When it comes to rare and desirable muscle cars, the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible Pilot Car heading to Mecum Kissimmee on Thursday, January 16th, is a standout gem. Built on August 1, 1969, during the earliest days of Challenger production at the Hamtramck Assembly Plant in Detroit, this car holds a unique place in history. It’s widely believed to be the very first 440 Six Pack Challenger Convertible ever produced, and only three earlier Hamtramck-built 1970 Dodge VINs are known to exist.
This Challenger marked Dodge’s entry into the competitive pony car segment, coming to market years after the Mustang launched the category. Dodge made an impression with bold performance options, and this car is a prime example. As an R/T model equipped with the legendary 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) Six Pack V8, it’s one of only 61 V-Code Six Pack Convertibles produced in 1970—the sole year this configuration was offered in a convertible.
The 440 Six Pack engine was still a fresh innovation, having debuted in early 1969 in a special batch of Super Bees. It combined three Holley 2-barrel carburetors and internal upgrades to deliver 390 horsepower, paired with excellent driveability and easier maintenance compared to the 426 HEMI. Backed by the Track Pak (A33) package, this Challenger features a heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmission, a 3.54 Dana 60 rear end, and a high-performance cooling system.
Visually, this car dazzles in Bright Red (FE5) paint with white R/T stripes, a white convertible top, and a premium white vinyl interior. A special “Show Car finish” (Y91) code adds to its allure. Chrome five-spoke wheels wrapped in period-correct Goodyear Polyglas tires complete the look. Interior features include a woodgrain console, a Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, power windows, and the Rallye dash with a factory tachometer.
The car’s history is equally impressive. It served as a pilot car for early automotive press reviews, appearing in the December 1969 issue of Car Life magazine and the May 1970 issue of Dodge News. Restored in 2004 by Julius Steuer of Restorations by Julius, a renowned Mopar specialist, it has been returned to its factory-correct glory. Restoration photos, invoices, and a Chrysler Registry report accompany the sale.
With 61,204 miles on the odometer and an auction estimate of $400,000 to $450,000, this rare Challenger represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for collectors. Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance or its jaw-dropping specification list, this Six Pack powerhouse is sure to captivate enthusiasts when it crosses the block in Kissimmee.
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