Launched alongside the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda in 1969, the Dodge Challenger was a brand-new player on the muscle car market for the 1970 model year. At the time, Dodge didn't know the segment was about to collapse due to strict emission regulations and an emerging oil crisis.
But even though it was available with high-performance engines for only a couple of years, the Challenger made a name for itself as one of the coolest rigs from the muscle car era. Some 50 years later, the original Challenger is a highly desirable classic.
What makes it sought after? Well, much like the Barracuda, it combines a series of attractive features. The list includes a sporty design, high-compression big-block V8 engines, and attention-grabbing colors from the iconic High-Impact color palette. It's also a rare vehicle in certain configurations.
Dodge sold nearly 77,000 Challengers in 1970, but only a few thousand units got the desirable 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB and 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI powerplants. Dodge sold 356 HEMI cars and 2,035 examples equipped with the 440 Six-Pack. Finally, only 3,840 units left the factory with the four-barrel 440.
The Challenger R/T you see here is not one of those super rare and expensive HEMI models, but it's still a desirable R/T with the 375-horsepower 440 V8. And it's a pretty scarce muscle car thanks to its Panther Pink exterior. How so? Well, Panther Pink was a short-lived color back in the available.
Available for a few months as a spring color in 1970, Panther Pink wasn't a popular color choice at the time. Accurate statistics aren't available, but Mopar experts agree that less than 0.5% of the Challengers delivered in 1970 were finished in this hue. That's about 380 units, regardless of body style and drivetrain layout.
The four-barrel 440/automatic configuration makes this Challenger one of 1,886 R/Ts. If we also factor in the paint, we're looking at less than ten examples built like this. Granted, simple math isn't the best way to obtain accurate numbers, but you won't see too many pink R/Ts out here.
What's more, this Mopar also rocks a white interior, which makes for a desirable combination today. And in addition to being a true-blue Panther Pink car, as shown on the existing broadcast sheets, the hardtop still relies on its numbers-matching 448 V8.
The vehicle was recently spotted sitting pretty at Kissimmee 2024, where it went under the hammer for $125,000 with a "big does on" status. Coincidentally, it wasn't the only pink 1970 Challenger R/T displayed at the event. The second car, however, doesn't have an original 440 V8. As a result, it crossed the block for only $62,700.
If you're into Panther Pink/Moulin Rouge Mopars (like I am), you'll definitely enjoy this one. So go ahead and hit the play button below for a full walkaround.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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