Frame Up Restored Challenger R/T 383 Magnum V8 3 Speed

In the gearhead world, some words just don't go together. For instance, even though style is a matter of opinion, “beautiful Edsel” usually isn't thrown around too much. “Classic Honda” definitely isn't a combination you hear too often. And “electric street rod” seems about as natural as “vanilla bean chocolate”. But, in case you couldn't tell, your friends at RK Motors Charlotte enjoy unique phrasing as much as we love unique cars. And that's why we're happy to use the words “affordable Mopar” to describe this fully documented Dodge Challenger. Professionally restored and ready to hit the road, this killer classic wraps an original Magnum V8 and smooth 3-speed transmission in a striking coat of High Impact Pigment. And at only $50K, it's the perfect way for any enthusiast to grab a cool old car and enjoy every aspect of the hobby!

Since our sale includes an original broadcast sheet, there's little doubt about the authenticity of this Challenger's present appearance. Here's a detailed look at how the car rolled down Chrysler's Hamtramck assembly line:

* J: Dodge Challenger
* S: Special
* 23: 2-door hardtop
* N: 383 cubic inch Magnum V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to create 335 horsepower
* 0: 1970 model year
* B: Assembled at Chrysler's Hamtramck facility
* E63: 383 cubic inch, Magnum V8 that's equipped with one 4-barrel carburetor
* D32: Heavy duty A727 Torqueflite automatic transmission
* D53: 3.23 gears
* T87: F70-14 raised white letter tires
* H: High trim grade
* 6: Vinyl bucket seats
* X9: Black interior
* 000: Full door panels
* V01: Monotone exterior paint
* FJ5: Sublime paint
* V1X: Black vinyl top
* V21: Performance hood treatment
* A04: Basic Group
* A62: Rallye Instrument Cluster
* B11: Heavy duty, 11-inch drum brakes
* C16: Center console
* C55: Bucket seats
* C93: Carpet
* F11: 70-amp alternator
* F23: 375 CCA red cap battery
* F96: Oil Pressure and Temperature gauges
* G11: Tinted glass
* G33: Left-hand remote race mirror
* G41: Day/night rearview mirror
* H51: Single air with heater
* J11: Glove box lock
* J15: Cigar lighter
* J21: Electric clock
* J25: 3-speed variable wipers
* J31: Dual horns
* J45: Hood pins that are affixed with lanyards
* J55: Undercoating and hood pad
* J64: Woodgrain instrument panel
* L76: Heater controls lamp
* M21: Drip rail moldings
* M26: Wheel lip moldings
* M83: Rear bumper guards
* N41: Dual exhaust
* N42: Chrome exhaust tips
* N85: Tachometer
* R11: Music Master AM radio
* S13: Rallye Suspension
* S31: Front sway bar
* S77: Power steering
* S81: Simulated wood steering wheel
* W11: Deluxe wheel covers

Spending its entire life in the foothills of South Carolina, this vivid coupe is the beneficiary of a high quality, frame up restoration that began with a super clean body. That said, this isn't 1970 anymore and this Challenger is no longer a run-of-the-mill assembly line creation, so that solid fuselage was thoroughly stripped, lovingly sanded and massaged to a level that's much nicer than showroom condition. With the car's panels correctly aligned, and its intimidating, slab-sided ambiance fully reconstructed, correct Chrysler code FJ5 Sublime was expertly applied under a correct vinyl top and fresh Challenger R/T side stripes. And today, this razor-sharp E-Body sits as an ultra-straight, fully detailed reminder of just how great Detroit truly is!

Wearing lines that originated on Chrysler designer Carl Cameron's famous Charger Turbine Concept, this classic cruiser makes a bold and distinctly Mopar styling statement from virtually every angle. At the front of the car, a 1970-exclusive grille hangs a bold “Challenger R/T” script between four pristine headlights, amber parking lamps and a straight chrome bumper. Behind that grille, a familiar 'sport' hood, complete with small scoops, sporty “383 MAGNUM” emblems and a bold “DODGE” badge, hangs correct lanyards opposite clean glass and bright stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, prominent fender lines, which are complemented by body-matched mirrors and traditional “Challenger” call-outs, ride between dent-free wheel moldings, flush-fit door handles and a stylish 'pit stop' fuel filler. And at the back of those fenders, a stainless-trimmed valence hangs a second “DODGE” badge and body-width tail lights between a second straight bumper, a second “Challenger R/T” script and correct, quad-outlet exhaust tips.

