Mopar muscle car enthusiasts, a remarkable 1970 Dodge Challenger is currently listed on BringATrailer.com. This classic E-Body boasts a Ray Barton Racing Engines 540CI HEMI® backed by a 4-speed manual that churns out an impressive 735 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque. This Challenger represents an enticing blend of vintage charm and modern performance.
The heart of this Challenger is its massive 8.8-liter (540-cubic-inch) HEMI® V8, rebuilt by Ray Barton Racing Engines in August 2024. The rebuild included porting the cylinder heads, balancing the crankshaft, and installing high-performance components like Diamond Racing pistons and an upgraded valvetrain. Dual Edelbrock AVS2 four-barrel carburetors feed the beast, while tubular headers and a TTi dual exhaust system with Quick Time Performance electronic cutouts handle the outflow.
A recent dynamometer test recorded peak outputs of 735 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 670 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, making this Challenger a thrilling powerhouse ready for the road or track.
This classic coupe has been extensively upgraded to enhance both performance and drivability. Power is delivered through an A833 four-speed manual transmission, a QA1 carbon-fiber driveshaft, and a Moser 60 rear end equipped with a Detroit Truetrac differential and 4.10:1 gears. The suspension setup includes QA1 tubular components, Hotchkis upgrades, and Calvert Racing traction bars for precise handling and improved traction.
Four-wheel disc brakes with cross-drilled and slotted rotors provide stopping power, while Flaming River quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering ensures sharp, responsive handling.
This Challenger is finished in eye-catching orange paint with a black vinyl roof and Rallye-style 15-inch wheels. R/T badging, halo-style headlights, and a flip-up fuel cap complement its aggressive styling.
Inside, orange vinyl upholstery covers the bucket seats, door panels, and carpeting, creating a striking retro-modern aesthetic. A Hurst pistol-grip shifter and a woodgrain-trimmed center console provide an authentic muscle car feel. Modern touches like a Sony CD head unit and auxiliary gauges add practicality to the cabin.
Originally powered by a 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) V8, this Challenger has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind performance machine. Its chassis number reflects its origins, but the upgraded powertrain and meticulous restoration have elevated it into a league of its own.
This Challenger is ready for its next chapter, accompanied by service records and refurbishment photos. Bidding ends tomorrow, November 18th, 2024, at 1:09 p.m. EDT.
540CI HEMI®-Powered 1970 Dodge Challenger Image Gallery:
