1970 Challenger value?

[Dart_440]

I recently had a 1970 challenger land in my lap. I haven't bought it yet but I am considering it. I have never owned an E-body and don't follow them much. Please give me your thoughts on value.

It started out as a /6 base model car. Somewhere in the late 80's someone repainted hemi orange, added a vinyl top and most of the r/t options. It's more or less a RT/SE clone. They swapped out the /6 for a 340 with J heads, 727 and 8 3/4.

The car is still pretty solid. Great floors and trunk no holes or major rust. There are a couple of rust spots throughout the car, one on the door, one fender and one quarter. The quarters and inner wheel wells are solid The only bad rust is at the below the back window under the vinyl top trim. The paint looks nice from 10 feet but has some chips and spider cracking. It is very straight with little to no door dings.

Someone cut out the original front inner fenders and bolted in chrome ones.. They did a nice job removing the original inner fenders but the bolting was an issue. The spot welds at the firewall are pulling away on both sides. New inner fenders will need to be installed and the connection at the firewall repaired.

Car hasn't moved in 20 years but it 100% complete. Interior is filthy buy VERY nice. There is no fender tag, he has the build sheet but can't find it at the moment.

That's about all I know at this point in time. I guess I am curious what your thoughts are on value?

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[challenger6pak]

It's a project. I would say $5,000- $8,000. Maybe $10,000 if it runs. It has a lot and needs a lot. Why do you say SE? Is the VIN JH23 or JH29?

 

[moparleo]

I can see the small SE rear window in one of the pictures but it also looks like it had a sunroof installed. Does it ?

 

[Dart_440]

I can see the small SE rear window in one of the pictures but it also looks like it had a sunroof installed. Does it ?

That is where I get confused. The original is a JH23 but he tells me when he bought it he received a letter from the state saying he had to have it inspected. The State of Illinois inspected it and put a new vin tag on the door jam. This vin is different it is a JH29. The strange part is the reassigned vin is matches the car more than the original vin. It has the small window and SE badges, its a v8 car now. The original vin is for a /6.

I wish I had the build sheet or fender tag to help deceiver what happened.

I trust the story he is a close friend of the family. He is just unsure why they had to give it a new vin.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[moparleo]

It is interesting that now you tell us the rest of the story. It would not be possible to properly appraise the value of any car that has a questionable past and no build sheets. The value of this car is only what a person who is not interested in a numbers matching car and just wants a nice driver. challenger6pak is about right on its current value.

 

[DetMatt1]

I hate when they're all tangled in mystery but if you're looking for a car to keep for yourself and don't mind it's mysterious past then make an offer. What are the numbers stamped on the body? One on the upper yoke of the radiator core support and one on top of the cowl near the drivers windshield wiper mount.

 

[challenger6pak]

The VIN tag is for a 6 cyl Challenger. It looks like non original dash rivets. Do as Matt said and check to see if the body numbers match the VIN tag.

 

[70chall440]

based on the provided information and pictures, this looks like a typical 70's - 80's hotrod; someone started with a 6 cyl car and made it into a SB RT (very common practice). If you are only concerned with value, it is worth whatever someone will pay; someone said 5-8K, I'd say that would be high depending on how well the car is put together. It looks nice and has most of the right parts (steering wheel is wrong) and assuming it is rusted out, it could be a 5-8K car to the right buyer. if it is really nice, it might be worth even more. all in all, it looks to be a nice car, clean it up, fix any little issues and enjoy it or sell it to someone who will.