autoevolution
 

Rare 1970 Dodge Challenger Desperately Needs a Plum Crazy Purple Paint Job, V8 Runs

While it joined the compact car market right on time with the Dart, Dodge was a bit late to the pony car market and didn't introduce the Challenger until late 1969. But the Challenger entered the market with a bang, selling almost 77,000 units in its first year on the market.
1970 Dodge Challenger SE 14 photos
Photo: florida*usa*wholesale*cars/eBay
1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE1970 Dodge Challenger SE
Come 2022, the 1970 Challenger is an easy-to-find classic overall, but some versions are rare and expensive. With only 356 units sold, the HEMI is arguably the rarest, followed by the 440 six-barrel version, produced in 2,035 examples. Next up, there was the T/A, a homologation special, built in 2,399 units.

But that's not to say that all of the remaining variants are very common. While the numbers remain high when talking about engine options, they become much lower when certain features are taken into account. For instance, while the 383-powered Challenger may seem very common at 12,281 units built, only 2,522 of them came with the Special Edition package.

And we can narrow it down even more. Because while the majority of Challenger SE ponies left the factory with the two-barrel version of the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8, rated at 290 horsepower, only 644 examples had the four-barrel carburetor, which increased output to 330 horses.

Not rare enough for you? Well, the Challenger SE you're looking at is even rarer than that, simply because it was originally finished in Plum Crazy. How many cars were painted in this High Impact color, you ask? Chrysler didn't keep specific records, but since it offered quite a few hues in 1970, we're probably looking at fewer than 50 examples.

But it's not just the low production output that makes this Challenger SE stand out. It's also a numbers-matching classic that still relies on its original 383-cubic-inch V8 and the 727 automatic gearbox. And even though it looks like it just came out of a barn, this Mopar still runs and drives.

Make no mistake, it's still a project car that needs a lot of work to turn heads, but the fact that it still runs and drives makes it easier and more affordable to restore. On top of that, it still includes most of its original components and comes with "a ton of spare parts."

The seller doesn't provide info on the car's past, but he does say that he purchased it in this condition to restore. He didn't get to work on it, and now the warehouse he's keeping it in is being sold, so the Mopar has to go (alongside seven other classic cars).

If you're in the market for a rare and nice project car, this Challenger SE is being auctioned off by eBay seller "florida*usa*wholesale*cars." There is no reserve, and bidding has reached $18,600 with four days to go as of this writing. For reference, 1970 Challengers are valued from $21,000 in Fair condition to $61,000 in Concours-ready shape.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Ciprian Florea
Ciprian Florea profile photo

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

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories