Hi,
at first I guess I should shortly introduce myself, my Name is Kristof, 32, living in Austria. Im infected with the Challenger virus for... well, more than half of my life? But now finally I'd like to make my dream come true.
I have observed the european market for quite some years, at first money, then appropriate Challengers were missing. They are not really that common here
Buying a cheap one and restoring it was my initial thought, but unfortunately I don't have the right place, namely a garage or small shop, and I'm not allowed to build one on my own property without suffering a major loss of land due to some stupid laws here. So I abandoned the idea and instead looked for a Challenger in good condition, just getting in and drive it, and somehow for value protection or investment, too.
Well, that's the general set-up. Recently I found a nice 70 Challenger (for me it has to be a 70) located in Germany. I got in contact with the seller and will have a personal look at it in two weeks. But my first euphoria got a bit damped. It is advertised as numbers matching, but if you have a second look, it is definitely not. I know this topic is a hard one because everybody has its own definition. Initially I thought it has to be in the same condition, with the same parts, exterior, interior etc. like from the line, but now I reduced it to drivetrain and body.
Originally it should have been a DY3 creme with green vinyl roof and green interior, probably a reason for eye-cancer.
AND it should be a D13 3-speed-manual.
Now it seems to be FE5 red with black interior and black roof, which I personally think is an improvement (and historically available at that time). Just like the installed 4-speed-manual is. BUT... that's not numbers matching in my eyes. Nevertheless, all the other options, engine etc. as well as the overall look and condition seem right. It's a JS23N0E by the way.
May I ask you for your opinion? If you put yourself in my place, would you buy this one? And if so, what price range would you expect? This would help me to prepare for my visit in two weeks.
Many thanks!
Kristof