Texas Barn Find: 1970 Dodge Charger
Although it might not possess the cachet of an R/T, this 1970 Charger is a classic worthy of respect. It is an original and unmolested survivor that the previous owner parked in 1988. It recently emerged from hiding in a Texas barn, and the buyer could leave it largely untouched and drive it with pride. People like what they see with this beauty because it has attracted thirty-four bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Groveland, Florida. The action has pushed the price to $29,200 in a No Reserve auction.
The 1970 model year marked the final of production for the Second Generation Charger. The following year would bring a new model with a significantly different appearance, with Dodge abandoning Coke-bottle styling in favor of the Fuselage look. I prefer the appearance of these cars, as I find the following year’s more “bulbous” and not as elegant. The previous owner drove this classic regularly on weekends and the occasional trip to work before storing it in a Texas barn in 1988. It remained hidden until the seller recently chanced upon it, striking a deal to become its second owner. They towed it home to its current location before reviving it. This Charger won’t tick that box for those seeking a spotless classic. Its panels sport a collection of dings and dents, but I would describe the overall presentation as honest. Nothing is hidden, and the imperfections confirm the car was enjoyed as its makers intended. Its Dark Tan Metallic paint is original, with no history of restoration or repairs. It still shines well, making a positive first impression. The Dark Brown vinyl top is shredded, and although replacing it would detract slightly from the car’s survivor status, it would be a wise strategy to prevent rust from developing. The seller indicates slight rust on the hood’s underside, and the supplied photos show heavy surface corrosion on the inside trunk pan. Otherwise, this Dodge is rock solid, with nothing beyond surface corrosion visible on the floors and rails. The trim and glass are acceptable for a survivor, and the damage-probe wheel trims look excellent.
The honest nature of this Charger is evident when we examine its interior. It is another aspect that shows deterioration, but it remains serviceable. Some painted surfaces show wear, the front seatcover has some significant repairs, the carpet is worn, and the dash pad and glove compartment door are cracked. However, the remaining trim and upholstery present well. Although I would probably choose to preserve this Dodge’s exterior if I found it in my workshop, I might spend some cash on its interior to improve its presentation. I wouldn’t go overboard, only replacing what is necessary to lift the appearance. Although it isn’t highly optioned, the factory air conditioning and pushbutton radio would be welcome features for the winning bidder.
The entry-level engine for the 1970 Charger was the 225ci slant-six, but this car’s original owner selected the 318ci V8 that produced 230hp. They wanted an effortless driving experience, equipping the car with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power steering. They probably weren’t worried about a ¼-mile ET of 17.2 seconds but would have reveled in how the Charger could effortlessly consume the miles at highway speeds. The active life of this classic featured lashings of TLC, with the original owner meticulously treating the Dodge to a service every 3,500 miles. When they parked it in 1988, its odometer showed 47,000 genuine miles. The seller revived the vehicle and returned it to a driving state. The brakes are soft, but the engine and transmission are strong. They suggest that some brake work, combined with a thorough inspection and service, should return this survivor to a roadworthy state.
While it might be tempting to treat this 1970 Charger to a total restoration to recapture its lost youth, I won’t be surprised if the winning bidder addresses its minor rust issues, replaces the vinyl top, and hits the road behind the wheel of this survivor. Sure, its panels have accumulated bumps and bruises, but they merely add to its character. Is that the approach you would take, or would a faithful restoration be impossible to resist?
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Comments
I’d replace the vinyl top, PDR the dents and dings where possible, address the rust to stop it from spreading and replace the interior components like seat covers and carpet as well as the broken items. No repaint, no rotisserie and no rebuild. Just help it hold it’s head high because we’d be putting miles on and enjoying the ride.
This car has nothing going for it,blah colors,single exhaust ugly interior the only thing to do is put a stripe on the back,nice wheels and tires,duel exhaust and fix the interior without going under on it
Yeah, I thought they were all supposed to be High Impact colors with 440s or Hemis and R/T packages too. Until I turned off Barrett Jackson.
