Dodge was a force to be reckoned with in the early 1970s, with a lineup of high-performance icons like the Charger, Coronet, Dart Swinger, and Super Bee. However, they were missing a crucial piece: a pony car to rival the Mustang and Camaro. Enter the Challenger, a purpose-built machine designed to take on the best of the breed.
By 1970, the American automotive world was dominated by high-horsepower muscle cars like the Mustang Boss 429, Camaro ZL1, Firebird Trans Am, and AMC Javelin. While the Barracuda was a capable performer, it lacked the firepower of Mopar’s legendary 426 Hemi engine.
Initially, the Hemi wasn’t considered for the Barracuda due to its late development. To make up for lost time, Chrysler doubled down and created a dedicated platform, the E-body, for both the redesigned Barracuda and the all-new Challenger. Though visually similar, the two cars were distinct and shared no interchangeable parts.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi convertible, a rare breed of muscle car, is a coveted collectible. With only nine examples ever produced, these cars are highly sought-after by enthusiasts. One such car, a restored 1970 Challenger R/T Hemi convertible, is currently on the market with an asking price of $125,000.
While this particular car isn’t an original, it has been meticulously restored to resemble a genuine Hemi convertible.
It boasts a powerful 425-horsepower Hemi engine, a four-speed manual transmission with a Pistol Grip shifter, and a Dana 60 rear axle. Despite not being an original, this car is a stunning example of automotive restoration and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic muscle cars.
