1970 Dodge Challenger

1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible In 1970, the Chrysler E-body got a lot of attention thanks to the restyled Plymouth 'Cuda and the brand new Dodge Challenger. As was typical back then, there were tons of options to choose from which could take either car from cushy cruiser to dragstrip bruiser. In the case of the Challenger, you could go with the 145hp 225ci slant six base model, the performance R/T, (which stood for Road and Track), and the one year only 340ci powered Challenger T/A. Motortrend, March 2024   For consignment, a 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible showing 34,652 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This one retains its numbers matching drivetrain and is one of just 2,921 Challenger convertibles built in 1970. It was restored between 2012 and 2014 which included an engine rebuild and interior refurbish. Exterior It's hard to know where to start on this fantastic design, but the front seems like the logical place. Here quad headlights reside in a cove formed by the trim lined hood, fenders, and the underscored reflection of the chrome bumper. A twin opening shaker hood scoop rises from the center of the hood as one of the great muscle designs of the century, here is silver to contrast with the Bright Blue Metallic paint that coats the rest of the car with the exception of the white tail stripe and of course, the white canvas top which was replaced during the restoration. With the top down, the straightness of the shoulder line becomes apparent, with subtle rise at the rear quarter panel. A straight light bar in back includes the center reverse lens, followed by the chrome bumper that hugs the back. 15-inch Mopar Rally wheels carry staggered size tires and imperfections are few, limited to a few bubbles in the paint.  Interior Blue formed plastic door panels were part of the redo and present cleanly here with woodgrain inserts that add a touch of 70's luxury to the muscle car vibe. Reupholstered seats include tuck and roll blue vinyl and high integrated headrests on the front buckets and the stitch pattern is mirrored on the rear 2+2's. Three spokes connect the black textured rim of the Tuff Wheel steering wheel which leads to the clean instrument cluster of a large speedometer followed by three cylindrical gauges and a fourth empty circle above the AM/FM radio. In the driver focused center console is the legendary pistol grip shifter in wood, based in a woodgrain panel over blue, a fantastic combination that is in great shape. Light blue loop carpet covers the floor while the trunk wears a vinyl mat and houses a fifth Mopar wheel for spare.  Drivetrain Under the hood scoop is an immaculate 318ci V8, the numbers matching motor which was rebuilt and bored .030 over, now with 10 to 1 compression and a 340 roller cam. It's topped by a 600cfm AVS 4-barrel carburetor and backed by the numbers matching A833 4-speed manual transmission. Power finds its mark at the 8 ¾ inch rear with 3.73 gears and momentum is slowed with the use of power disc brakes in front, power drums in the rear. Headers are clean and visible and guide spent petrol to the underside.   Undercarriage Clean conditions prevail underneath with minimal surface rust reserved for untreated metals, some residual oil on the pans and rear differential, and plenty of spider webs indicating some garage time. The dual exhaust comes from the headers and runs through FlowMaster mufflers before terminating rather discreetly behind the rear bumper. Torsion bar suspension occupies the front and leaf springs are in back. Drive-Ability A short lap around our test loop proves fruitful. The trusty rebuilt 318 and its 230+ horsepower deliver spirited acceleration and the 60 series tires help the car grip well, track straight, and stop on demand. We tested all functional items on this convertible, and it got an A+ from us as everything worked as it should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of ou