roof is a mess on this car, and it looks as though the standard rear window has been grafted where the original was. Out of nearly 77,000 Challengers built in 1970, less than 6,000 were SE models with a V8 engine.

The 383 cubic inch V8 in this Challenger has come back from the machine shop, having completed their assignment of boring it 0.40 over. But some of the pieces may be MIA and the car’s automatic transmission has also taken flight. Besides the rough roof, there’s a big rectangular hole in the middle of the hood suggesting that Ram Air induction is/was on the drawing board. There are extra parts that come with the deal that may/or may not make up for what we see/don’t see. For example, have any interior pieces besides the steering wheel survived?

Challengers are desirable automobiles and certain versions can run into six figures to buy. But restoring a rough example can run into an expensive undertaking, too, so if you decide to restore this Challenger you should understand the upside (and the work and cost of getting there).