Toss the car's long hood and you'll find an original, 383 cubic inch Magnum V8 that's authenticated by a 2899830 casting number, a July (7) 8th (8), 1969 (69) casting date and a matching 111360 partial VIN. At the top of that 335 horsepower mill, a Magnum-branded, dual-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind into a big, 4-barrel carburetor that's fitted with a bright yellow throttle spring. Below that carburetor, familiar Hemi Orange paint coats the outside of the block from its stamped steel valve covers all the way to its dent-free oil pan. At the front of those valve covers, a traditional points distributor shoots fire through fresh Chrysler Corporation Electronic Suppression wires. Spent gases roll through fully restored exhaust manifolds, which roar into throaty, true-dual pipes. And cooling comes courtesy of a correct Chrysler radiator, which circulates a steady flow of water through pliable Mopar hoses and old school squeeze clamps. Aesthetically, the Sublime engine bay is nicely detailed with items like a correct Chrysler Voltage Regulator, rebuilt horns, a correct washer fluid container and correct decals. There's a factory air conditioning system hanging above factory-optioned power steering. And, with a little help from a tagged red cap battery, the great sounding big block springs to life and settles into a rumbling high-performance idle, hot or cold.

By 1970, most street racers knew that an automatic transmission wasn't necessarily a performance handicap. And today, these proven gearboxes consistently pull down numbers that are just as fast, or faster, than the best row-it-yourself cars at the strip. Behind this Challenger's stout B V8 you'll find a correct A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed that shifts smoothly and powers down the road with ease. As with the body of the car, 'clean' is the name of the game where solid floors are nice enough to provide years of carefree driving, but not so nice as to be a point of stress if Mother Nature decides to rain on your 1-car parade. At the front of those floors, a good looking Rallye Suspension has been fitted with factory power steering. At the back of those floors, a familiar 8.75-inch Chrysler rear end utilizes correct 3.23 gears to throw power with authority. At the center of those floors, a 2.5-inch, true-dual exhaust system swirls spent gases into factory replacement mufflers and rear-mounted resonators. And at the corners of those floors, rebuilt drum brakes provide the kind of quick and reliable stops that perfectly counter traditional, 15-inch Rallye wheels and fresh F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs.

Grab a seat in this great looking Challenger and you'll find a nicely restored interior that's detailed with both tasteful wood accents and bright stainless trim. The first thing you'll notice is the car's high quality bucket seats, which feature comfortable pleats on top of straight frames and what feels like new foam. The second thing you'll notice is fade-free carpet, which is protected by cool “Challenger R/T” branded floor mats. And the third thing you'll notice is a correct console, which wraps an indiscreet shifter in what seems like a mile of wood surfacing. At the sides of the car, full door panels hang chrome handles and cool lock tabs between four chrome window cranks. At the front of the car, more fade-free wood frames a correct Rallye instrument cluster, complete with a standard tachometer, a 150 MPH speedometer and a continuous-motion electric clock, above a vintage AM/FM radio. At the back of the car, a fully restored trunk sandwiches a space saver spare tire between a fade-free decal and correct mat. And in front of the driver, a correct, wood-rimmed steering wheel mixes a whole lot of form with a whole lot of function.

As a nod to all our friends who are staunch authenticity buffs, the sale of this clean Chrysler cruiser includes an original owner's manual, the aforementioned broadcast sheet, vintage maintenance receipts, current maintenance receipts and a small assortment of historic documents.

Take a good, long look at the body, drivetrain and interior on this awesome Challenger. There's just no way you could build something like this and not significantly overshoot our $50K asking price. Don't be that guy who calls late and asks: “Is it really sold?” Pick up the phone and call now!