1970 Challenger Convertible 440 Magnum Red Beauty with White Interior

1970 Dodge Challenger 440 clone
This Challenger is in great condition, but not too nice to drive. If you want to really enjoy cruising around in a big block Mopar droptop, keep reading. If you want a numbers-matching, perfect condition car to trailer around and rub with a diaper, look elsewhere. This Challenger looks great from a few feet away, turns heads, and rumbles like a true muscle car. Mechanically it runs great, have not had any troubles on the road, is great at local shows, and launches on your right foot’s command.
Key details are:
Originally a standard convertible in Top Banana FY1 exterior, with white interior H6XW, 318V8, A/C car.
VIN on dash: JH27G0B138847
Stamping on radiator support: JH27G0B138847
Stamping on cowl: JH27G0B138847
Drivers door decal: JH27G0B138847, build date 9-69
Fender tag:
26 EN1
G33 H51M31 P37 R11Y05
V3W A04A63 B51 C16C55
FY1 H6XW000 923 054382
E44 D31JH27 G0B 138847
Current odometer: ~38000 (assume this is 138k based on past owner documentation)
Restored: Main work was done in ~1998, when it was painted in Bright Red FE5 and upgraded to the R/T look with Go-Wing, longitudinal striping, and painted hood black out, 15” Magnum Road wheels, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires (P235/60R15 98S up front and wider P255/60R15 102S in the rear.
Paint/body. Paint looks great from a few feet away but yes there are minor imperfections, small crack on the trunk corner, a few bubbles or chips in the lower rear quarters.Overall is very nice driver quality.All chrome, trim, and stainless are decent, though not necessarily perfect. There is a crack in the front windshield (I have a brand new windshield that comes with the car).
Underhood. Original 318 has been replaced with a great running 440 with 1973 casting date.Professionally built in 2002 with cylinders bored, new pistons, rings, Isky racing cam (2 or 3 over stock 440 cam), valve springs, hardened exhaust valve seats. Mostly stock appearance under the hood, with electronic voltage regulator and orange box electronic ignition. Has Holley model 3310-3 carb and Edelbrock Performer RPM intake. Has 26” radiator and standard fan with shroud; never have had any overheating issues, even on hot summer days in Dream Cruise traffic. It’s an original A/C car, but there are no A/C components under the hood. The 727automatic transmission was fresh in 2002 with the motor install including shift kit with new springs. Today the trans has no problems other than an occasional drip.Estimate of mileage on the motor is less than 20,000 miles.
Suspension/Brakes/Underneath. Torsion bars are 2 over standard size hemi bars. Front and rear sway bars. Power steering, power brakes (front disc, rear drum). Rear axle is 8¾ with 3:55 gear ratio. Exhaust pipes are in good shape, mufflers brand new 2018. All mechanicals are in good shape. In 2013 was upgraded with Firm Feel Stage II power steering box, fast ratio pitman arm,and tubular control arms, so ti handles much better than the stock 1970 suspension.
Interior. All panels in good shape, no chalky feel, seats comfy with no tears, no cracks in dash, no rear speaker cut outs. Single speaker dash with AM/FM radio from Antique Automobile (stock looking Mopar radio, but has digital tuning and Ipod input). Added front kickpanel speakers this last summer for more volume with the top down, but used aftermarket kickpanels so I could keep the original uncut ones too. This is an original A/C car, as the vents in the dash and the H51 on the fender tag show.Has all the underdash ductwork, but there are no A/C parts under the hood and the blower is disconnected. Instrument gauges work, has aftermarket oil pressure and temperature gauges below the dash for more accurate readings. Has rim-blow steering wheel. Like new carpeting and mats. Fender tag says white top, but has a black one now. It’s a power top and goes up / down perfectly, rear window is glass, top is in like-new condition.
Overall this is a terrific Challenger to drive and enjoy, gets a wave and a thumbs up everywhere it goes.
Thanks for looking. Have many more photos and history info on Dropbox. Message me for a link.