Is This 1970 Dodge Charger 500 Worth $199,990?

By 1970, Dodge had firmly established the Charger as one of the most iconic muscle cars of the era. Following the aero-inspired Charger 500 of 1969—designed for NASCAR competition—the 1970 Charger 500 transitioned into a more refined and upscale trim level within the Charger lineup. Instead of being a race-ready homologation special like its predecessor, the 1970 Charger 500 served as an appearance package with a distinct combination of features.

The Charger 500 for 1970 came standard with bucket seats, an electric clock, and specific badging on the grille and rear taillight panel. Depending on the production date, early models featured the Charger arrow emblem, while later models had the 500 badging. Under the hood, base models were equipped with the small-block 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) LA V8, with optional upgrades to the big-block 6.3-liter (383 cubic-inch) two-barrel or four-barrel engines. While not as extreme as the 1969 model, the 1970 Charger 500 still delivered the aggressive styling and presence that muscle car enthusiasts craved.

This 1970 Dodge Charger 500 – A Show-Stopping Transformation – 

This particular 1970 Charger 500, currently listed for sale at Vanguard Motor Sales, has undergone an extensive rotisserie restoration that elevates it far beyond its factory specifications. Every inch of this vehicle has been meticulously restored, from the flawless red paint and black vinyl top to the jet-coated headers and upgraded drivetrain.

The factory 318 V8 has been replaced with a monstrous Mopar 8.3-liter (505 cubic-inch) Stroker V8, producing an estimated 700 horsepower. The engine bay is spotless, with high-performance components including a four-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, and a performance camshaft that gives it an aggressive idle. This powerhouse is mated to a built A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission, designed to handle the increased horsepower and torque.

A factory rear end with a 3.93:1 gear ratio helps this Charger put the power down efficiently, making it a serious street machine. Power steering and power brakes ensure that while this car is an absolute beast, it remains manageable and enjoyable to drive.

Stunning Exterior & Period-Correct Details – 

One look at this Charger, and it’s clear that no expense was spared in its restoration. The deep red paint gleams under the light, complemented by the black vinyl top and classic Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires (235/60R15 in the front and 275/60R15 in the rear).

The Charger’s signature hidden headlights have been fully restored and function as they should, while the chrome bumpers, new grille, and rear taillight panel showcase the attention to detail put into this build. Even the underside of the car has been painted to match the exterior, highlighting the level of craftsmanship that went into the restoration.

Other exterior upgrades include:

• New chrome bumpers

• New gas tank & hardware

• Painted wheel wells & frame rails

• Dual exhaust with 3-inch pipes & jet-coated headers

A Beautifully Restored Interior – 

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a factory-correct black vinyl interior with premium woodgrain accents. The front bucket seats and rear bench have been reupholstered, while the door panels, carpeting, and headliner all look as fresh as they did in 1970.

The center console houses a console shifter, maintaining that classic muscle car feel, while the dashboard retains its original gauges—including the sought-after Tic-Toc Tachometer. The factory-style AM radio, stock steering wheel, and full gauge cluster ensure that the interior remains period-correct while still offering a comfortable driving experience.

Other interior highlights include:

• Vinyl headliner

• Lap belts for safety

• Factory-style radio

• Woodgrain-trimmed center console

Own a Piece of Muscle Car History – 

For collectors and Mopar enthusiasts, this Charger 500 represents the perfect blend of classic styling and modern performance. With its Stroker V8, upgraded transmission, and breathtaking restoration, this Charger is more than just a show car—it’s a high-performance machine ready to be driven and enjoyed.

With an original base price of $3,139 for the 1970 Charger 500, Vanguard Motor Sales is asking $199,990 for this masterpiece. With all second-generation Dodge Chargers going for premium prices these days, the question is: Is it worth it?

Source: Vanguard Motor Sales 

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