1970 Challenger 383 R/T

[Cv2065]

Hey everyone!  I am looking at a car here locally in Florida, which is a 1970 Challenger R/T with 383 4-speed. All numbers match on the motor and transmission. The car is rust free on the frame and body. The hood needs to be replaced, as it has some kind of fiberglass scoop on it, and the transmission needs some minor work but the motor runs great. The interior is mint, except for the A/C, that needs to be put back into the car. Paint is lower driver quality, but could use a paint job down the road when the hood is changed out. Car was originally Rally Red with a white RT stripe. Seller wants $18.5K.

What I'm looking for is a ballpark idea of what this car might be worth if brought to a condition #2 driver? Haggerty's says $32,600, with an average value of $24,362. Is this an accurate measure of recent value trends?

Thanks!

[crocha617]

There's one up here in CT that sounds just like that car.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3310823482.html

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Being a real R/T with a 4-speed is a plus. The car doesn't sound bad at all. Unfortunately the market for these cars has taken a dive the last few years, so I think the value would be less than 30K.

[crocha617]

If it's the one in the craigslist ad I listed I think it's priced about right. I'd try to buy it for $15k or so. By the time you paint the car and engine compartment, new wheels & tires, replace all the after market stuff hood, engine accessories, shifter, steering wheel....with the correct parts you'll have low to mid $20's into it and that will be about what it's worth.

[Cv2065]

Thanks guys. To Crocha's and MEK's points, I was thinking about the same thing. Not to mention, the seller is a complete douche bag. Wouldn't give me the fender tag or VIN info because he thought it was secret information....

Either way, I found a 1974 Challenger that is in mint condition, 360 4-speed, all matching numbers w/original build sheet. All sheet metal is original except for one quarter panel that was replaced with a true factory panel. No rust, nice original red paint, all original interior with 48K miles, Magnum 500 wheels, etc.. The dash pad needs to be replaced and the underside needs a mild cleaning, but looks great otherwise. Looking to get it for $17.7K. Seems to be in line with Haggerty's, NADA, and what some are asking for on ebay? From what I've read, having a 4-speed manual with the 360, A/C and Ralleye package all in one car for '74 was a bit rare?

Any thoughts on that one?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Either way, I found a 1974 Challenger that is in mint condition, 360 4-speed, all matching numbers w/original build sheet. All sheet metal is original except for one quarter panel that was replaced with a true factory panel. No rust, nice original red paint, all original interior with 48K miles, Magnum 500 wheels, etc.. The dash pad needs to be replaced and the underside needs a mild cleaning, but looks great otherwise. Looking to get it for $17.7K. Seems to be in line with Haggerty's, NADA, and what some are asking for on ebay? From what I've read, having a 4-speed manual with the 360, A/C and Ralleye package all in one car for '74 was a bit rare?

Any thoughts on that one?

This sounds like a great find, but I'd like to know what your plans would be for either car. Do you want to keep it for years, or are you going to sell it in a few years? The 70 would always attract more potentials buyers being it's a real R/T. While the 74 is rare with it's options, rare wouldn't necessarily mean more desirable in this case.

If you want a car that is ready to go, and plan to hold on to it...I would go with the 74. With those options, it should be fun to drive. It's cheaper too. 

[Cv2065]

Thanks Mike. My original plan was to find a Challenger that I liked, pay it off, ultimately sell it after a couple of years, and gradually move up the ladder to a higher grade version, perhaps ultimately owning a hemi Cuda, or Challenger. At the same time, enjoying a few different cars in the process, and learning a few things.

With respect to prices, I don't have the cash to buy a '70 or '71 in the same condition, and would like to be able to enjoy it after purchase vs. it sitting in a garage somewhere waiting to get some work done. My logic is that at this point of investment, I would rather find a matching numbers/higher optioned car that I can afford, enjoy and drive that is in great shape, vs. paying the same money for say a non matching '70 or '71 that needs work, and may not be able to drive too much at all.

Based on my perspective, does that sound like it makes sense?

[HP2]

70-71 will appreciate at a faster rate than 72-74. So while buying the 74 will get you entry into the E body world with a driver, odds are you will not make a lot of bank on it when it comes time to sell.  Even though it is more rare than most 70-71 cars you will ever look at, it flat out will not command the same value. You probably will make some money on it, but in no way will it allow you to trade real far up the ladder. What it could do is allow you to drive an E body while you search around for a builder 70-71 that is much lower in the price range that you could work on to increase its value. However, you also said pay off in your plan, so if your financing these purchases, you could find yourself upside down in a hurry if you aren't careful.

[Cv2065]

I appreciate the reply HP2. Agreed that the '70/'71 will appreciate faster than the '74, at least in the short run. Regarding financing, I typically pay off a purchase like this in 1-1.5 years at 0 percent, so it shouldn't cost any money to hold the note for a bit. I'm thinking if I make the right purchases, use the car as a virtual piggyback, having fun with it, and then breaking even or better when it comes time to sell, then I'd be able to keep upgrading as I go, without such a large investment all at once. If I finance in 10K increments, my next car might get me into a largely restored '70 383 next time around! I've heard that many times over that buying mostly restored is the most economical in the long run versus restoring one's self, so trying to stick to that path. Does that make sense?

[Challenger6pak]

New listing today in S. FL. 

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/3340631936.html

[Sleepychallenger]

I appreciate the reply HP2. Agreed that the '70/'71 will appreciate faster than the '74, at least in the short run. Regarding financing, I typically pay off a purchase like this in 1-1.5 years at 0 percent, so it shouldn't cost any money to hold the note for a bit. I'm thinking if I make the right purchases, use the car as a virtual piggyback, having fun with it, and then breaking even or better when it comes time to sell, then I'd be able to keep upgrading as I go, without such a large investment all at once. If I finance in 10K increments, my next car might get me into a largely restored '70 383 next time around! I've heard that many times over that buying mostly restored is the most economical in the long run versus restoring one's self, so trying to stick to that path. Does that make sense?

I appreciate the reply HP2. Agreed that the '70/'71 will appreciate faster than the '74, at least in the short run. Regarding financing, I typically pay off a purchase like this in 1-1.5 years at 0 percent, so it shouldn't cost any money to hold the note for a bit. I'm thinking if I make the right purchases, use the car as a virtual piggyback, having fun with it, and then breaking even or better when it comes time to sell, then I'd be able to keep upgrading as I go, without such a large investment all at once. If I finance in 10K increments, my next car might get me into a largely restored '70 383 next time around! I've heard that many times over that buying mostly restored is the most economical in the long run versus restoring one's self, so trying to stick to that path. Does that make sense?

Sorry to say, but not just in the short run...70 and 71will always be worth more with fewer options...they are just more sought after. If you are looking for that fun piggybank, get the 70, improve a little while enjoying, then turn it lose for more

[Cv2065]

Thanks 6 pack. I'll be in the area tomorrow to check out in person!

[HP2]

Buying complete restored vs doing it yourself really depends on your skill level and tools, space and time, and available parts base to work from. If you have a two car garage, basic hand tools, and no spare parts around, yes, buying a completed car can save you time and money, especially if you would be subbing out the major work like body and paint and engine build up.

It does make sense to spend $15-18k now for a decent driver, drive around for a couple years, then try to swing a $25-28k car, and work your way up the ladder. If you have the means to increase each purchase by 10k with a no/low interest loan, then why not.