Check Out the Standout Trait of the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T – A Must-See Feature!

Introduced in late 1969, the 1970 Dodge Challenger quickly gained popularity, selling nearly 77,000 units in its first year. Surpassing its Plymouth counterpart, the Barracuda, the 1970 Challenger became a common classic. However, within this broad popularity lies a fascinating tale of rarity and uniqueness.

The scarcest iteration of the 1970 Dodge Challenger is the HEMI version. A mere 287 customers opted for the powerful 426-cubic-inch V8, including 60 Special Edition models and only nine convertibles. Equally limited were the units equipped with the 440-cubic-inch Six-Pack V8, with a total of 1,640 sold, and just 99 featuring a convertible top.

While the six-cylinder Challenger may not be considered a desirable classic, its scarcity is notable. Only 350 units with the Special Edition bundle and 378 convertibles were sold.

The convertible body style stands out as the rarest. Only 5% of the 76,935 Challengers sold in 1970 were convertibles, totaling 3,884 units. A mere 963 of them boasted the high-performance R/T option.

This particular Challenger, painted in the uncommon Top Banana hue, represents a rare gem. Undergoing a meticulous restoration, it features a 440-cubic-inch RB engine, generating 375 horsepower. Notably, it is one of just 163 drop-tops with the four-barrel 440 and one of 129 units equipped with the three-speed automatic gearbox.

Beyond its mechanical prowess, what truly sets this Challenger apart is a small but significant feature. Adorning the trunk lid is a yellow-and-blue "Mr. Norm's" sticker, marking it as the only known U-Code Challenger R/T Convertible sold by the renowned Grand Spaulding Dodge dealership.

Established in 1962 by Norm Kraus, Grand Spaulding Dodge gained prominence akin to Yenko Chevrolet and Royal Pontiac by focusing on performance upgrades. "Mr. Norm" cars, products of this dealership, are highly sought-after today.

While lacking extra performance features, the Challenger's one-of-one status and impeccable restoration make it one of the finest and most valuable classic Mopars. Its worth will be determined at the Kissimmee 2024 auction on January 13.

 

## FAQs

**Q1: How many 1970 Dodge Challengers were sold in the first year?**
A1: Nearly 77,000 units were sold in the first year.

**Q2: Which Challenger version is the scarcest?**
A2: The HEMI edition, with only 287 units, holds that distinction.

**Q3: What makes this Challenger unique?**
A3: Apart from its rarity, it bears the only known "Mr. Norm's" U-Code Challenger R/T Convertible sticker from Grand Spaulding Dodge.

**Q4: How many convertible Challengers had the R/T option?**
A4: Only 963 of the 3,884 convertible Challengers had the high-performance R/T option.

1967 Chrysler Town & Country Resists Disposable Trend With Fully Intact Original Features

The Legacy of the Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon

The Chrysler Town & Country, a name synonymous with minivans, actually has a rich history dating back to 1941. Initially used on a woodie wagon based on the Saratoga and New Yorker, production halted in 1942 due to World War II. Resurrected in 1946, it evolved beyond station wagons.

Reassigned as a grocery getter in 1951, the Town & Country underwent various transformations between 1964 and 1968 and 1983 and 1986. In 1978, it became a midsize car and later emerged as a premium version of the Dodge Caravan minivan in 1990.

The charm of the Town & Country lies in its diverse designs. Noteworthy are the mid-1950s to mid-1960s models, resembling Chrysler 300 letter series cars, and the late-1960s to early-1970s versions with their no-nonsense, boxy designs and ample luggage space.

The Rare Survivor - 1967 Town & Country Station Wagon

The spotlight is on a fifth-generation Town & Country, a remarkable survivor from 1967. Beyond its imposing presence and capacious trunk, this wagon boasts the distinction of being nearly 100% original - a rarity in its class.

During its era, station wagons were often considered disposable, used by large families or as workhorses and then abandoned. This particular wagon, however, defied the odds. Despite a repaint, its originality remains intact, a testament to its unique journey through time.

Chrysler sold 14,703 of these wagons in 1967, and this specific nine-passenger variant is one of 7,520. The question arises: how many have endured? While an exact count is elusive, encountering a running and driving example is increasingly rare.

