How much is a 1970 Dodge Charger RT worth today?
A 1970 Dodge Charger RT's value today depends heavily on condition, originality and provenance, with typical price bands ranging from roughly $60,000 for a driver-quality or project car to six figures for well-documented, numbers-matching examples — especially those equipped with a 426 Hemi.
Understanding the market requires looking at drivetrain configuration, documentation, restoration quality, options, color combos, and current auction/dealer activity. This article surveys the latest market data as of 2025 to help buyers and sellers gauge a fair price.
Market dynamics
What factors most influence the asking price or sale price of a 1970 Charger RT? The following list identifies the biggest drivers in today’s market.
- Drivetrain: whether the car has the rare 426 Hemi or the sought-after 440 Six-Pack and whether the engine is period-correct, original, or matching-numbers.
- Documentation and provenance: restoration receipts, factory build sheet, fender tag, and a documented history can add substantial value.
- Condition and restoration quality: concours-grade, show-quality finishes and precise mechanical work dramatically raise value relative to driver-quality cars.
- Originality versus restoration: unaltered, factory-correct cars often command higher prices than heavily modified ones, though superb restorations can also fetch top dollar.
- Rarity and factory options: specific color combinations, interior trims, and rare options (like specific transmissions or color code) can affect desirability.
- Market conditions and recent auction results: contemporary sales data from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, RM Sotheby's, and price-guide services shape current expectations.
In practice, buyers and sellers should weigh these factors together, as a car’s standing on one dimension (e.g., a matching-numbers Hemi) can compensate for weaker points in another (like fewer documentation items).
Value ranges by condition and configuration
Below are commonly observed price bands based on condition and configuration. These ranges reflect current market activity and may vary by region, provenance, and auction results.
- Concours-level, numbers-matching or rare Hemi-equipped cars: roughly $150,000 to $350,000+, with prime examples exceeding $400,000 at top-tier auctions.
- Excellent condition, well-documented, mostly original or correctly restored cars: about $100,000 to $180,000.
- Good to very good condition with solid restoration but non-matching numbers or non-original components: about $60,000 to $120,000.
- Project cars or cars needing extensive restoration: around $25,000 to $60,000.
In summary, a well-documented, original or accurately restored 426 Hemi Charger RT remains the most valuable, with non-Hemi cars offering strong value in the six-figure range depending on presentation and provenance.
Hemi and numbers-matching: why they matter
Hemis are rare in the 1970 Charger RT lineup, and collectors prize correct, matching-numbers configurations with the original drivetrain and build sheet. This combination often constitutes the most significant value driver, potentially pushing prices well into six figures and beyond for standout examples.
Market sources and valuation references
Market values are informed by established auction results and valuation guides. The following sources are commonly used to calibrate prices today.
- Mecum, Barrett-Jackson and RM Sotheby's auction results for 1970 Charger RTs and related Mopars.
- Hagerty Price Guide and classic car valuation resources for baseline condition-adjusted figures.
- Dealer listings, private sales, and regional market trends that reflect demand for Mopar muscle.
Because the classic-car market is dynamic, prices can swing with trends, weather, and collector interest, so use these figures as a baseline and verify with recent listings and auction reports before buying or selling.
Summary
The going rate for a 1970 Dodge Charger RT today spans a broad spectrum. In good to excellent condition, non-Hemi cars typically sit in the $60,000–$180,000 range, while numbers-matching or Hemi-equipped cars push much higher, often into six figures and occasionally beyond at premier auctions. The exact price depends on condition, originality, provenance, and current market demand, which remains strong for iconic Mopar muscle.
How much is a Dodge Charger RT worth?
2022 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan 4D Depreciation
A 2022 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan 4D has depreciated $13,574 or 32% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $28,203 and trade-in value of $24,746.
What is the value of a 1970 Dodge Charger?
The value of a 1970 Dodge Charger varies significantly, ranging from around $20,000 for a lower-condition base model to over $200,000 for rare, high-performance versions. Factors like engine, condition, and specific trim (e.g., R/T, 500) are key to determining the price, with 426 Hemi R/T models fetching the highest prices. A good-condition R/T with a 440 engine typically sells for $60,000 to $90,000, while a 440 engine in a standard model is valued closer to $40,000 to $50,000.
Value by condition and model
- 1970 Dodge Charger R/T:
- Fair condition (440 engine): ~$45,800
- Good condition (440 engine): ~$60,400
- Excellent condition (440 engine): ~$95,900
- Concours condition (440 engine): ~$125,000
- 1970 Dodge Charger 500:
- Good condition: ~$47,533
- 1970 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi R/T:
- Fair condition: ~$86,200
- Good condition: ~$119,000
- Excellent condition: ~$194,000
- Concours condition: ~$231,000 (highest valuation)
Factors that influence the value
- Engine: The 426 Hemi engine is the most valuable, with only 112 produced for the 1970 model year, making Hemi models highly sought after. Other engines like the 440 Magnum are also valuable but command lower prices than the Hemi.
- Condition: The car's overall condition is a major factor, with "Concours" being the highest tier and "Fair" being the lowest.
- Trim and specific model: Different trims have different values. The R/T (Road/Track) is more desirable than a standard Charger, and models like the Charger 500 are also a factor in price.
- Originality: A car that is "numbers-matching" (meaning its engine and other components are original) is typically worth more than a car with replaced parts.
- Modifications: Modern performance upgrades, such as a Hellcat engine swap, can increase value, sometimes even surpassing the price of a period-correct Hemi car.
How much is a 1970 Challenger RT worth?
A 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T's price varies significantly, with average-condition models in the $80,450 range but with exceptional, rare, and highly optioned examples reaching prices well into the high six figures or even over a million dollars. Prices depend heavily on factors like condition, engine, original options, and history. For example, a rare Hemi-powered 426 version can have a high retail value of around $315,000, while a unique example like the "Black Ghost" sold for over $1 million.
Price breakdown by condition and features
- Average condition: Expect to pay around $80,450 for a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in good condition with average specs, according to Hagerty Valuation Tools.
- Hemi 426 powered: A 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 2 Door Hardtop with the Hemi 426 engine can have a high retail value of approximately $315,000, as listed on J.D. Power.
- Exceptional examples: Extremely rare and well-preserved examples command top dollar. The highest price for a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T at auction over the last three years was $329,500, though some specific historical vehicles have sold for much more. For instance, the "Black Ghost" sold for $1.07 million, notes Motor Authority.
Factors that influence price
- Condition and originality: The car's condition and how original it is to its factory specifications are primary price drivers.
- Engine and transmission: Specific engine options like the 426 Hemi or the 440 Magnum, and transmission choices like a 4-speed manual, can significantly increase value.
- Rare options: Options such as a Shaker hood can add substantial value, often increasing a car's price by 20% or more, according to Hagerty Valuation Tools.
- Color: Certain high-impact colors can also affect the car's value and salability.
How rare is a 1970 Dodge Charger RT?
According to the 1970 Charger Registry, only 4.3% of the R/Ts were painted like this, or 403 units. With all these features and options combined, according to our host, this Mopar is one of only 14 made. That's ultra-rare, no matter how you look at it. And that's not the only cool thing about this car.
