Triple-Black 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Wasn't Born This Way, Begs To Be Driven
Unveiled in 1970, the Dodge Challenger moved nearly 77,000 units in its first year on the market. That's a respectable figure for a muscle car that arrived toward the end of the golden era. And despite being a common sight, it's among the most desirable Mopars more than 50 years later.
Not surprisingly, the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI version is the most sought-after. It's decidedly rare, with only 356 units built, and commands six-figure sums at public auctions. The 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Pack variant, produced in 2,035 examples, isn't exactly affordable either. But if you're not hooked on these high-power mills, you can still score a decent R/T at a price that won't break the bank. Like this triple-black hardtop you see here.
Hailing from Modesto, California, this 1970 Challenger is a fully-fledged R/T model. However, it's one of the more common iterations of the high-performance variant, having been born with a 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8 under the hood.
Dodge produced 12,281 examples, including convertible and Special Edition models. If we eliminate the drop-top and the SE, this Challenger is one of 9,067 R/Ts made. If we also factor in the automatic transmission, we're looking at one of 6,347 rigs. It's far from rare, but not very common either.
The triple-black color combo is arguably the most enticing feature of this Mopar. Not only does it add to the mean appearance of Challenger, but it's also somewhat uncommon. However, it's important to note this hardtop wasn't born this way. According to the fender tag, the Challenger was originally painted FF4 Light Green Metallic, while the interior was F8 green.
The owner doesn't try to hide it and explains that the Challenger was repainted by a previous owner. The car was also restored in 1998, but it's unclear if that's when the color was changed. Either way, the paint looks solid except for some bubbling on the rocker panels and under the vinyl top. The interior, on the other hand, looks brand-new.
The 383 V8 could use a good cleaning but runs like it should. It's also the second feature that prevents this Challenger from being an all-original car. While period-correct, the big-block V8 is not numbers-matching.
While I usually favor factory looks and internals, I think this Challenger should roam the streets as is. It's a solid driver with a few good years in front of it without restoration, and it looks meaner than the average Challenger in this color combo.
If it's something you'd drive to the local Mopar meeting, the auction has reached $30,300 from 18 bids with about 27 hours left. The reserve hasn't been met. How much do you think it's worth, and tell me if you'd restore it to its original specs or keep it as is.
Not surprisingly, the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI version is the most sought-after. It's decidedly rare, with only 356 units built, and commands six-figure sums at public auctions. The 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Pack variant, produced in 2,035 examples, isn't exactly affordable either. But if you're not hooked on these high-power mills, you can still score a decent R/T at a price that won't break the bank. Like this triple-black hardtop you see here.
Hailing from Modesto, California, this 1970 Challenger is a fully-fledged R/T model. However, it's one of the more common iterations of the high-performance variant, having been born with a 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8 under the hood.
Dodge produced 12,281 examples, including convertible and Special Edition models. If we eliminate the drop-top and the SE, this Challenger is one of 9,067 R/Ts made. If we also factor in the automatic transmission, we're looking at one of 6,347 rigs. It's far from rare, but not very common either.
The triple-black color combo is arguably the most enticing feature of this Mopar. Not only does it add to the mean appearance of Challenger, but it's also somewhat uncommon. However, it's important to note this hardtop wasn't born this way. According to the fender tag, the Challenger was originally painted FF4 Light Green Metallic, while the interior was F8 green.
The owner doesn't try to hide it and explains that the Challenger was repainted by a previous owner. The car was also restored in 1998, but it's unclear if that's when the color was changed. Either way, the paint looks solid except for some bubbling on the rocker panels and under the vinyl top. The interior, on the other hand, looks brand-new.
The 383 V8 could use a good cleaning but runs like it should. It's also the second feature that prevents this Challenger from being an all-original car. While period-correct, the big-block V8 is not numbers-matching.
While I usually favor factory looks and internals, I think this Challenger should roam the streets as is. It's a solid driver with a few good years in front of it without restoration, and it looks meaner than the average Challenger in this color combo.
If it's something you'd drive to the local Mopar meeting, the auction has reached $30,300 from 18 bids with about 27 hours left. The reserve hasn't been met. How much do you think it's worth, and tell me if you'd restore it to its original specs or keep it as is.