1970 Dodge Challenger T/A Project

Why we picked it

American Steel Classics in Celeste, Texas lists this 1970 Challenger T/A as a restoration candidate. The VIN (JH23J0B305575) decodes to a T/A with the 340 six-barrel, and the dealer says the block, heads, rocker arms and exhaust manifolds match. The original hood and spoiler are with the car, most trim and interior are present, all glass but the windshield is there, the trunk floor is in great shape, and the title is clean. It has a three-speed automatic.

Why we picked it: about 2,400 T/As were built, and good ones now sell for $130,000 to $145,000. A complete, matching-block car at $39,500 is a rare starting point. Restoration costs are high, so a fender-tag check and a Galen Govier report are worth paying for first.

The value check

The seller is asking $39,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $132,000–$143,000, so the middle of the market is about $137,500. That put this car 71% under.

Finished T/As sold for $132,000 (June 2025, original) and $143,000 (Mecum Kissimmee, January 2026). No project-grade T/A sales turned up, so the gap mostly reflects restoration cost. This is picked for rarity, not as a measured discount.

Where the numbers come from:

• classic.com: 1970 Challenger T/A comps ($132,000 sold Jun 2025)
• FBBO: Mecum Kissimmee 2026 T/A sold $143,000

What to check

• Get the fender tag decoded and a Galen Govier (or similar) report before any deposit; T/A clones are common.
• Check the stamped partial VIN on the block and transmission against the dash VIN.
• Inspect the floors, rear frame rails, quarter-panel lowers, cowl and the area under the rear window for rust.
• Confirm the title and VIN in person; no deposit before seeing the car.
• The listing does not state mileage or whether it runs, and the price may have been set some time ago; ask how long it has been listed.
• T/A-only parts (fiberglass hood, side-exit exhaust, ducktail spoiler, Six Pack induction) are costly to replace if missing or damaged.

Making it drive like new

Most owners restore a real T/A to original. If you want it to drive better, use bolt-in, reversible upgrades: a hidden subframe-connector kit, larger disc brakes behind 15-inch rally wheels, electronic ignition and a later 727 with a lock-up converter. Keep the original Six Pack parts on the shelf.

3 builders make a complete chassis for the 1970–74 Mopar E-body (Challenger, Barracuda/'Cuda). Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.