1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible Found in Storage Deserves Second Chance at Life

It’s no wonder collectors are currently investing so much money in these vehicles. Not only are they acquiring a piece of American automotive history, but also a reminder of a time when human beings were attempting to tame the road, and not the other way around.

In other words, the passage of time has only increased the allure of cars such as the original E-body Challenger, which stood shoulder to shoulder with the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda in the fight against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Pontiac Firebird. Chrysler intended for the Challenger to eclipse all rivals, and while it never managed to attain total segment superiority, it still did a great job numbers-wise.

When these first came out, buyers could choose between the regular Challenger and the R/T specification, in either a 2-door hardtop or convertible body style.

What we have here is an R/T Convertible car, from that original 1970 model year. It’s currently up for grabs to the highest bidder, after spending a significant amount of time in storage under previous ownership. It was originally registered in California, and that’s where it spent most of its life too.

Anyway, this car features a Bring Red factory finish, although the driver-side door had to be repainted in 2022, while a replacement white convertible top was installed in anticipation of the sale. Other exterior highlights include the dual hood scoops, hood pins, front mud guards, quad exhaust outlets, and the 14-inch Rallye-style wheels with 215/70 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires. This thing also comes with power steering and power-assisted front discs.

On the flip side, the rear bumper is misaligned, the driver-side mirror cap is pitted, and the left-side rear quarter window doesn’t seal with the convertible top. This Challenger clearly needs more work done.

Meanwhile, inside is where you’ll find the black vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench, to go with the color-coordinated dashboard, door panels, and carpeting. There are also woodgrain accents around the gauge cluster and center console, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, plus power windows, a pistol-grip shifter, and a push-button AM/FM radio. The air conditioning system unfortunately doesn’t work.

As for what’s going on underneath the hood, that’s where you’ll find the 383 ci Magnum V8 power unit, now featuring a replacement carburetor, new fuel tank, fuel filter, and fuel lines. Whatever power it’s still making, it all goes to the rear wheels with the help of a four-speed manual gearbox. If this engine was still new, it would have produced 335 horsepower.