Restored Numbers Matching Challenger T/A 340 6 Pack A727

SUMMARY

Trans Am cars are always an easy sell. And that goes double for a striking MoPar like this numbers-matching Top Banana Challenger. Two of our last Chrysler curve carvers, this numbers-matching Deep Burnt Orange 'Cuda (LINK: 5643) and this MoPar Nationals-winning Lemon Twist 'Cuda (LINK: 5381), sold in roughly a month. But that's not surprising because, as fans of vintage SCCA racers know, these are some of the best driving classics on the planet. Graced with lighter motors, better brakes and suspensions bred for competition, they're certainly not your typical, big block slogs. And in today's solid collector market, they're generally a more exclusive and equally valuable investment. One of only 2,399 Challenger T/As produced for the 1970 model year, this restored pony car is a fully-documented, numbers-matching coupe that'll win fans and trophies alike. If you're looking for a bit of crisp, investment grade muscle that's fun in either the straightaway or the switchback, you've found your next joyride!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a ground-up restoration that utilized as many NOS components as possible, this slick Chrysler coupe features a seamless factory appearance that's highlighted by fierce Trans Am war paint. Take one look down the sides of the car's rock-solid body and it becomes obvious that great care was taken to ensure every panel is aligned to better-than-factory fit. Step closer to that body's glossy, 2-stage paint and check out straight and ripple-free surfaces that are a product of both rust-free, original sheetmetal and high quality replacement panels. Grab that sheetmetal's well-adjusted hood and feel how smoothly it closes to provide excellent fit, which is set off by precise gaps and a clean clearcoat shell. It all adds up to one high energy symphony of MoPar attitude that bleeds bare-knuckle confidence and oozes old school appeal!

Wearing lines that originated on Chrysler designer Carl Cameron's famous Charger Turbine Concept, this vivid classic makes a bold and distinct styling statement from virtually every angle. At the front of the car, a 70-exclusive grille hangs a bold "Challenger" script and four pristine headlights above clear parking lamps, a bright chrome bumper and a split chin spoiler. At the top of the car, an original Sport Hood pins two stainless lanyards in front of factory-tint glass that's founded in clean stainless trim. At the sides of the car, prominent fender lines, which are complemented by a subtle pentastar emblem and correct racing mirror, frame chrome-trimmed marker lamps, flush-fit door handles and an attractive 'pit stop' fuel filler. And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed valence centers pristine "DODGE" lettering between clear taillights, a second chrome bumper and a black, "Challenger T/A" branded duck tail.

ENGINE

Toss this Challenger's lightweight hood and you'll find an original, 340 cubic inch LA V8 that's authenticated by a 3577130TA casting number, a November (11) 24th (24), 1969 (9) casting date and a matching 279397 partial VIN. Although SCCA Trans Am race cars were limited to 302 cubic inches, Dodge stuck to the tried and true "no replacement for displacement" rule for street applications. That means this car received a powerplant that was specifically designed for high performance turnpike warriors. And, thanks to its 2-barrel Holley carburetors, correct Edelbrock intake, high performance points distributor, high-flow cylinder heads and unique internals, it turns hefty 10.5 to 1 compression into 315 fire-breathing horses. That said, SCCA regulations and increasing insurance costs forced Chrysler to underrate the mill's output to just 290 horses. But, in reality, the car easily disposes of most 'equally powered' stoplight challengers. Whatever the number, this engine's spotless bay is in brilliant, show-ready condition, with immaculate detailing and exact finishes throughout. Awesome Top Banana fenders provide a pleasant contrast to its glossy layer of Hemi Orange skin. A bright air cleaner looks great peeking through the aforementioned hood. And, as with most of today's best restored MoPars, every detail has been carefully duplicated and returned to a convincing level of authenticity.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Put this curve-carving pony in the air and you'll find solid floors that are fully armored in quality undercoating. The high-winding small block churns an original A727 3-speed that's validated by a matching 279397 partial VIN. That transmission twists torque to a familiar 8.75-inch axle that's finished with athletic, road-worthy gears. The car's correct Rallye Suspension has been fully rebuilt to include beefy sway bars, factory power steering and heavy duty power front disc and rear drum brakes. As expected, those 11-inch, AAR-exclusive drums are accompanied by specially tuned shocks and re-cambered springs that tilt the chassis just enough to accommodate a unique exhaust system. Speaking of that exhaust system, fresh, aluminized pipes flow to correct, factory replacement mufflers, which roar through stainless 'megaphone' tips. Hooking all that mechanical prowess to the pavement is a sinister set of Gloss Black steelies, which spin a correct combination of E60-15 and G60-15 Goodyears around stainless trim rings and Dodge redline poverty caps. And spry bushings, fresh fluid lines and a clean gas tank ensure this Challenger has the reliability to match its warm appeal.

INTERIOR

Swivel this coupe's solid-closing doors and you'll find a correct Black interior that's functional, straightforward and very livable. The front bucket and rear bench seats are covered in crack-free vinyl that displays hardly any signs of wear. Below those seats, stain-free carpet centers a traditional 'Slap Stick' shifter inside a correct console. At the sides of that carpet, simple door panels proudly hang wood-trimmed fratzogs above traditional cranks, integrated handles and cool chrome locks. In front of those panels, a clean dash props correct Rallye gauges above a familiar Chrysler Solid State radio. In front of the driver, an attractive Rim Blow steering wheel mixes subtle form with major function. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hangs a correct decal above a new mat, a correct jack, a correct inflator bottle and a fresh Space-Saver spare.

PROVENANCE

Our sale includes an original Chrysler Broadcast Sheet that, along with dual Fender Tags, breaks this Dodge down as follows:

BROADCAST SHEET

TAG 1

TAG 2

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Authentic, documented and well restored, this bright yellow T/A is the perfect car for any Chrysler fan who wants a rare classic to collect and show. With brutal power, handsome looks and an excellent driving experience, it's the kind of car that'll make you thank yourself every time you open the garage. Ready to experience one of the hottest creations of the muscle car era? Your Challenger is waiting!