Clean it up and drive. I would go over the 318; they can be made much more powerful, especially with modern fueling and ignition.
The 318 more powerful ?? That would take a LOT. Several years ago I was looking at early 70s CHALLENGERS. Any I looked at with the 318 and test drove , I was VERY VERY UNIMPRESSED!! Most of them while test driving , I came to a complete stop , then stomped the pedal to the floor and not a single one spun or screeched the tires.Back in the mid 80s , my brother gave me a 72 DODGE DART with a 318 and I was so glad when I got rid of it
Obviously a Mopar hater , and you know nothing about the small block LA engines . a 70 318 put out a decent amount of horsepower stock , a mild cam and a four barrel carb would really wake it up . My 68 Belvedere had a 318 and I think the HP was around 230 , so not bad for a stock motor . Do you think your 307 Malibu was going to terrorize the neighborhood with your burnouts ? a 318 was not meant to be a tire screamer , they used it in just about every Dodge and Plymouth car and truck. I had a 1973 Chevelle with a 350 , and while it had power, it wasnt a tire burner.
As for you Dart comment , your brother gave you a 13 year old car and you were glad to get rid of it – why ? was it tired and worn out because it was a 13 year old entry level car ?
The rear of my 70 Charger didn’t look like this cars does. My tail lights went all the way across the rear of the car…….something I’m not understanding here LOL…….This car looks like a 69 rear to me and a 70 front……grins. My father and I removed my cars original 318 and replaced it with a friends 440 six pack out of his 69 Super Bee….BIG difference!! I ended up selling it because of electrical shorts that we never could find or figure out. I still miss it to this day tho.
Nice Charger, be a good weekend cruiser. The 225 six was a oddball in a Charger, I’ve owned many and have only seen three, all automaticd. They were all in a wrecking yard when I was looking for parts for one of my Chargers. They were side by side and were in good shape. I figured a company had them for salesmen and the six wasn’t powerful enough. I couldn’t buy them whole so I got parts from them until they were scrapped.
Well at least it is a nice color. Has good potential, more so than alot of them that have been messed with.
I hope the winning bidder doesn’t go all “General Lee” on this survivor. That would be a shame.
1970 was a de-contented year for a super
Looking car. With a 6 and a bench seat (neither were available for 66-69) it competed with a Coronet 440 2 door hardtop price-wise in the showroom.
I remember well because I practically begged my Mom to order a Charger Vs her 70 Coronet (which I loved and totaled 7 years later).
Both the Charger and the Coronet (and Plymouth cousins) were all fantastic looking cars!!!
Rust free??? Looks like car sat in water, undercarriage pic, rust through hole under deteriorating battery tray driver inner fender. Texas car with Mississippi registration sticker on license plate? Too much rust for a well cared for 47k car. Light duty 904 Torque Flite transmission. (D31) Passenger floor carpet torn and appears to have been wet. Heater core leak?? Too many red flags for bids to be so high.
They are only original once so I’d only do what needs to be done to the brakes and minimal work to the interior and redo the vinyl top and then just enjoy cruising in it. Not all of us need a car that gives us whiplash when we stomp on the throttle!
I had seen a slant 6 3 on the tree 69 Charger on the Dallas Tx craigslist, several years ago. no radio, but heater/defroster along with dog dish hub caps. No power steering or brakes, ask was around $20K , from time I saw to the time I called seller, it was sold. Maybe 5-10 minutes, CL was slow on the purple reply button.
Check EBay pics carefully! Rust through hole under rusted battery tray, undercarriage, etc. Mississippi registration tag on license plate???? Light duty trans (D31). Good luck buyer!
Not a personal attack just an observation rust through hole inner fender under very rusted battery tray is questionable as is the 88 Mississippi registration tag shown on the license plate in the eBay listing. Current bids 😬
SOLD for $40,100.