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Bright Red Royalty: 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A Heads To Mecum

A Documented, Rotisserie-Restored Trans Am Legend Headed To Kissimmee

Every so often, a Mopar comes along that checks every box—history, rarity, documentation, and condition. This 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A does exactly that, and it’s one I expect serious collectors to circle on their calendars as it heads to Mecum Kissimmee this January.

1970 Dodge Challenger T/A in Bright Red. (Mecum).

Finished in Bright Red (FE5), this Challenger T/A stands out even among an already limited production run. Bright Red wasn’t a common choice on T/As, and pairing it with the H5X9 houndstooth interior makes this car even more special. It’s one of those color-and-trim combinations you simply don’t see come up often, especially at this level of restoration and documentation.

Under the matte-black N94 fiberglass fresh air hood sits the heart of the T/A formula—the E55 5.6-liter (340 cubic-inch) Six Pack V8, rated at 290 horsepower. Dodge may have underrated this engine on paper, but anyone who has driven a healthy 340 Six Pack knows how hard these cars pull. This example is backed by the factory D21 4-speed manual transmission, putting the driver fully in control and staying true to what enthusiasts want in a Trans Am homologation car.

1970 Dodge Challenger T/A in Bright Red. (Mecum).

Power is sent to a 3.55 Sure Grip rear end, a well-balanced ratio that keeps the car aggressive without sacrificing drivability. Like all Challenger T/As, this one features staggered tire sizing and Rallye suspension tuning, details born directly from Dodge’s Trans-Am racing ambitions.

This particular car has been rotisserie-restored, and it shows. The underside is as clean as the top, with finishes and detailing that reflect a high-end, no-shortcuts approach. Even better, it’s not just a pretty restoration—it’s a well-documented one. Included with the car are the broadcast sheet, original bill of sale, original dealer finance contract, warranty booklet, and period photographs, all of which help tell this Challenger’s complete story from day one.

1970 Dodge Challenger T/A in Bright Red. (Mecum).

Adding to the provenance, this T/A was sold new at Crestwood Dodge in Garden City, Michigan, and it’s listed in the official T/A Registry, which matters to collectors who value traceable history. Rare factory options elevate it further, including the J68 rear window louvers, C16 center console, and a factory vinyl roof, features that are seldom seen together on these cars.

For some background, the Challenger T/A was a one-year-only model built so Dodge could compete in the SCCA Trans American Sedan Championship. While the race program was short-lived, the street cars left a lasting impression. With bold side stripes, front and rear spoilers, side-exit exhaust, and unmistakable presence, the T/A remains one of the most recognizable E-body variants ever built. Just 2,399 examples were produced, and no 1971 version ever made it past the advertising stage.

1970 Dodge Challenger T/A in Bright Red. (Mecum).

This Bright Red example is scheduled to cross the auction block on Friday, January 16, 2026, and current estimates place it between $140,000 and $165,000. Given the rarity, documentation, color combination, and restoration quality, that number feels well justified in today’s Mopar market.

If you’re looking for a Challenger T/A that truly represents the model at its best, this one sets a very high bar.

1970 Dodge Challenger T/A in Bright Red Image Gallery:

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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