Dodge was late getting into the pony car game – more than five years behind its Plymouth cousin, the Barracuda. Performance versions of the Challenger were popular early on, but the car also got into the market as the demand for muscle cars was peaking. This 1970 Challenger is said to be the more desirable R/T model which – with a 383 V-8 and automatic transmission – was only eight percent of total production in its first of five years on the market. The seller’s car is a project not for the faint of heart because it has a ton of rust to overcome as part of a total restoration. It’s located in La Valle, Wisconsin and available here on eBay were the bidding is up to $4,950 and the reserve is somewhere north of that.

The original Dodge Challenger was built for five years in the 1970s and the name disappeared until 1978 when it returned on a Japanese car imported by Mitsubishi for Dodge. In 2008, Dodge did a reboot of the Challenger that’s still in production as an off shoot of the current Charger. The 1970 Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda had virtually nothing in common with the original ’64 Barracuda that started the ball rolling. The first Challengers would be known for their performance, as well as a variety of wild colors, graphics, and pistol-grip shifters. The Challenger R/T (for Road/Track) came standard with the 383 Magnum V-8 engine that put out 335 hp with dual exhaust. The gearing was taut, and it came with the Rallye suspension, performance hood with twin scoops and engine callouts, black grille surround, longitudinal or a bumblebee stripes, and a four-pod Rallye instrument cluster. Thanks to Classic Car History for a Challenger run-down.

Finished in what is most likely Green Glo, the seller’s Challenger is a major project from head to toe. While it doesn’t appear to be bent up, there is some serious rust to be dealt with. The driver’s side rear quarter has its fair share, and the floorboards are like those in Fred Flintstone’s car, especially in the rear. There are a few photos from underneath and things don’t improve much there. The black interior will need a complete makeover in terms of the seats, carpets, and dashboard.

We’re told the car has a matching numbers engine and transmission, but the motor at least is not in the car and appears to be missing quite a few parts. The car is said to have 109,000 miles on it, so we assume it was removed for a rebuild that never happened as the car’s condition further deteriorated. The seller says there is no fender tag and there is some confusion about the title. In one reference, the seller says there is no title, but in another he says there is a title, but in either case it will need bonding. So, bidders should get clarification before proceeding.

This Challenger R/T is one of 6,347 built for 1970. If you check online for similar cars for sale, they all seem to be trending in the high five figures – but those cars are either already restored or nice originals. This car is neither of those things, but it seems worth a shot at coming back from the grave.  What do our readers think this car is worth in its present condition?