This 1970 Dodge Charger 440 R/T may not have retained its original drivetrain, but it's a promising restoration project nonetheless
It wasn’t in The Dukes of Hazzard. It’s not the same model year as Bullitt, nor is it modified like Dom’s Fast and Furious Big Block V8. But this barn find 1970 Dodge Charger is still worthy of restoration, even if it's not factory standard.
Originally a triple black 440 R/T, installed with 4-speed automatic transmission and a Dana 60 rear axle, the Charger now appears dilapidated and inoperative. Extracted from a barn by the current vendor three years ago, there is little information offered to determine its tenure indoors.
In those three years, the vehicle has barely been touched. Besides inspecting the barn find and cleaning everything down, it’s presented on eBay pretty much as it was found. The classified advert price? $18,500. You can view the Dodge here.
Under the hood lurks a non-numbers matching 440, lifted from a 1971 model; good for 390-horsepower when maintained properly. However, this engine hasn’t turned in some time and will undoubtedly require a strip-down rebuild.
The seller remains skeptical over the originality of the gearbox – dated January 1970 – and it’s not clear which drivetrain options this particular Dodge rolled out the factory with. Yet, these aren’t aspects to grow anxious about. Engine transplants on these Chargers were more than common back in the day.
The dashboard and door tag VINs match, implying that the remainder of the Dodge hasn’t been molested. You’ll still have your work cut out though, as the trunk floor has practically rusted through and the lower quarters have been attacked by corrosion. Luckily, the structure seems to have escaped damage or oxidization.
As you would imagine, the muscle car’s paintwork will require more than a simple polish. There are huge swathes of primer and undercoat surfacing between faded fragments of black paint. Unless you prefer a patina approach, a complete respray is your only option here.
The interior is largely missing, with carpets having been dredged up some years ago. The dashboard binnacle and subsequent dials are absent, as is the passenger seat. Parts-wise, what you see is what you get – including the driveshaft, currently residing in the cabin.
Boiled down, if you have the time and resources in which to lavish this disheveled Dodge Charger with the necessary TLC, this is a prime restoration project. Even with a transplant engine, in healthy condition these models are worth ungodly sums of money – especially with barn find provenance.
The project is sold as is, and the seller welcomes inspections with appointment. You can view the advert here.
