1970 Dodge Challenger 383 R/T Tribute

Description

Dodge’s first-generation Challenger debuted in 1970 as Mopar’s answer to the pony car craze, combining aggressive styling with a wide range of performance options. The R/T model was the high-performance version of Dodge’s new pony car, featuring a 383 Magnum V8 as standard, along with heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust, and front disc brakes. Exterior highlights included R/T badging, a performance hood with dual scoops, and optional bumblebee stripes. Inside, it offered bucket seats, woodgrain trim, and a Rallye instrument cluster.

This 1970 Dodge Challenger is a factory 383 car that has been modified as an R/T tribute, featuring many of the visual hallmarks of the original performance model. The seller states it retains a factory 383 engine and automatic transmission, both of which have been rebuilt. The engine was reportedly rebuilt to OEM specifications with the addition of a mild performance camshaft and a 780 CFM Slayer Series carburetor. The transmission received a new stall converter, valve body, and accumulator kit during its rebuild.

Finished in factory “Plum Crazy” purple over a black vinyl interior, this Challenger blends originality with performance-focused upgrades and is located in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Highlights 

• Powered by a factory 383ci V8 with a mild camshaft and upgraded 780 CFM Slayer Series carburetor 

• Rebuilt automatic transmission with stall converter, valve body, and accumulator kit 

• Finished in factory Plum Crazy purple over black vinyl interior with wood veneer trim 

• The chassis number (JH23L0E136616) decodes as:

  • J – Dodge Challenger 

  • H – High price class 

  • 23 – 2-door hardtop 

  • L – 383 CID V8, 1x4 barrel carburetor 

  • 0 – 1970 model year 

  • E – Los Angeles, CA assembly plant 

  • 136616 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Staggered 15” Cragar S/S Series 61C wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires 

  • P215/65R15 front 

  • P235/65R15 rear 

• Wilwood front disc brake kit (drum rear brakes) 

• Black vinyl interior with bucket seats 

• Factory dashboard with factory clock 

• Boar Grain black vinyl roof 

• Dual exhaust system 

• Added R/T model equipment: 

  • Performance hood with blackout decal 

  • Rallye instrument cluster 

  • Two-piece front chin spoiler 

  • “Bumblebee” stripe kit 

  • Go-Wing rear spoiler 

  • R/T grille badge 

  • R/T rear badge 

Known Imperfections 

• Odometer upper digits intermittently skip 

• Some paint chips behind front wheels 

• Dashboard cloc inoperable 

• Scratches on rear window 

Included 

• Four (4) factory Rallye wheels 

• Volo Museum documentation

• Matching Crager Spare wheel 

• Powertrain rebuild notes 

• Two sets of keys 

• Service manual 

Ownership History

The current South Carolina-based owner reports that the car has been maintained with care, focusing on mechanical reliability while preserving its factory drivetrain and color. According to the seller and the supporting notes attached, the engine and transmission were rebuilt by Chesterfield Engines Inc located in New Baltimore, Michigan, in 2015.

The seller shares, “The car was sold new in California. The original owner sold the car to the Volo Museum in Illinois sometime around 2001. I purchased the vehicle from the previous owner who purchased the car direct from the Volo Museum. I purchased it in June of 2022—the previous owner installed the Wilwood brakes and redid the suspension; they basically rebuilt the whole front end of the car. It drives beautifully! It’s a real head-turner. It starts good, it runs good, and it is just a really great driver.”