The original Dodge Challenger made its debut in 1970 and though it only lasted until 1974, it made a lasting impression on the automotive world.
The 1970 Challenger was not a rare model, with production totaling almost 77,000 units. However, some versions of this iconic muscle car have become increasingly difficult to find in modern times.
Conversely, the non-R/T cars are far more accessible, with about 56,000 units built. Interestingly enough, the base six-cylinder version is rarer at a little more than 10,000 examples. This leaves the non-R/T V8 cars as the most common, at 45,367 units. The list includes Challengers fitted with 318-, 340-, and two-barrel 383-cubic-inch (5.2, 5.6, 6.3-liter) mills.
Available with the four-barrel version of the 340-cubic-inch V8 (less potent than the 3×2-barrel offered in the Challenger T/A), the bundle came with goodies such as Rallye wheels, heavy-duty brakes and suspension, wheel lip molding delete, and an R/T Performance hood. It’s basically an R/T-like Challenger without a big-block engine.
So how rare are these A66-equipped Mopars? There are no specific figures to run by, but word has it only a few thousand units were ordered like this. But that’s not the only thing that makes this Challenger rare.
It’s the fact that it’s a very early A66 Performance Package model, a piece of info determined by the “340 four-barrel” decal on the hood.
Prepare to be amazed because this 1970 Dodge Challenger boasts a super rare feature that you probably didn’t know existed! After a few months of production, Dodge replaced the decal with a metal badge, making this car an even more unique find.
And that’s not all – this Challenger also has a locking gas cap, which was a rare option for the 1970 model year. Although there are no records to confirm its scarcity, experts estimate that there are fewer than ten units with this specific configuration, including the rare color option.
Rare features aside, this Challenger is also one of the very few classic muscle cars that have been in the same family since new. And as you might have already guessed, it got a rotisserie restoration a few years back.
But it’s still very original, down to numbers-matching body panels and drivetrain components. It’s also proof that a Mopar doesn’t necessarily need a 426 HEMI to stand out.
