Beschreibung
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tuesday 9th September from 12pm
Auction: Wednesday 10th September from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1970 Dodge Charger 500
Restored to a high standard by the late previous owner and fitted with a tuned 440ci engine
Estimate
£40, 000 - £50, 000
Registration No: SVM 918H
Chassis No: XP29G0G171236
MOT: Exempt
Imported into Britain during 2004 and subject to a comprehensive restoration by the previous owner
Fitted with an uprated Mopar 440ci V8 engine fed by an Edelbrock carburettor and MSG ignition system
Equipped with high-back bucket seats and finished to a mildly customised specification
The inception of the Dodge Charger in the mid-1960s marked a pivotal moment in American automotive history, as it embodied a captivating synthesis of engineering prowess, performance excellence, and cultural resonance. Notably celebrated for its potent V8 powertrains, the Charger offered an array of engine options, with highlights including the legendary Hemi variants. This allowed for impressive horsepower figures and torque delivery, translating into formidable straight-line acceleration and unmatched driving exhilaration.
Beyond the brawny powerplants, the Charger's technical sophistication extended to its suspension and handling dynamics. A carefully tuned suspension system, often incorporating heavy-duty components, enabled optimal weight distribution and responsive road manners. This engineering finesse facilitated controlled cornering and stability at high speeds, making the Charger not just a showpiece of straight-line power, but a truly balanced performance machine.
In addition to its engineering prowess, the Dodge Charger etched its name into popular culture through appearances in the era-defining 1968 film Bullitt and the much-loved television series The Dukes of Hazzard. This crossover into entertainment not only enhanced the Charger's visibility but also affirmed its status as an enduring symbol of American car culture.
An excellent example of the muscle car archetype, this 1970 Charger 500 was built at Dodge’s St. Louis, Missouri, factory, and left the factory with the 230bhp, 318ci base engine, but has been much upgraded since. As a mid-range 500 model, it came with selected sports and luxury offerings as standard, including bucket seats, an electric clock, wheel arch trims and “500” badges.
Little is known of the Charger’s time in America, except that its last owner in 2003 was John Kevin Douglas Prather of Yuba City, California. In 2004, it was imported in Britain, since when it has had four owners, been kept in regular use and received extensive maintenance. A circa 2007 photograph shows the Charger was at the time red with some black panel paint and Magnum 500 wheels, and it had been fitted with the optional 383ci V8. In the present ownership since 2023, the Dodge was substantially refurbished during the previous ownership; the black panels were painted white, the interior was trimmed to match, and aftermarket chrome American Racing Torq Thrust wheels and a General Lee-style push bar completed the package. Most exciting, though, is the fact that the Charger is now powered by a thumping 440ci V8, with an Edelbrock carburettor and MSG electronic ignition. The 440 V8 was the top engine offered for the Charger in 1970, and depending on its state of tune produced 350, 375 or 390bhp.
This Dodge is complete with its current V5C, last California title, an original Operator’s Manual, various MOTs spanning 2004 to 2016, and multiple invoices testifying to the continuous care the car has received. Some invoices which stand out include the purchase of black chassis paint in 2008, new lower and upper ball joints in 2014, a new fuel tank in 2015, a head gasket set in 2018, a new throttle cable in 2019 and a new thermostat in 2021.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
