1970 Dodge Challenger R/T is a Rare Find
Hemi-powered Mopars have been all the rage at auctions, especially those that have desirable options or are of low volume production. Having a few specific boxes checked can make all the difference as is the case with this 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T.
The One and Only
The pony cars that came out of Detroit in the mid-'60s and early '70s are as popular as ever. And it is proven time and again at auctions across the US how much car enthusiasts love classic American muscle. Some make for great drivers, but others have become rare and valuable to the point that they are destined to spend the rest of their lives in a collection to be admired by generations to come. This 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T is definitely the latter as it is a true '1 of 1' car produced by the factory.
Photo Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
A Rare Breed
A 1970 Challenger R/T fitted with a 426 Hemi is a rare car that does not pop up for sale too often. And when one does, they are typically snatched up for hefty prices as less than 300 were built. Even more rare is the 1970 Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible as only 9 total units were produced, but the ultimate Hemi Dodge collectible of 1970 turned out to be this Hemi R/T Hardtop with a factory sunroof option. It's hard to believe that of all the Challengers sold in 1970, only one person opted for a Hemi and a sunroof in the same package...
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A Piece of Mopar History
The story goes that this Challenger was formerly owned by the late Steven Juliano, who had become widely known for his extensive Mopar collection and detailed restorations. Juliano saw that the car underwent a complete restoration with period correct parts before eventually selilng it to Mecum auction owner, Dana Mecum, for his personal collection. Unfortunately, Juliano passed in September 2018 and his family ultimately decided to offer his collection of cars to the public, thus Mecum thought it would fitting to offer this car alongside the rest of the collection at their May 2019 Indianapolis auction.
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Outsourcing the Sunroof
What is great about classic Mopar muscle cars is that there is a good amount of recorded history and documentation that shows details of virtually all cars that were produced. For example, the sunroof cars were assigned with a special K00 "Vehicle Order Number" that was stamped on the fender tag (metal tag attached to driver side fender listing vehicle options) to indicate that the car was to be sent to ASC (American Sunroof Corporation) after leaving the assembly line to have the sunroof installed. This particular car features the K00126 designation.
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Concours Correct
After leaving Detroit, the car was destined for California, but much of its history is unknown prior to Juliano's restoration of the car. Some have suggested that the Challenger was a barn-find in relatively good shape that required some restoration work, especially considering it is the only one in existence, but much of this is likely hearsay. Upon taking receipt of the Challenger, Juliano did what he became known for and had the car restored to like-new condition using as many factory and NOS parts as possible.
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Checking the Boxes
This Challenger obviously received its fair share of options installed at the factory. Arguably the most important box checked, besides the sunroof, was for the 426 Hemi engine that cost a whopping $778 and a significant $500+ more than the ever-popular 440 option. The buyer also went all-out with the A34 High Performance 'Super Track Pak' that included a heavy duty Dana 60 rear axle with 4.10 gears and a Sure-Grip limited-slip differential, larger radiator with oversized cooling fan, and power disc brakes. In true muscle car fashion, the race-bred engine was paired with the A833 Hemi 4-speed manual transmission.
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Finishing Touches
Other notable options include the tri-color configuration that combines a black roof and black bumblebee stripe nicely with the Go Mango paint and white interior. The pairing of a race-inspired R/T Sport hood with hold-down pins and a luggage rack is definitely a mashup of hot-rod and daily driver. The interior retains a number of original components that have been left unrestored like the dash and N85 tachometer. A 6-way power seat and Hurst pistol grip shifter, pedal dress ups, and 8-track player were hot items back in the '70s. And last, but not least, it is all topped off by a classy ASC sunroof.
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Sold to the Highest Bidder!
This sunroof Hemi Challenger R/T is perhaps one of the best examples of what a collectible Mopar should be. It has some rare and desirable options with a numbers-matching drivetrain and original sheetmetal finished in a classic Chrysler color. Many believed that the auction estimates were a bit optimistic at $400k-500k for the car, but all expectations were exceeded when the hammer fell on this so-called piece of 'Mopar Royalty' at a staggering $660K! All things considered, it is probably priceless...
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