Challenger RT/SE 440 Magnum V8 Torqueflite 3 Speed Automatic Survivor

Description

SUMMARY

34,999-mile survivor
1 of 733 1970 Challenger R/T SE hardtops fitted with a 440/3-speed drivetrain / 1 of 50 believed to still exist
Original 440 cubic inch Magnum V8
Original A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission
Mostly original body / Mostly original Sublime paint
Sale includes a Galen Govier Visual Inspection and Galen's Registry paperwork
Factory power steering / Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
Correct Black interior
Chrysler 8.75-inch rear axle
15-inch Chrysler Rallye wheels

There's no question that survivor metal is commanding more and more respect. Nearly every major car club has a survivor category, and the prices of credible survivors continue to climb. That's an understandable trend, considering anyone can restore a car but the factory only bolts it together once. This 34,999-mile Dodge is a mostly-original survivor in the best of ways. Not only is it an ultra-clean, unrestored example of one of the coolest pony cars to ever leave Detroit, it's 1 of only 733 1970 Challenger R/T SE hardtops fitted with Chrysler's legendary 440/3-speed drivetrain. A highly authentic, numbers-matching car that's packed with many desirable options, it's 1 of 50 440/3-speed Challenger R/T SE hardtops listed in Galen's Registry. And, whether you're looking for a unique MoPar to bolster your collection or just want a fun cruiser to enjoy on sunny summer weekends, it's your documented ticket to a glorious, octane-fueled past!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Wearing lines that originated on Chrysler designer Carl Cameron's famous Charger Turbine Concept, this classic makes a distinct styling statement from virtually every angle. Born in Los Angeles, California, the car has been exceptionally maintained by fastidious owners for close to 46 years. Its mostly original sheetmetal, a characteristical profile that's been supplemented with a new passenger's fender, reflects vivid Sublime single-stage that easily glorifies Chrysler's Hi Impact Pigment marketing. A black hood stripe, white side stripes and a tight vinyl roof highlight original brightwork. And, as far as we can tell, this coupe has never been fully disassembled, with the aforementioned owners choosing to wear the car's weathering as a badge of honor.

ENGINE

Lift this Dodge's broad hood and you'll find an original, 440 cubic inch RB V8 that follows a correct 2536480 casting number and October 27th of 1969 casting date with a matching partial VIN. More popular than Chrysler's famed Hemi, Dodge's stalwart 440 Magnum was designed to be the industry's best combination of comfort, streetability and big block performance. Oxygen whips from a dressed and decaled air cleaner to a big Carter carburetor, which rides on a factory-spec intake. At the front of that intake, a familiar points distributor sequences spark between an Echlin voltage regulator and pliable Mopar Suppression Cables. At the sides of those cables, Hemi Orange valve covers perfectly contrast old school exhaust manifolds. Cooling comes courtesy of a Chrysler-branded radiator, which rides in front of Mopar-branded hoses and simple squeeze clamps. And a stalwart MoPar red cap kicks everything in to motion. Aesthetically, the bright engine bay presents as expected, from its correct markings and Hi Impact fenders all the way to its old school fluid reservoir and Satin Black brake booster. And details like factory air conditioning are present and accounted for.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

By 1970, most street racers knew that an automatic transmission wasn't necessarily a performance handicap. And today, these proven gearboxes consistently pull down numbers that are just as fast, or faster, than the best row-it-yourself strip warriors. Behind this Challenger's big V8 you'll find an original A727 TorqueFlite that hangs a matching partial VIN opposite a correct assembly stamp. Naturally, that high performance drivetrain feeds a proven 8.75-inch rear end. That rear end rolls on a factory-spec suspension that's fitted with lucid power steering. Exhaust travels through fresh, 2.5-inch pipes that employ factory replacement mufflers and rear-mounted resonators. Power-assisted disc and drum brakes provide the kind of quick and reliable stops that perfectly counter traditional, 15-inch Rallye wheels and requisite F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs. And items like a new fuel tank and fresh shocks keep the car safe and road-ready.

INTERIOR

Grab a seat in this awesome Challenger and you'll find a correct Black interior that's detailed with tasteful wood accents and bright stainless trim. The first thing you'll notice is the car's high quality bucket seats, which feature comfortable pleats on top of straight frames and firm foam. The second thing you'll notice is fade-free carpet, which is protected by cool "Challenger R/T" branded floor mats. And the third thing you'll notice is a correct console, which wraps a short slap stick shifter in what seems like a mile of wood applique. At the sides of the car, full door panels hang chrome handles and cool lock tabs in front of factory power windows. At the front of the car, stylish wood applique frames clean instrumentation and a correct Chrysler Solid State 8-track player. In front of the driver, a Rim Blow steering wheel mixes good form with great function. At the back of the car, a roomy trunk sandwiches a correct jack and space saver spare between a vintage decal and correct mat. And desirable factory options, like a rear speaker, a rear defroster and 3-speed windshield wipers, are sprinkled throughout.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

A Galen Govier Visual Inspection (conducted in 2012)
Galen's Registry paperwork
A small trophy

While this Dodge might not be the rarest MoPar ever produced, time has greatly increased its exclusivity. This has to be one of the lowest-mileage first generation Challengers in existence. Don't miss your chance to own some super cool, mostly original MoPar muscle!