The Dodge Challenger made its debut for the 1970 model year with a bang and sold about 77,000 units in the United States. This makes it a reasonably popular classic, but particular variations are uncommon.
With only 356 units made, the HEMI is undoubtedly the most rare. Due of its rarity, it is currently highly pricey and in demand. Both the T/A homologation special (2,399 manufactured) and the R/T version with the six-barrel 440 V8 are uncommon, each having been produced in 2,035 units.
But it’s not just the high-performance cars that are hard to find. The convertible variant is also a rare gem regardless of the drivetrain layout. That’s because only 3,884 examples sold in 1970 had a soft top. That’s only 5% of the total production.
Nine of these cars, each with a 426 cubic inch (7.0 liter) HEMI V8 engine, were among the 963 that received a “R/T” badge. At open auctions, challengers in this configuration bring in more than $1 million. Dodge sold 163 four-barrel engines and 99 six-barrel engines out of 440 drop-tops. Finally, the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) big-block was specified for the 692 R/T.
This triple-black illustration seems to be one of them. And the reason I say “appears” is because the “R/T” and “HEMI” badges on the hood are fake. It’s true that they appear to have been fitted at the factory, but this 1970 Challenger is not one of the convertibles costing $9 million.
How do I know? Well, the ad provides a VIN, which includes valuable information about the car. While the third and fourth digits confirm this Mopar is a true-blue convertible (code 27), the letter that indicates the trim rules out an R/T model. Because while the latter can be identified by the letter S, the vin shows H as the second digit. And Dodge used this letter to identify all non-R/T cars for the 1970 model year.
Additionally, the fifth digit indicates that this Challenger was a G-code vehicle when it rolled off the assembly line, which meant that it had a 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8 engine rather than the top-of-the-line R/T model. It is one of 2,543 examples—there is no distinct production breakdown for these mills—that are powered by 318 and 340 cubic inches (5.6 liter) engines. Still unusual, but not as rare as R/T.
But this Challenger is more than just a regular drop-top with fake “R/T” and “HEMI” badges. It actually packs a HEMI V8 under the hood. It’s not an authentic, period-correct mill. It’s even better if you’re into unassuming performance because the original 318 was ditched for a massive, 528-cubic-inch (8.7-liter) HEMI built by Ray Barton Racing Engines.
Priced from $31,500, these aftermarket powerplants deliver more than 600 horsepower, notably more than a production 426 HEMI, rated at 425 horses. The mill mates to a five-speed Tremec manual transmission, so the car also comes with row-your-own fun.
The Challenger’s exterior is still factory-stock even though it has undergone significant changes. It has features that were available at the time, including bucket seats, a full console with a Hurst shifter, and even a factory AM radio. It also has retro-style chrome wheels.
When the pedal hits the floor, it’s a fun HEMI impersonator that will put a smile on your face. If you’ve been hunting for a triple-black Mopar, the convertible will go up for auction in January 2024 at Kissimmee. Although there is no price estimate given, it might exceed $100,000.