f you’re a Mopar fan or a muscle car collector, this is the kind of car you dream about. On Saturday, July 26th, 2025, a piece of Dodge history is rolling across the Mecum Harrisburg auction block—a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible Pilot Car, believed to be the first 440 Six Pack convertible ever produced.
This isn’t just a rare car—it’s one of only 61 V-Code Challenger Convertibles ever made. But what really makes this Bright Red beauty special is its role as a pilot car for Dodge’s media campaign. It was built on August 1, 1969, during the first days of Challenger production at the Hamtramck Assembly Plant in Detroit, and used by the automotive pressto introduce the world to Dodge’s new pony car.
This specific car was featured in Car Life magazine (December 1969) and Dodge News (May 1970), helping build hype around the launch of the Challenger. Back then, Dodge was coming in hot to compete with the Mustang, Camaro, and Firebird—and they didn’t pull any punches.
Under the hood is the legendary 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) Six Pack V8, pumping out 390 horsepower through three Holley 2-barrel carbs. It came paired with a 4-speed manual and the A33 Track Pak, including a 3.54 Dana 60 rear end and a beefed-up cooling system. It was built to run hard and look good doing it.
The car is decked out in Bright Red (FE5) paint with white R/T stripes, a white convertible top, and a white and black interior with vinyl bucket seats, a woodgrain console, Pistol Grip shifter, and the Rallye dash. Outside, you’ll spot hood pins, chrome mirrors, a luggage rack, and Styled Road wheels wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas tires.
It also has some rare codes, like Y91 for the “Show Car Finish”, which adds even more to its value and collectibility.
This Challenger was restored in 2004 by Mopar specialist Julius Steuer at Restorations by Julius in Chatsworth, California. It comes with a Chrysler Registry report, restoration invoices and photos, and copies of the original magazines it was featured in. The odometer reads 61,207 miles, and it’s ready for a new chapter with a lucky new owner.
Whether you’re into high-end Mopar muscle or just love a car with history, this one checks all the boxes. It’s got rarity, provenance, performance, and that drop-top attitude that screams summer cruising.
Don’t miss it—it’s Lot S168 on Saturday, July 26th, at Mecum Harrisburg 2025.
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible Pilot Car:
