This 1970 Dodge Challenger represents the pinnacle of classic American muscle car engineering, blending vintage aesthetics with high-performance modern upgrades. Originally powered by a 318ci V8, this Challenger has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment and now boasts a monstrous Ray Barton Racing Engines 540ci Hemi V8. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission and a host of performance enhancements, this coupe offers a visceral driving experience designed for true enthusiasts.
Classic Exterior with Bold Modifications
The Challenger’s exterior shines with a fresh coat of orange paint, applied during its refurbishment. The bold color is complemented by a black vinyl roof, black tail stripes, and an aggressive quad-tip exhaust. R/T badging and halo-style headlights complete the look, while a black tail panel and flip-up fuel cap add authentic muscle car flair. Chrome trim around the grille shows some wear, as noted by the seller, but the overall presentation is unmistakably classic.
Enhanced Performance from the Ground Up
Rallye-style 15-inch wheels, wrapped in G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires at the front and 275/50 Mickey Thompson GT Street S/S rubber at the rear, provide solid grip and vintage styling. Underneath, this Challenger has been significantly upgraded with a QA1 tubular K-member, Hotchkis suspension components, and a Flaming River quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering. Rear traction is enhanced with Calvert Racing CalTracs bars and Hotchkis shocks, ensuring that all 735 horsepower can be efficiently delivered to the pavement. The braking system is modernized with power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, cross-drilled and slotted rotors, ensuring ample stopping power.
Revitalized Interior with Modern Comforts
Inside, the Challenger’s cabin has been retrimmed with orange vinyl upholstery on the bucket seats, rear bench, and door panels. The woodgrain trim accents and center console maintain the classic 1970s feel, while the Hurst pistol-grip shifter adds to the car’s muscle car pedigree. Additional interior features include a Sony CD head unit, a woodgrain-rimmed steering wheel, and a full set of gauges to monitor speed, rpm, fuel, temperature, and oil pressure.
Race-Bred 540ci Hemi V8 Performance
Under the hood lies the heart of this beast—a Ray Barton Racing Engines 540ci Hemi V8. Rebuilt in August 2024, the engine benefits from ported cylinder heads, Diamond Racing pistons, and a balanced crankshaft. The dual Edelbrock AVS2 four-barrel carburetors ensure maximum airflow, while the MSD ignition and Moroso oil pan further boost reliability and performance. This powerplant churns out a staggering 735 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque, measured during an October 2024 dynamometer test.
Power Delivery and Transmission Setup
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an A833 four-speed manual transmission, linked to a QA1 carbon-fiber driveshaft, a Moser 60 rear end, and a Detroit Truetrac differential with 4.10:1 gearing. The drivetrain also includes a Tilton Engineering clutch and a TTi dual exhaust system with electronic cutouts, allowing the driver to control the exhaust note with the push of a button.
Summary
This 1970 Dodge Challenger is a unique blend of vintage muscle car charm and modern high-performance engineering. With its rebuilt 540ci Hemi V8, upgraded suspension, and revitalized interior, this Challenger is a powerful and stylish representation of American muscle. Offered with service records, refurbishment photos, and a clean Florida title, this modernized classic is ready for its next chapter.
Specifications:
- Engine: Ray Barton Racing Engines 540ci Hemi V8
- Transmission: A833 four-speed manual
- Horsepower: 735 hp at 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 670 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm
- Suspension: QA1 and Hotchkis components
- Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel disc with cross-drilled rotors
- Exhaust: TTi dual exhaust with electronic cutouts
- Wheels: Rallye-style 15″ with Goodyear and Mickey Thompson tires
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
