If we’re utterly sincere, we have seen barn finds in worse form than this 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A. That is saying one thing in regards to the ardour of auto fans lately, as a result of this specific Challenger wants plenty of assist. There is not any engine, no inside, and rust is prevalent all through the ground. However, it is a uncommon Challenger T/A, and after almost half a century parked exterior, it is getting saved.
This marvelous Mopar discovery comes from Auto Archeology on YouTube, and it is not the primary Dodge rescue we have seen from this channel. The Challenger T/A may be very particular amongst them, because it was a single-year trim geared toward Trans Am highway racing. Together with the 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda, it featured four-wheel disc brakes at a time when many American vehicles nonetheless had drums all the way in which round. Its specifically tuned suspension included sway bars, and underneath the hood was not a large Hemi, however a smaller 340 cubic-inch “Six Pack” V8, so named due to the three two-barrel carburetors feeding the engine.
This one is actually in tough form, however there’s gentle on the finish of the tunnel. For starters, the unique engine block and lots of of its elements have been saved close to the automotive. The unique rally wheels have been additionally stored close by, together with another key physique elements. And although it has been sitting for many years, it was not less than stashed underneath a cover so it did not utterly rot away. The video opens with a tour of the automotive because it was discovered, after which jumps to it being loaded onto a trailer.
The story would not finish there, nonetheless.
The second half of the video exhibits the Challenger slowly coming again to life, not less than on the surface. It is at this level the place the severity of the rust is absolutely realized, because the muscle automotive will get all new flooring for the inside and the trunk. Extra metalwork is seen in different spots, and a brand new black vinyl prime is put in. Sadly, the video would not present the finished automotive. However we’re promised a future follow-up that chronicles the inexperienced machine’s return to the highway.
Solely 2,399 Challenger T/As have been made in 1970, and it was the one yr within the basic muscle automotive period to see the particular trim.