A 50-year legacy meets modern craftsmanship with this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE 440, a car that has remained in the same family since 1975. After decades in New Mexico, it returns to the spotlight with a full refurbishment and a renewed dose of Mopar muscle heritage.
Family-Owned from the Start
Purchased new in Albuquerque and kept by one family for five decades, this Challenger R/T SE coupe carries a rich personal story. The original owner sold it in 1975 to the current seller, who later passed it on to his son-in-law in 2022. Between them, they preserved its spirit and mechanical soul through careful upkeep and a detailed restoration.
Refurbishment and Restored Glory
In 2019–2020, the car underwent a comprehensive refurbishment that stripped it to bare metal before a full repaint in factory-correct Plum Crazy Metallic. The vinyl roof and tail stripes were changed from white to black for a sharper contrast, while factory details such as chrome bumpers, R/T graphics, and the SE-specific small rear window were retained. The end result blends authenticity with subtle refinement.
Exterior and Chassis Updates
The restoration included new trim pieces, a replaced rear bumper, and an updated passenger-side quarter panel. Power-assisted front disc brakes, BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires on Rallye 15-inch wheels, and a Borgeson power steering conversion improved drivability. The Super Track Pak option added the Hemi Suspension Handling Package, giving the car road manners worthy of its reputation.
Interior Craftsmanship
Inside, the Challenger’s black leather bucket seats were reupholstered to factory style, complemented by woodgrain trim across the dash and door panels. A Hurst pistol-grip shifter sits in the center console, reinforcing its muscle car identity. Additional SE touches include the signature “overhead consolette” with warning lights and a cabin featuring bright doorsill plates, Rallye gauges, and Special Edition badging. Dynamat insulation, a new headliner, and refinished trunk and door jambs completed the restoration.
440 Cubic Inches of Muscle
Power comes from a replacement 440ci V8, bored .030” over and rebuilt by Budlong Motorsports in 2020. The build features Wiseco forged pistons, a Comp Cams flat-tappet camshaft, and an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold paired with a 650-cfm carburetor. Ceramic-coated TTi headers feed MagnaFlow mufflers, producing a deep, classic exhaust note. The engine breathes through an aluminum radiator, ensuring reliability even under high load.
Transmission and Performance Setup
The 440 sends power through an A833 four-speed manual transmission with a Ram HDX 18-spline clutch. The Dana 60 Sure-Grip differential was re-geared to 3.54:1 for better drivability, replacing the original 4.10:1 setup. Combined with the Super Track Pak components, the result is a car that feels both muscular and manageable, true to the Challenger’s original character.
Attention to Authentic Detail
The car’s fender tag decodes to confirm desirable factory options, including the V21 hood treatment, V9W tail stripes, A34 Super Track Pak, and A62 Rallye instrument cluster. Its FC7 Plum Crazy color and HRX9 high-trim leather interior mark it as one of the more striking combinations offered by Dodge in 1970.
Summary
With its Plum Crazy paint, rebuilt 440ci engine, and documented family history, this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE 440 stands as a tangible link between eras of American performance. It’s a car that tells its story through detail, craftsmanship, and unmistakable V8 thunder, a timeless symbol of Mopar heritage reborn.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
