1970 Dodge Challenger Emerges After 30 Years With Rare R/T SE Package Combo

[ad_1]

A brand-new automotive for the 1970 mannequin yr, the first-generation Dodge Challenger moved practically 77,000 items in its first yr available on the market. Gross sales dropped under 30,000 examples per yr by way of 1974, leaving 1970 as its best-selling yr.
These figures create an attention-grabbing state of affairs. On one hand, the 1970 Challenger is arguably the commonest iteration of the sequence. However, it is also probably the most fascinating because of its design and powertrain choices.

1970 was certainly one of solely two mannequin years when the Challenger was obtainable with Chrysler’s magical big-block V8 trio. I am speaking concerning the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB in four-barrel and Six Pack configurations and the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI.

In contrast to the inline-six and the small-block V8 items, these giant displacement mills have been restricted to the R/T mannequin. Quick for “Street and Monitor,” the R/T was a performance-oriented bundle that added a beefier suspension, heavy-duty brakes, a Rallye instrument cluster, and a alternative of three stripe choices. The engine lineup additionally included the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8 along with the 440 and 426 HEMI.

The R/T bundle was fairly standard on the time, discovering its approach on practically 1 / 4 of the Dodge Challengers offered in 1970. Particularly, the corporate delivered 18,512 vehicles.

However the R/T wasn’t the one bundle obtainable. Dodge additionally supplied the Particular Version (SE) choice. Geared toward consumers searching for a extra premium providing, the SE bundle got here with leather-based and vinyl bucket seats, a woodgrain steering wheel, distinctive pedals, and switch sign indicators mounted on the hood. Dodge offered 9,976 Challengers geared up with this bundle.

And this is the attention-grabbing factor: Dodge allowed clients to bundle each packages collectively. The ensuing R/T SE is the final word 1970 Challenger as a result of it blends high-performance options with luxurious (for the period) appointments. The R/T SE can be uncommon as a result of solely 3,753 consumers wrote checks for each choices. The derelict Mopar you see right here is a kind of vehicles.

Just lately taken out of long-term storage in Wichita, Kansas, this hardtop spent at the least 30 years in hiding. It has been sitting for about 25 years with the present proprietor and “at the least the prior 5 years” beneath earlier possession. However regardless of being stationary since at the least the early 1990s, this Challenger remains to be very strong. And that is primarily as a result of it was parked inside all this time.

Certain, the Burnt Orange paint has seen higher days, and there is a little bit of rust right here and there, however this Mopar is in nice form for a car parked for over three many years. The inside does not look half dangerous both, apart from the lacking entrance seats (the ground does not want a serious overhaul).

It isn’t all excellent news, although. The trunk pan has been lower out because of extreme rust, whereas the unique engine block is gone, having been changed by a 1971 unit. The gas tank, the gas door, and the carburetor are additionally lacking.

On the flip aspect, the automotive nonetheless retains a lot of the authentic drivetrain parts, together with the automated gearbox, and comes with an extended record of NOS elements. All advised, it is a strong candidate for restoration. One which might be value six figures upon completion.

This Challenger left the manufacturing unit with a 383-cubic-inch V8, which makes it one of the frequent R/T SE vehicles. That is as a result of 2,522 of the three,753 items constructed received the entry-level big-block mill. Of those, 2,076 have been geared up with the three-speed automated gearbox.

It isn’t the rarest R/T SE on the market, however it’s positively scarcer than the 383 R/T, offered in additional than 9,000 examples. Talking of gross sales, this Challenger is up for public sale as we converse, and bidding is at $22,000 with six days to go. The Mopar has a “purchase it now” sticker of $28,500. Would you reserve it?

[ad_2]

Leave a comment