 

# FAQs - Uncovering the Story Behind the Survivor

## FAQ 1: How did this Town & Country survive in such excellent condition?

The wagon's owner reveals a compelling tale. Driven until 1974, it then spent 25 years in storage, shielded by a dry environment. Resurfacing in 1999 after an estate sale, it found a dedicated owner in 2003. A comprehensive refresh, including reviving the 383-cubic-inch V8, resulted in a wagon with a mere 66,000 original miles.

## FAQ 2: What sets this Town & Country apart?

Aside from its impressive mileage, the wagon's 325-horsepower engine runs remarkably smoothly. Its distinctive Spice Gold Metallic color further distinguishes it, making it a standout even when parked next to powerful HEMI-equipped muscle cars.

## FAQ 3: What's the future for this Town & Country?

For now, the wagon is enjoying a second lease on life, captivating enthusiasts and preserving a slice of automotive history. Witness its allure in the accompanying video, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Chrysler Town & Country station wagon.

Rare Find: 1972 Plymouth Road Runner with Gold Leaf Finish—A True Gem!

Introduction to the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner

Introduced in 1968 as an entry-level muscle car, the Plymouth Road Runner quickly gained popularity, becoming a standout in the market. Over the first three years, it outperformed premium models like the GTX and Dodge Super Bee, with more than 160,000 units delivered by 1970.

Sales took a hit in 1971, dropping dramatically to 13,664 units due to soaring insurance rates for high-performance cars, marking the end of the 426 HEMI and 440 Six-Barrel V8s. The lowest point came in 1972, with only 6,860 units sold, making it the rarest iteration of the Road Runner.

Despite being the rarest, the 1972 Road Runner wasn't the most desirable, lacking the HEMI or the six-barrel version of the 440 RB. However, this model spawned a few unique gems, such as the Gold Leaf Poly example discussed here.

 The Evolution of the Road Runner in 1972

In 1972, the Road Runner lost the 426 HEMI and 440-6 V8s. The 383-cubic-inch mill was also discontinued. However, it gained a four-barrel 440, a 400-cubic-inch big-block, and retained the 340-cubic-inch small-block from the previous year.

The 440 was exclusive to the top-tier GTX trim, with only 672 units sold. The entry-level 340 was more popular, moving 2,360 units. The 400-cubic-inch V8, present in this Road Runner, was ordered in 3,828 cars, with the uniqueness of a three-speed manual drivetrain, making it one of 1,433 examples.

This particular Road Runner stands out due to its combination of factors. As an export car, it adds to the rarity, and the Gold Leaf Poly paint, along with features like air conditioning, tinted glass, and hood-mounted turn signals, makes it a distinctive one-of-one model.

 The Value of the 1972 Plymouth Road Runner

While a one-of-one status might not significantly impact the value of a 1972 Road Runner, this car, in particular, holds its own. Despite its assembly at the onset of the Malaise Era, it remains a cool and spotless classic, guaranteed to capture attention at any car show.

The 400 V8 engine delivers 255 net horsepower, ensuring the Road Runner's performance prowess. Despite the era's challenges, it can cover the quarter-mile in around 15 seconds, showcasing its enduring appeal among classic car enthusiasts.

# FAQs

**Q1:** Why did Road Runner sales drop in 1971?

**A:** Sales plummeted in 1971 due to escalating insurance rates for high-performance cars.

**Q2:** What makes the 1972 Road Runner unique?

**A:** The 1972 Road Runner is unique due to its rarity, being an export car, and featuring a distinctive Gold Leaf Poly paint along with various options like air conditioning and hood-mounted turn signals.

**Q3:** How valuable is a one-of-one status for a 1972 Road Runner?

**A:** While not significantly impacting the value, the one-of-one status adds to the allure of the car, making it stand out among enthusiasts.

Chevy Six Revival: '79 Square-Body C10, Last Driven in '87, Hits the Road Again!

Unveiling the C/K Series Legacy

General Motors seized the pickup trend in the early seventies, producing millions of square-bodied vehicles under the C/K series banner. Spanning a remarkable 15-year run from 1973 to 1987, Chevrolet and GMC birthed approximately ten million units. Today, encountering one is no mere stroke of luck; it's a blend of chance and good fortune, especially when stranded 250 miles away from home.

