While an admittedly late entrant to the muscle car scene, the Dodge Challenger quickly cemented its enduring legacy with outrageous “High Impact” colors, a vast array of options, and an impressive roster of engines. Operating with the expressed intent of creating the most potent “pony car” ever made, Chrysler designed the Challenger to be as capable as the full-size Charger, albeit in a package 20 inches shorter and 220 pounds lighter. Using the Charger’s sturdy front subframe and wider rear suspension layout, the new E-body Challenger could accommodate every engine in the MOPAR lineup, including the vaunted 426-cubic inch Hemi and 440-cubic inch Magnum V-8s.

Option packages were extensive with one of the more appealing bundles being the high-performance R/T or “Road/Track” package, featuring heavy-duty front disc brakes, a Rallye suspension, and front and rear sway bars. In 1970, Dodge is believed to have built just 163 “U-Code” Dodge Challenger R/T convertibles powered by the 440-cubic inch Magnum V-8.

Elevating this 1970 Challenger R/T Convertible’s rarity and appeal is an impressive list of factory options so extensive that it required two fender tags in the engine bay to accommodate the litany of option codes. Among its many desirable features are black leather bucket seats, woodgrain console, Rallye Instruments, the A01 Light Package, the A36 Performance Axle Package, cruise control, air conditioning, luggage rack, hood tie-down pins, and dual exhaust with bright tips. The car is also equipped with power brakes, windows, driver’s seat, and mirror.

Its 375-horsepower 440-cubic-inch Magnum V-8 is mated to an automatic transmission featuring the unique “slap stick” floor-mounted shifter, which allowed for manually changing gears under full acceleration without lifting off the throttle. Of note, the Magnum V-8’s stamping pad is blank and does not contain an engine number; however, its present casting number indicates that the engine is period-correct, with a build date between 1962 and 1977.

Finished in "High Impact" Sublime Green, this 1970 Challenger R/T Convertible is incredibly well equipped and stands ready to take its rightful place as a cornerstone in any fine collection.