The second-generation Dodge Charger is easily one of the best-looking American muscle cars from that era, if not any era. It had this rugged, nonapologetic design that withstood the test of time like a champ. I mean, who wouldn’t want ‘The General Lee’ resting in their garage nowadays?
Styling-wise, I’m partial to the 1969 model year Charger, because in 1970, Dodge decided to go with a grille that was no longer divided in the middle, while the taillight panel look a bit different (at least on 500 and R/T specs). On a positive note, the carmaker did install new electric headlight doors in place of the old vacuum style ones, while also adding new “high impact” colors to the range, such as Top Banana and Panther Pink.
Inside, you got new high-back bucket seats, revised door panels, a bottom-hinged glove box, and new pistol grip shifter, while the ignition was moved from the dashboard to the steering column as per all new Chrysler products during that time.
Now, what you’re looking at here is a 1970 Dodge Charger 500, up for grabs to the highest bidder with several convenience and performance-enhancing modifications under its belt.
Originally, this used to be Dark Burnt Orange but was repainted black (with white tail stripes) during its refurbishment process, which lasted three years and was completed in 2015, according to the ad.
Other visual cues include the exterior chrome trim (window surrounds, wheel wells, rocker-panel trim, driver-side mirror, flip-top fuel filler, sail-panel emblems, exhaust tips, bumpers), hood-mounted turn signals, the concealed quad headlights (Vintage Car LED headlights), plus a set of chrome-finished 15” Magnum 500-style wheels with 215/70 front and 275/60 rear BFGoodrich Radial T/A rubber. This vehicle also features KYB shocks front and rear, to go with the Hydratech power front disc brakes.
It’s a little reminiscent of Stuntman Mike’s Charger from Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof movie, even though that particular car was a 1969 R/T spec model.
As for the interior, that’s where you’ll find the three-spoke steering wheel, a push-button starter, and black vinyl seats with color-coordinated dash and door panels.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
Let’s talk about what’s going on under the hood, because this car now features a fascinating powertrain setup. Originally, this left the factory equipped with a 383 ci V8 unit, the four-barrel carburetor one – meaning it had 330 horsepower on tap.
Well, that engine is gone now and in its place is a 440 ci V8 that’s been fitted with a Holley Sniper fuel injection system, custom air filter, an aluminum radiator, dual electric fans and Mopar Performance finned aluminum valve covers. We’re not exactly sure how much power is being put down, but everything gets sent to the rear wheels via a console-shifted A727 Torqueflite automatic gearbox with a DynoTech driveshaft.
As far as I’m concerned, that four-barrel 383 ci V8 was and is still a great engine, but the 440 ci did have more torque from the get-go. There’s little doubt in my mind that this here is one seriously fast Charger.
Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration. Full profile
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