One-Owner 1970 Dodge Challenger

Description

Intended to be “the most potent pony car ever,” the Dodge Challenger emerged in the fall of 1969 joining the newly formed muscle car segment now swarming the nation with thrilling offerings. Looking to capture the younger generations, the 1970 Challenger offered a 110-inch wheelbase with a well-appointed and spacious interior that was priced slightly above the similar Plymouth Barracuda. Despite the generous size of the Challenger, aggressive exterior styling including a long hood, short decklid, and low-slung stance provided a sporty appearance. With a variety of engine and trim options, customers could also customize their Challenger with plentiful color options which included a selection of “high impact” colorways. Despite these efforts from Dodge, the Challenger experienced declining sales after the launch, and with new emission standards imminent, the Challenger was discontinued in 1974 after just four years.

Highlights

• Purchased new by the consignor in April of 1970 with only 12 miles on the odometer after being custom ordered through Skyline Dodge in Denver, Colorado

• The consignor’s very first new car, now offered after 53 years of ownership

• A complete frame-off restoration performed by Wheels of Time LLC in Englewood, Colorado beginning in 1998 as reported by the consignor

• Unrestored interior aside from the front bucket seats being rebuilt on the original frames in 2015

• Finished in a factory correct High Impact Sublime (FJ5) exterior with a Full Vinyl Roof in Black (V1X)

• Powered by a 318 cu-in V8 engine rebuilt by the consignor in 2011 with larger pistons and a more aggressive camshaft

• Accompanied by a copy of the original sales invoice from 1970

• Offered with 54,372 miles indicated at the time of cataloging, actual mileage is 154,372

• Features

• Light Package (A01) including ashtray light, glove box light, ignition light with time delay, map and courtesy light, instrument panel flood lamp, and fender-mounted turn signal indicators

• Basic Group (A04) including power steering, left remote control mirror, and a Music Master Radio

• Three-speed automatic transmission (D31)

• Bucket Seats (C55)

• Three-speed Variable Wipers (J25)

• Drip Rail Moldings (M21)

• Console w/ Woodgrain (C16)

• Black Molding (V5X)

• Painted Driver Side Racing Mirror (Left) Remote Adjusting (G34)

• Upgraded JVC head-unit

• Larger capacity radiator

Known Imperfections

• Steering wheel mounted upside down

• Differential fill plug reportedly stripped as per a mechanic at the most recent oil change performed in 2023

• Windshield washer tubing and nozzles are missing, the reservoir is original but cracked

• Cigarette lighter and ashtray lights are inoperable

• Consignor reports that some of the interior light bulbs are burned out and need replacing, but believes the lights to function once replaced

• Chips and scratches are described as follows:

  • Rock chip on the passenger-side rear deck

  • The chrome strips on the trunk lid are original with 53 years of wear and tear

  • A small scratch on the passenger side front fender near the turn signal

  • Rock chip on the driver-side door

  • Large chip on the drive-side rearview mirror

Included

• Copy of the original purchase invoice

• Spare tire

• Aftermarket jack

• Original radio

• Repair and tune up guide

• Budge car cover

Ownership History

Built in Los Angeles on March 31, 1970, this Challenger was delivered new to the consignor in April and has since belonged to him for over half a century. The consignor reports this custom-ordered vehicle was used on rides to work, on dates, pursuing the woman who would become his wife, and even bringing his son home from the hospital. Serving many roles from a family car, the second car, the third car, and even as his son’s high school car and later project car for their auto shop class, it was unfortunately involved in a front-end accident in 1994. While repaired following the accident, it would begin a full restoration in 1998 when it was refinished to factory specifications. Following restoration, maintenance work is said to have included an engine rebuild in 2011 when a new vinyl soft-top was also installed.