This Original 1970 Dodge Challenger Red Hemi Is a True Survivor
The iron ore ranges of Minnesota were known for one thing: tons upon tons of red earth. Only this wasn’t just dirt, but taconite ore, which crossed the Great Lakes on freighters like the Edmund Fitzgerald to feed the hungry mouths of the blast furnaces of Youngstown and Pittsburgh. It is fitting, then, that muscle cars would get painted colors like FK5, the code for Chrysler’s Dark Burnt Orange Metallic, about as close to raw ore as you can get. What is even cooler is that this remarkably preserved 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, painted in that very shade of reddish-orange, now resides in the North Star State. The reflective sheen you see in the photos is due to the same paint applied on the assembly line at Dodge Main in Detroit way back in 1970. This isn’t just a 1970 Dodge Challenger Red car; it’s a stunning, original survivor. The legacy of Dodge’s performance cars continues to evolve, including models like the [2024 electric dodge charger](https://shocknaue.com/2024-electric-dodge-charger/), but the roots remain firmly planted in icons like this ’70 Challenger.
426 Hemi V8 engine bay of a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in Dark Burnt Orange Metallic, showing orange block and twin carbs.
That incredible originality was one of the primary factors that led current owner Bruce Bartie to step up and buy the car back in 2004.
“Original cars are a treasure from the muscle era,” he says. “This car was sold new by Lynnway Dodge in Lynn, Massachusetts, for $5,927 to a man named William Perry. I would like to acknowledge him and all the previous owners, especially Dave Wright, who chose to maintain and preserve this car as a time capsule from that special era.”
That it made it into the 21st century nearly intact is impressive, but a significant part of what makes this particular R/T special was its mile-long options list. The original buy-in price at almost six grand verifies the extensive factory equipment. Among the cool gear built onto this [1970 Dodge Challenger Red](https://shocknaue.com/1970-dodge-challenger-red/) for delivery were the slatted rear window louvers, front spoilers, deck-mounted wing, stripe package, drip and wide sill moldings, full vinyl roof, and hood pins. And that’s just on the outside; inside are the console, leather upholstery, six-way driver’s seat, light group, tachometer, AM/eight-track player, left remote mirror, and the distinctive Rallye dash.
It was 1970, and the Challenger was all-new for that model year. When Mr. Perry picked it up on June 2, 1970, it’s certain the dealer mechanics had given it a thorough final check. After all, this machine was built for running hard. The 15×7 Rallye wheels wrapped in wide F60-15 Goodyear rubber, power front disc brakes, power steering, a 4.10 rear gear housed within the Super Performance Dana 60 axle, and a Slap-Stik-controlled A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission were all integral parts of its performance package, ready to respond instantly when the twin AFBs under the air cleaner began breathing heavily. For enthusiasts interested in the range of Dodge’s performance offerings, exploring the differences between models like this Hemi R/T and classic high-performance variants like the [dodge challenger 1970 rt 440 magnum](https://shocknaue.com/dodge-challenger-1970-rt-440-magnum/) reveals the depth of Mopar’s muscle car era dominance.
Those two carburetors were the signature topping on the 426 Street Hemi engine during its production run. The ’70 model year was notable in Hemi history as it was the first to be fitted with a hydraulic camshaft from the factory. The engine was understandably a little tired when Dave Wright acquired the Challenger. So, while the body and interior remain untouched in their original state, the legendary Hemi guru John Arruzza went through the engine in 2003, performing a complete internal rebuild with long-term durability in mind. This process included a cleanup 0.030 overbore, fresh Ross pistons and Manley rods, and a somewhat “healthier than stock” Comp Cams pumpstick. The term “pump” is key here, as Arruzza’s expert handiwork was specifically done to ensure this potent Hemi could reliably run on standard pump gas, a significant advantage for driving. The only other non-original change under the hood, easily reversible, was the incorporation of an MSD ignition setup and distributor for enhanced performance and reliability.
Rear left side view of a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in FK5 Dark Burnt Orange Metallic, highlighting the rear window louvers and decklid wing.
Like most original cars that have survived decades, this one possesses a few unique quirks that contribute to its distinct personality. For instance, located just above the Challenger emblem on the driver’s side, there is an inconspicuous round lock opening. This was installed for an aftermarket alarm system, added way back when the car was a regular cruiser in New England to help deter theft or tampering. Nonetheless, very little else has been done to the car recently beyond careful detailing and maintenance, simply ensuring it is kept up and preserved in its current state. Bruce himself is highly capable in this regard, having attended automotive school in the 1970s, and he performs all the work on his own collection of cars. For enthusiasts interested in the modern interpretation of the Challenger nameplate, looking into models like the [2023 dodge challenger ghost](https://shocknaue.com/2023-dodge-challenger-ghost/) shows how the legacy continues with special editions.
Today, Bruce’s business success combined with his impressive mechanical prowess has allowed him to amass and own a number of significant original muscle cars. His collection includes not only this stunning 1970 Challenger R/T Hemi but also an original ’70 Hemi ‘Cuda and an M-code 440 6BBL Road Runner. The latter car was showcased at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) in the year we shot this incredible red Challenger, 2012.
This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T stands as a remarkable testament to the muscle car era and the enduring appeal of Mopar performance. With its rare FK5 Dark Burnt Orange Metallic paint – appearing as a deep, rich [1970 dodge challenger red](https://shocknaue.com/1970-dodge-challenger-red/)– and its extensive list of desirable factory options, including the legendary 426 Hemi engine, this car is far more than just transportation; it’s a preserved piece of automotive history. Thanks to dedicated owners like Bruce Bartie and those who came before him, this Hemi-powered time capsule remains a stunning example of what made the 1970 Challenger R/T such an icon.
At a Glance
- 1970 Challenger R/T
- Owned by: Bruce Bartie, Stillwater, MN
- Restored by: Original car; engine rebuilt by John Arruzza
- Engine: 426ci/425hp Hemi V-8
- Transmission: A727 TorqueFlite automatic
- Rearend: Dana 60 with 4.10 gears and Sure Grip
- Interior: Leather-covered bucket seats
- Wheels: 15×7 Rallye
- Tires: G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT
- Special Parts: Front lip spoilers, rear spoiler, longitudinal stripe, rear window louvers, remote LH sport mirror, manual RH sport mirror
- Period Performance: 14.1 seconds @ 103.2 mph (Car and Driver, Nov. ’69)
