Revving Up the Excitement: 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible with a Mighty 426 Hemi V8 and 4-Speed Transmission
Imagine cruising down the open road in a timeless classic, feeling the wind in your hair and the power of a roaring engine beneath you. That’s exactly the experience that the 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible promises. This beauty, resplendent in purple, has a lot more to offer than just its vibrant color. Let’s take a closer look.
The Aesthetics:
A captivating purple paint job, lovingly applied during a prior restoration, transforms this Challenger into a head-turner. The power-operated black soft top adds an element of classic charm, perfectly complemented by a Shaker hood scoop and a rear wing. R/T badging, black R/T side graphics, chrome bumpers, and dual sideview mirrors complete the picture. And of course, the quad exhaust outlets announce its presence with a throaty rumble.
Rolling in Style:
The Challenger sits on Rallye-style 15″ wheels, adorned with chrome trim rings, and wrapped in G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT white-letter tires. But this car isn’t just about looks; it’s got performance in mind too. With a lowered suspension and power-assisted steering, it handles the road with ease. Power-assisted front disc brakes ensure you can stop confidently. Recent maintenance in November 2022 saw the brake drums turned and the wheel cylinders and brake shoes replaced, keeping everything in top shape.
Step Inside:
Open the door and slide into the cabin, where you’ll find front bucket seats and a rear bench upholstered in black vinyl. The interior exudes an air of classic authenticity with faux woodgrain trim. But there’s a modern touch with a Hurst pistol-grip shifter and an aftermarket push-button AM/FM radio. The woodgrain-rimmed steering wheel frames a collection of gauges, including a 150-mph speedometer, tachometer, multifunction gauge, and electric clock. Additional Stewart-Warner gauges for water temperature, battery voltage, and oil pressure are mounted below the dashboard. While the odometer shows 44,000 miles, only about 700 of those have been added during the current owner’s stewardship.
The Heart of the Beast:
Under the hood, you’ll discover the powerhouse that makes this Challenger truly special. A 426ci Hemi V8, installed during a previous restoration, commands respect. The four-barrel carburetor, wrinkle-black valve covers, and the striking orange accents on the block, intake manifold, and cylinder heads are visually arresting. Recent maintenance included a new thermostat, battery, and fuel filter, along with a coolant system flush and an oil change.
The Drive:
The Challenger’s power is channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a robust Dana 60 rear axle. The dual exhaust system equipped with Flowmaster mufflers not only ensures performance but also a symphony of engine notes.
In Conclusion:
This 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible has been lovingly restored, preserving its classic charm while enhancing its performance. It’s a piece of automotive history ready to take you on a journey back in time, or down the open road of your choice. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of American nostalgia waiting for someone to make new memories with.
So, what’s your take on this classic beauty? Do you have any classic car stories to share? Feel free to drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!
