Restored 1 of 34 Challenger R/T Convertible 440 4 Speed

Dodge fans, have you started to think that we've forgotten about you? Lots of 'Cudas coming in, but not so many Challengers, which is odd, because they built about 50% more Challengers than Barracudas in 1970 (76,935 Challengers vs. 50,617 Barracudas). I don't know what current survival rates are, but judging from our inventory and sales trends, I'd guess that a lot more Challengers have gone to the big junkyard in the sky than 'Cudas, making the survivors that much more special. And special doesn't even begin to cover it when it is a documented, numbers-matching, 38,642 actual mile, 1-of-34, Vitamin C orange, 440/4-speed Challenger R/T convertible like this one. If there's a nicer one than this award-winning ragtop, I'd like to see it because this one has a trunk full of trophies to back up its quality claims. And it is a real-deal 440 R/T convertible with a 4-speed, according to the fender tag:

JS27: Dodge Challenger Special, R/T Convertible
U0B: 440 375HP 1-4BBL 8 CYL1970 Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
E86: 440 cid 4 barrel V8 (High Performance) 375hp
D21: 4 Speed Manual TransmissionBK2: Go Mango / Vitamin C Exterior Color
H6XW: Trim - High, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black/White000: Full Door Panels
C07: Build Date: December 07
V3X: Black Convertible Top
A01: Light Package
A33: Track Pak w/3.54 ratio
A62: Rallye Instrument Cluster Package
C55: Bucket Seats
G31: OS RH Manual Standard Mirror
J25: 3 Speed Wipers
N41: Dual Exhaust
N42: Chrome Exhaust Tips
N85: Tachometer
P37: Power Convertible Top
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
V21: Performance Hood Treatment
V6X: Longitudinal Stripes, Black
Y05: Build to USA Specs
26: 26in Radiator
EN1: End of Sales Codes

As a 100% original sheet-metal, 38k actual mile car, a cosmetic restoration was performed in 2006. The goal of the restoration was to bring the car back to "as-new or better" cosmetic condition, while leaving as much of the car original as possible. The paint and body look incredible, with a radiant finish and spectacular panels from end to end. It's impossible to hide shoddy workmanship on these cars that R/T stripe that follows the contours of the body along the sides of the car will instantly reveal a badly aligned door or a wavy quarter panel. Fortunately, the guys who worked on this car knew what they were doing, because this show-winner is exact in every way. Sharp corners, crisp bodylines, excellent alignment, and a beautiful finish, this is the kind of car you roll out of your trailer at the nationals and everyone stops to watch it go past. I mean, just look at the corners of the trunk lid a lot of restorers lose that perfect angle when they install new quarters and use a lot of filler to hide their work. Yes, I know its way nicer than it was originally, but that's what you get when you spend a pile of money repainting a car and, honestly, it's expected at the highest levels. And yes, all the body sheet-metal is original Mopar steel with no replacement panels, suggesting that this Challenger led a very easy life prior to its resurrection.

Powering this Vitamin C beast is the original, numbers-matching 440 cubic inch V8 topped by a correct Six-Pack induction system. Yes, this was originally a 4-barrel car, but the Six-Pack setup is so cool, don't you think? The engine was rebuilt to factory specs in 2006, and has been driven less than 1000 miles since then. Highly detailed, with all that Hemi Orange and Vitamin C paint, it's a feast for the eyes. Correct hoses, clamps, and wiring have been used throughout, with all the correct markings and decals reproduced in original form. There's a big red cap battery up front, just like on December 7, 1969 when this car rolled off the assembly line. The original exhaust manifolds are in excellent condition and were left raw for authenticity's sake, and look very good today. Best of all, it runs as well as it looks, firing off with a turn of the key and pulling like a freight train when all six barrels are snapped open, accompanied by the most wonderful intake howl and exhaust note you've heard in years. It will be very, very difficult not to drive this car if you're the kind of guy who prefers to keep his show cars safe and secure.

The engine is backed by the original, numbers-matching 4-speed manual transmission feeding the Track-Pak specified Dana 60 with 3.54 gears. New bearings were installed in the rear when the car was restored, but for the most part, the chassis was left alone since it's in such excellent original condition. It's a hard choice that restorers often have to make is it too nice to restore or is the rest of the car too nice not to? I'm always happy when they choose originality over restored perfection, and to me, that only adds to this cars appeal. So yes, it's original under there, but no, it's not over-detailed and over-polished like the beautiful body would lead you to expect, and I like it just fine that way. Of course, everything is fully functional, from the brakes to the suspension, and the exhaust has a healthy rumble to it that lets you know this isn't a small block car. And if you ever have any doubts as to the solidity of the body on this Challenger, look no further than the floors, which are in excellent condition inside and out. Wheels are correct 15-inch Rallyes wearing reproduction F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires.

Inside you'll be welcomed by a black and white bucket seat interior, just the right combination to keep this car from reminding you of a pumpkin. The white seats feature new covers and fresh foam underneath, and with barely 1000 miles since they were installed, they still need to be broken-in properly. Fresh white door panels are an excellent contrast to the new black carpets and dash. The Rallye Gauge package is fully functional, and the mileage shown is believed to be original; THAT's why this car is so clean underneath. The wood-grain steering wheel matches the pistol-grip shifter, and the original Music Master AM radio is still in the dash and still fully functional. Overhead, there's a fresh black top as originally specified, and it hides under a new white top boot when it's down. The trunk features a correct mat, space saver spare, inflator bottle, and jack assembly.

Documentation includes a copy of the original Chrysler Corporation Broadcast Sheet, owner's manual, accessory guide and tire warning stickers. This car has also won its share of trophies and awards, including 1st Place E-body (2007 Mopars at the Strip), Mopar Pick: 2007 Good Guys, Colorado National Event, and 1st Place Dodge E-body, 2007 Colorado Mopar Show. So if you're a Dodge fan and have been waiting for a spectacular E-body to make its appearance, here's your chance. If this one doesn't get your heart racing, you're probably dead, because a numbers-matching, documented, 440/4-speed R/T convertible is the kind of car that doesn't come along every day.

Complete with a build sheet, its credentials are in order, and the restorer was careful to preserve the parts that were in good condition, and then restored everything else to show-stopping standards. This is a car you'll be proud to show at the highest levels, and one that is not so nice that you're afraid to drive it. Its rarity makes it a great investment, but it's also a great car that is fully sorted and ready to drive and enjoy. Cars like this Challenger have been speeding out of our facility this year at a record pace and we believe this one will continue the trend. This is a true investment grade Mopar! Call today!