1970 Challenger A66

[dartgoes]

Interested in opinions on this one. I see a couple of things that stand out, but not much:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1970-dodge-challenger-oceanside-ny-2875124

 

[6PKRTSE]

Beautiful car regardless of any smaller issues.

 

[floyd]

very cool combo.

 

[DetMatt1]

Agreed, that looks to be a very nice car with a killer color combo!

 

[dartgoes]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Any experts see any cause for concern? Here's what nags at me:

- Only 23k original miles and a repaint needed? And 25k on the repaint??
- A66 was wheel molding delete with no option to add, so would the aftermarket wheel moldings be hiding anything?
- New carb - is this a big deal?
- Minor nit, but why the added non-Mopar pinstripe on the upper body? ugh

 

[6PKRTSE]

Interested in opinions on this one. I see a couple of things that stand out, but not much:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1970-dodge-challenger-oceanside-ny-2875124

Thanks for the feedback so far. Any experts see any cause for concern? Here's what nags at me:

- Only 23k original miles and a repaint needed? And 25k on the repaint??
- A66 was wheel molding delete with no option to add, so would the aftermarket wheel moldings be hiding anything?
- New carb - is this a big deal?
- Minor nit, but why the added non-Mopar pinstripe on the upper body? ugh

Anything can happen and be changed in over 50+ years. Who knows what has been added from new or not in some cases. Even dealerships added or swapped parts from other cars on the lot if it helped make a sale.
However, that is a ton of money and for that kind of money the car should be perfect in my opinion. I for one could never pay that much for a car.

 

[MoparCarGuy]

JH23H0B403630

 

[JDMopar]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Any experts see any cause for concern? Here's what nags at me:

- Only 23k original miles and a repaint needed? And 25k on the repaint??
- A66 was wheel molding delete with no option to add, so would the aftermarket wheel moldings be hiding anything?
- New carb - is this a big deal?
- Minor nit, but why the added non-Mopar pinstripe on the upper body? ugh

Except for the last 6 of the VIN and the colors, that A66 is pretty much identical to mine. you're correct on wheel opening molding not available on A66 Challengers. I've still got the NOS wheel opening trim I bought in 1979, right after I bought my A66. I was going to install it when I had it painted, but learned it would be a wrong move before doing it. I think the seller meant they installed new return springs on the carb and kickdown, instead of actually a new carb. I think the price might be a little high....either that or I'm a little behind on current values.

 

[dartgoes]

Except for the last 6 of the VIN and the colors, that A66 is pretty much identical to mine. you're correct on wheel opening molding not available on A66 Challengers. I've still got the NOS wheel opening trim I bought in 1979, right after I bought my A66. I was going to install it when I had it painted, but learned it would be a wrong move before doing it. I think the seller meant they installed new return springs on the carb and kickdown, instead of actually a new carb. I think the price might be a little high....either that or I'm a little behind on current values.

All very helpful, thanks. So were your wheel openings already drilled for molding, or no? Wondering if I could just remove it on this one, or would the exposed drill holes be an issue? Everything else looks correct to you in terms of being stock compared to your A66?

 

[floyd]

I would guess the holes will be less obvious on a black car.

That pinstripe looks like the style used on 71 Challengers.

 

[TWS]

Not the original fender tag. Several options added (rim blow, 8-track, power brakes, wheels, hood emblems).

 

[WATE71]

saw this post and had to comment. as presented it's a nice car, would be fun to drive around very nicely presented. this is a restored car probably had 123k miles. as far as matching low mile, don't think so. look at the number on the block, yeah that's not original been stamped there. fender tag is not original, reproduction, totally perfect not ever bent, etc. R11 isn't am 8 trak radio setup, just am radio. if it was ordered with 8 trak it always had 3 speaker dash or 5 speaker set up. nobody ever took out am radio and put in 8 trak. people ordered am radio and then added an aftermarket 8 trak underneath. strip delete code V98?? never seen that V98 code in an e body. broadcast sheet, yes, it's also perfect. how many of you have perfect broadcast sheets without a tear here or there, a small hole, etc. perfect white interior ?? in the 90's I searched the country for those and they didn't exist. only comment by seller on body is "gorgeous body" well wouldn't a 23K mile car have mainly original sheet metal that would be something to brag about. harder to tell that the car's been requartered with wheel well moldings added. car's got a decent restoration for sure but not low original mile car. people drove the hell out of those 340 cars it was fun!!

 

[JDMopar]

All very helpful, thanks. So were your wheel openings already drilled for molding, or no? Wondering if I could just remove it on this one, or would the exposed drill holes be an issue? Everything else looks correct to you in terms of being stock compared to your A66?

No, my wheel openings are not drilled for the WOM's. I do have nice fenders to replace the rusty originals, and one has been drilled for WOM's. I will weld the holes up during the restoration. If you buy that car, I would just leave the WOM's on it since they are there. They won't make it any less valuable than the holes being there. It has had some liberties taken, as far as stuff added to it that it never came with....but the car is 55 years old. I can't tell if it has the 974 radiator in it or not. Parts like that got replaced over the years, when they were just cars. I recently found a nice 974 radiator and had it re-cored with bigger rows when I do the resto.

 

[dartgoes]

Thanks again to everyone for all the informative replies. I'm still on the fence on this one. But agree that it generally feels like too many things don't align with the claim of originality. And with only 3 "meticulous" owners, why aren't there any old photos or documentation on past work?

Lastly, some other guys are calling the trim tag into question saying it's a potential repro as well, since it's so perfect with no dents, bends, etc.

It's a great looking car and seems to drive very well based on the vid. Really torn on this one...appreciate any other thoughts.

 

[TWS]

More than three owners. Tag not original.

 

[Xcudame]

It all comes down to, does the car "do it for you" (meaning you love it and would love driving it) and is the price reasonable to your budget! Guaranteed as times go by, these cars get more valuable regardless if it's 100% perfect.

 

[Matt M]

Here is my take.
I have looked at the car a few times, it looks great and I love the car.
I am not sure if the tag is bad or not, looks pretty clean for an original. There are guys who would know though.
I would never buy a car with a fake tag or sheet, you really do not know what you are buying.
For the ask on this one the car should be pretty much perfect with no issues/questions.
I think for the $ you could find a better car.

I really like A66 cars and should have kept the black one I had. (I know everyone has that story)
Automatic, original paint survivor.

 

[MoparCarGuy]

The car appears to be well worth the asking price. Unfortunately, it has "issues" which draw unnecessary scrutiny.
That engine stamping is definitely questionable.

 

[TWS]

Wow

 

[MoparCarGuy]

Original engine stampings of Year, Plant, and Serial Number look like this for 340 engines. No flat-topped "3's".
Double-taps are common as the die-holding fixture can bounce when struck. Top photo is of a similar style die stamp fixture to what Chrysler used.
The stamping can also be fainter at the the top, bottom, right, or left if the fixture is not held perfectly straight when struck.
You can see how individual letters/numbers could also be misaligned if the long cotter pin holding them in place becomes slightly bent.