1970 Dodge Challenger

Chances of someone finding a car this pristine and untouched is nearly impossible. Mike Fraley would agree. This rare E-Body is no survivor, but to the unknowing eye, it's nearly impossible to tell. When Mike purchased this '70 Challenger T/A it was fresh from a lengthy and backbreaking restoration done by Russell Jacobs and Glenn Herdman of RJ CARS of Arkport, New York. Russell and Glenn partnered up in March 2002 to take on the then-basket-case Challenger, returning it to its present condition within a year and a half.

Originally sold as a radio-delete, column-shifted, bench-seat T/A Challenger in 1970 from Dodge City in Utica, New York, the Challenger was no stranger to street racing and hard shifts, as indicated by its first owner. The transmission was scattered, along with a portion of the original block where the bellhousing bolted to it. A 318 donated a piece for the rewelding of the original motor, and the transmission was rebuilt.

Interestingly, the car came as a radio-delete vehicle, but it was drilled for a radio antenna. Then the hole was patched and leaded-in before the original owner ever took possession of the car. It is presumed to be a factory error, but no documentation was ever unearthed concerning the matter.

The purchase of the Challenger by Glenn and Russell included a folder full of paperwork-the buildsheet, window sticker, original owners papers, and delivery receipt.

The T/A was disassembled in the '80s for a full restoration, but instead it sat in a strewn mess on the shelves and floor of the then-owner's garage. After gathering all the original pieces back together, Glenn and Russell commenced the process of putting the puzzle back together. The basket of parts was pretty complete, with a fender tag, a numbers-matching block, and broadcast sheet. The original fiberglass components (T/A hood, rear spoiler, and chin spoilers) needed immediate attention. Each part was meticulously removed, stripped, and restored to its original condition.

The power disc and drum brakes were returned to their factory stature, helping to slow down the vintage Goodyear Polyglas rubber on the 15x611/42-inch Rallye wheels. The 3.55 Sure Grip was rebuilt to assembly specs thanks to Paul Bassett of P&B Performance of Hilton, New York. The interior, with its unique split bench seat, was returned to its previous black vinyl glory thanks to Legendary and Just Dashes. What little variance there is from the buildsheet is found in the Rim-blo steering wheel.

The power plant for the T/A, a 340 Six Pack, was returned to factory specs with surgical detail. If it didn't come on this car 35 years ago, it's not going to be found here today. The steel crankshaft, cast connecting rods, and pistons are all factory supplied, along with the stock Six Pack intake manifold. Crane cams supplied the camshaft, opening up the iron heads that received a mild porting to provide 385 peak horsepower on the dyno.

We can see the hours of labor that went into bringing this pristine Challenger back to life-a testament to Russell Jacobs and Glenn Herdman's work. Mike Fraley purchased the finished product from Russell at RJ CARS Inc. soon after the restoration, and it's easy to see Mike is one happy shopper.

Fast Facts
Owner: Mike Fraley, Dumfries, Virginia
Body: '70 Dodge Challenger T/A
Color: FJ6 Green Go
Engine: 340 Six Pack, steel crankshaft, cast connecting rods, stock pistons, Crane Cams camshaft, mild head porting, stock intake and carburetors setup
Transmission: 727 TorqueFlite automatic
Rearend: 831/44 3.55 gears Sure Grip
Wheels/Tires: Front: 15x611/42-inch Rallyes, Goodyear F60-15 Polyglas
Rear: 15x611/42-inch Ralleys, Goodyear G60-15 Polyglas