An Unlikely Hero in the Form of a 1979 C10

Derek Bieri, the host of Vice Grip Garage's YouTube channel, found himself in a predicament, stranded far from home with a makeshift wooden Lamborghini Countach lookalike that refused to budge. The gearhead solution? Find a replacement ride and drive it back. Enter the savior: a 1979 C10 stepside long-bed square body.

Now, let's delve into the details of this blue, rusty three-quarter-ton Chevy. Powered by the legendary 250-cubic-inch (4.1-liter) six-cylinder engine known for its resilience, this Chevy sports a bottom-of-the-line three-speed manual transmission. What makes it stand out? A creative floor-mounted shifting system with two separate levers, ensuring an ingenious anti-theft mechanism.

The Spartan Charm of the Square Body

This Chevy's charm lies in its simplicity. Stripped of luxuries like a radio, ashtray, 12-volt lighter, or dome light, it embodies raw driving experience. With 130 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, this six-cylinder powerhouse may leak oil, but it propels the lightweight body forward.

Chevrolet didn't prioritize weight reduction, evident in the use of biodegradable steel that gracefully embraced oxidation and corrosion. A new exhaust pipe resolves cabin fume issues, and peculiar additions like an Ol' Roy dog food can and a loose filler cap in the bed hint at a spartan past, possibly tied to a government agency.

Amusingly, the odometer, registering a mere 4,557 miles at its 1987 Valentine's Day registration, raises eyebrows. Despite its weathered appearance, this Stepside long-bed stands as a rare gem in the rugged landscape, with its flat Fleetside twin dominating the era's production.

# FAQs: Unveiling More about the 1979 C10 Stepside Long-Bed

**Q1: What makes the C10 unique among the C/K series?**
A1: The 1979 C10 stands out with its stepside long-bed configuration, adding a distinct character to the rugged C/K series.

**Q2: How did Derek Bieri end up with the C10?**
A2: Stranded far from home with a non-functional wooden Lamborghini Countach lookalike, Derek opted for a replacement ride, stumbling upon the 1979 C10.

**Q3: What's notable about the C10's transmission system?**
A3: The C10 features a floor-mounted shifting system with two separate levers, offering an unconventional anti-theft mechanism.

**Q4: Why does the C10 lack typical luxuries like a radio and dome light?**
A4: This C10 embodies simplicity, stripped of unnecessary features for a raw driving experience.

**Q5: Any insights into the C10's potential government agency past?**
A5: Speculations arise from its Spartan options and peculiar additions, suggesting a possible connection to a government agency.

**Q6: What's the mystery behind the odometer reading of 4,557 miles in 1987?**
A6: Despite its weathered appearance, the C10's low odometer reading raises questions, adding a touch of mystery to its history.

1964 Ford Custom Resurrected After 32 Years: Unveiling the Dual-Quad Six Powerhouse!

The Galaxie, a Ford classic, gained immense popularity with almost 12 million units produced from 1959 to 1974. Notably, the Galaxie 500 stood out as the star, overshadowing its sibling, the Custom.

While the Galaxie enjoyed continuous production for 15 years, the Custom, a revived nameplate, joined the lineup in 1964. The Custom's journey lasted until 1981, shifting between private buyers and fleet customers.

In 1964, the Custom offered two versions: the base Custom and the Custom 500, featuring the standard 223 cubic-inch Ford Mileage Maker Six engine. Despite its modest power – 138 horses and 203 lb-ft – the Custom made its mark.

Although overshadowed by the Galaxie, the Custom series sold nearly 195,000 units in a year when Ford's total production exceeded 923,000. The Custom 500, with over 20,000 coupe sales, proved more popular than its four-door counterpart.

Locating a Custom today is no easy task, but occasional examples emerge, like the one found in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Despite facing the challenges of the Great Lakes climate, this 1965 Custom 500 remains in reasonably good condition.

 

However, the Custom's exterior charm belies a critical issue – a cracked engine block. The six-cylinder heart succumbed to freezing temperatures, a fact uncovered by restoration enthusiast Derek Bieri in a Roadworthy Rescues episode.

