A neglected 1970 Dodge Charger 500 emerges from storage with an unexpected engine swap and mismatched components.
A long-forgotten 1970 Dodge Charger 500 has reemerged from years of storage, revealing a puzzling mix of components that strays far from its factory specifications. Discovered by Mopars5150, a group known for rescuing classic Mopars, this particular Charger tells a story of stalled restoration plans, mismatched parts, and a questionable color change.
Originally painted in the rare Dark Burnt Orange, this Charger 500 is one of just 27,765 built in 1970. Unlike the high-performance 1969 Charger 500, which featured aerodynamic upgrades and big-block exclusivity, the 1970 model served as a mid-tier trim with added comfort features. It came standard with a 318-cubic-inch V8, though buyers could opt for a 383-cubic-inch big block, as was the case with this example. However, the factory-installed two-barrel 383 is long gone, replaced by a 400-cubic-inch V8 from the 1970s—a lower-compression engine that produced between 170 and 260 horsepower.
Beyond the engine swap, the Charger exhibits a patchwork of parts. The hood, mismatched in color, hints at its donor origins, while the body wears an unoriginal and poorly applied matte black paint job, a stark contrast to its factory hue. Inside, however, the Dark Burnt Orange interior remains intact, adding to the car’s rarity.
The previous owner had intended to restore the Charger but only managed an engine replacement and some upholstery work before the project stalled. Left in pieces for years, the car was eventually reassembled just enough to be sold. Given its current state, this Charger 500 is unlikely to receive a full restoration. Instead, it may serve as a donor for other Mopar projects—an unfortunate yet better fate than being left to rot in a junkyard.
While its rarity could have made it a standout restoration candidate, the Charger’s mismatched history leaves it in a gray area between preservation and parts donor. Whether it gets a second chance at glory or simply helps other classic Dodges live on, its rediscovery serves as a reminder of the unpredictable journeys these muscle cars take.
