Price check (Not looking to buy yet)

[someone972]

I would like to do a challenger restoration in a few years, where I hope to accumulate around $5000. I would ideally like to have a 1970/1971 Challenger R/T with a 318, but the engine size doesn't matter much as I can trade it. I've seen a few excellent project cars for under $5000, but are these very common? I would be doing all the work myself in order to minimize cost. I would also like a car that has most if not all the pieces, not necessarily in good condition, but restorable. Would I be able to get a car that's not completely rusted out? What should I expect for $5000?

Also, first time on the forum  . Looking forward to sticking around for a while.

[Cooter]

Well, waiting a few years is good and bad..kinda like a catch 22 if you will. By the time you wait until you have the money, this economy BS should be over with and E-Body prices may go back to the upper end...Right NOW you will find a few NICE cars for sale way under $5000.00 that are decent, but in a few years, who know's?

I have a '72 that is in pretty good shape for $3500.00..About 8 years ago, this thing woulda sold like hot cakes, but today, it just isn't happening...

[_Russ_]

I agree with Cooter - do everything you can (beg, borrow or steal) to get the money so you can buy now!

I don't think prices could get any better. It's at a point that I think some sellers will just pull them and keep them stored for a few more years rather than sell them now. 5 years ago, owning a bone stock 318 '70 in average condition was probably out of reach, now I'm in the market for a nice solid '70 383 R/T driver. With the exception of the most meticulously restored, highly optioned & desired specimens, prices have pretty much halved in the last few years.

It's either now or never!


Just to note, the R/T wasn't available with a 318 - only the 383, 440 & 426.

[challengermaniac]

Did you check out the 70 Challenger RT in the Free Section below?

[twist]

I agree with Russ on this. I tried to sell my R/T SE last month and only got a lot of low ball offers for it. I'll keep it a while and see if things turn around.

[_Russ_]

I agree with Russ on this. I tried to sell my R/T SE last month and only got a lot of low ball offers for it. I'll keep it a while and see if things turn around.

If you don't mind, what price were you asking? and what were they offering?

[someone972]

Ya, I figured now would be the best time, but the way stuff works out I'm just not able to get the money for a while. Not to sound like a jerk or anything, but hopefully the car market stays low in prices for a while.

[Super Blue 72]

Not an R/T but it does have a 318, although locked up.  (Technically, no R/T's came with 318s.)  For $1500 it's a really good starting point.  It's missing some parts so you'll have to take that into consideration.  It all adds up quickly unfortunately.  You might be better off saving a little more $$ and getting a more complete car.  I got my car in decent shape in 2003 for $4,000.  Now a decent running '72-'74 car can be found for about $8,000-15,000 depending on engine/condition/etc... 70/71 cars will run you more.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/1716400013.html

1970 Dodge Challenger 2Dr H.T 318V8 2bbl Automatic Trans, column shift, Mileage on Speedo - ? 54,023, Copper in color, 2-Stock rally rims, front/Rear Drum Brakes, Car seems to be all original door tag matches VIN# plate on dash board. Motor locked up not running. NEED TOTAL RESTORATION ROLLING CHASSIS CAR USE AS PARTS CAR OR RESTORE, NO TITLE BILL OF SALE ONLY CHECK WITH YOUR STATE LAWS. Has original bucket seats, no back seat, has Transmission, Single Exhaust, and has rear end, Door panels good. Floors rotted, Trunk, No windshield, No back window, and Door glass good, Side glass good. Comes with misc parts. Missing grill, Front bumper, Headlights, sheet metal body panels in good shape. NEED RESTORATION, DECENT PROJECT CAR HARD TO FIND CHALLENGERS TODAY. Located 1200 Montello St Rte28 Brockton Ma 02301 or call (508) 586-1180 Business hrs M-F 8am-5:30pm Sat 8am-5pm LYNCH`S AUTO-CYCLE-TRUCK CENTER