With a failing engine, the Custom needed a new lease on life. Fortunately, the intervention came from Derek Bieri's YouTube fans who provided a replacement. The goal? Transform this 32-year dormant vehicle into a rally-tribute car.

While the original single-barrel inline six falls short, the plan is to revive the Custom with a dual-quad Mileage Maker spare. However, the complete story remains untold, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the restoration's sequel.

# FAQs

## Q1: What is the production history of the Ford Galaxie?

The Ford Galaxie was in production from 1959 to 1974, amassing almost 12 million units.

## Q2: When did the Ford Custom join the lineup?

The Custom, a revived nameplate, joined the Ford lineup in 1964.

## Q3: What were the two versions of the 1964 Custom model?

In 1964, the Custom model had two versions: the base Custom and the Custom 500.

## Q4: How successful was the Custom series compared to the Galaxie?

While not as popular as the Galaxie, the Custom series sold nearly 195,000 units in a year when Ford's total production exceeded 923,000.

## Q5: What mechanical issue did the rescued Custom 500 face?

The rescued Custom 500 had a cracked engine block, likely caused by the expansion of liquid freezing.

## Q6: What is the restoration plan for the Custom 500?

The plan is to transform the 1965 Ford Custom 500 into a rally-tribute car, replacing the original engine with a dual-quad Mileage Maker spare.

Classic Showdown: 1972 Ford Gran Torino Takes on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette in a Nail-Biting Race – Neck and Neck Action!

Witnessing high-performance supercars tearing down the quarter-mile is thrilling, but my heart lies with the classic muscle cars battling for drag-strip supremacy. Welcome to another installment of the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race (PSMCDR) series.

This race, however, stands out from the usual showdowns. Unlike the typical clash of golden-era muscle cars, this event pits two vastly different contenders against each other.

In one lane, we have a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette—a sports car powerhouse, not traditionally categorized as a muscle car. On the opposite side, a 1972 Ford Gran Torino, technically a muscle car but hailing from the early days of the Malaise Era, making it less formidable than its predecessors.

Chevrolet Corvette (1962)

The Corvette packs a 327-cubic-inch (5.4-liter) small-block V8, delivering 250 horsepower in its base form. Despite being eligible for modifications, this Chevy remains entirely stock, retaining its original V8 without any rebuild. The power is channeled through a two-speed Powerglide, not the ideal choice for drag racing.

Ford Gran Torino (1972)

Under the Gran Torino's hood lies a 351-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) Cleveland V8, originally rated at 300 horsepower but reduced to 248 due to Ford's shift from gross to net ratings. Unlike the Corvette, the Gran Torino boasts a four-speed manual transmission.

The Gran Torino holds advantages with its manual gearbox and higher horsepower (nearly 290 gross). On the flip side, the Corvette enjoys a weight advantage, being approximately 1,000 pounds (454 kg) lighter.

These classics prove to be evenly matched, but the Gran Torino edges out victory. In the first race, the heavy muscle car crosses the finish line in 15.8 seconds, with the Corvette trailing by 0.3 seconds. The second race shows both cars slowing down, yet the Gran Torino maintains its lead with a 15.9-second sprint compared to the Corvette's 16.4 seconds. The third race widens the gap slightly, with the Gran Torino finishing in 15.6 seconds and the Corvette in 16.3 seconds. Both vehicles reach speeds between 83 to 89 mph (134 to 143 kph), in line with stock vehicles from their respective eras.

# FAQs

**Q1: Was the Chevrolet Corvette modified for the drag race?**
A1: No, the Corvette remained entirely stock, with its original V8 engine and a two-speed Powerglide transmission.

**Q2: What advantages did the Ford Gran Torino have over the Corvette?**
A2: The Gran Torino held advantages with a manual gearbox and higher horsepower (nearly 290 gross). However, the Corvette was lighter by approximately 1,000 pounds.

**Q3: How did the races unfold?**
A3: The Gran Torino emerged victorious in all three races. The first race saw a 15.8-second finish, followed by 15.9 seconds in the second race, and a slightly wider gap in the third race with a 15.6-second sprint.

**Q4: What were the speeds achieved by both cars?**
A4: Both vehicles reached speeds between 83 to 89 mph (134 to 143 kph) during the races, consistent with stock vehicles from their respective eras.