History always has a starting point, and today’s mega-horsepower Challengers got their DNA from this rare 1970 Hemi Challenger R/T. Indeed, this is one of only 136 Hemi Challenger R/Ts produced with the factory 4-speed transmission that first year, 1970, and shows 30,275 original miles. Moreover, this restored car is extensively documented with the original window sticker, broadcast sheet, warranty pamphlet, consumer information sheet and a more recent Dave Wise report, as well as personal paperwork from original owner Thomas Hahn that was sent to Chrysler executive Byron Nichols and American President Richard M. Nixon. A factory A34 4.10 Super Track Pak example, this Challenger is as-built with its original floor pans and in the incredibly beautiful factory color combination of High Impact EV2 Hemi Orange paint with hood blackout, a white vinyl top, white side stripes and white interior. Sold new at Doak Dodge Inc. in Wood River, Illinois, this would have been among the most expensive Dodges offered that model year, with a final cost of almost $5,000 shown on the original window sticker. The new E-body Challenger release was taking the public by storm, and while 11 different engines were possible that year, this car received the most notorious powerplant to come from the factory: the 426 Hemi V-8. This engine is numbers-matching to the car, not often found in A34 street-strip packages, and features the dual 4-barrel carbs, new-for-1970 changes and extreme-duty reciprocating assembly. The aforementioned A833 4-speed and 4.10 Dana Sure-Grip layout completes it, and this car has both power steering and power brakes. The curvaceous sheet metal wears the paint and graphics very well, with the white top as a stunning crown. Inside is an inviting layout of front bucket seats, C16 center console, the Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, the premium Rallye instrument cluster featuring tach and clock, Music Master AM radio and remote driver’s mirror. The sport hood has blackout, 426 Hemi callout tags and hood hold-down pins. Dual trumpet exhaust tips exit the rear, while R/T and Challenger tags are also present, including callouts on the high-performance longitudinal tape stripe. This car rides on the premium-cost Rallye wheels and Goodyear F60-15 Polyglas GT tires. The early Hemi Challenger R/T lasted but two model seasons, and this car was obviously ordered and purchased by somebody who desired excellence as well as performance. Stellar in color and optional equipment, its next owner is sure to be someone who would settle for nothing less.
