1970 Dodge Charger

Description

1970 was the last year of the second version of the Dodge Charger.

A new grill and front bumper changed the look of the 1970 Charger. Inside, the ignition key was moved from the dash to the steering column, and a pistol-grip shifter was used for cars with a manual transmission.

Some bright new "High Impact Paint" exterior colors were given names, such as Plum Crazy, Sublime, Panther Pink, Top Banana, Hemi Orange, Go Mango, and Green Go.

The Charger 500, previously a race-inspired model built for NASCAR, was now a package option and came with the 318 cid engine. It no longer had the distinct grill or flush-mounted rear window.

The R/T gained rearward-facing scoops mounted on the leading edge of the doors.

The 440 Six Pack was introduced which was so named because it had three two-barrel carbs. It was rated at 390 horsepower and 490 ft-lbs of torque.

The standard engine was again the 318 with 230 hp and 320 ft-lbs of torque, but the 225 slant-six (145 hp and 215 ft-lbs of torque) was available as a downgrade. Other optional engines were a 383 two-barrel (290 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque), a 383 four-barrel (330 hp and 425 ft-lbs of torque), a 440 Magnum (375 horsepower 480 ft-lbs of torque), and the 426 Hemi with 425 horsepower and 490 ft-lbs of torque.

1970 Charger Key Differences

The 1970 Dodge Charger had a unique front bumper which wrapped around the grill. The grill was no longer divided vertically in the middle, but it did have a thin horizontal bar running through its middle.

Similar Years

Dodge Chargers from 1968 - 1970 had the same body, but different bumpers, grills, and tail lights make it easy to identify each year.

How to Identify a 1970 Dodge Charger

Overview

• Last year of the second version of the Dodge Charger (1970)
• The only body style manufactured was the two-door coupe (1968 - 1974)

1970 Charger Front Bumper

• Instead of being mounted below the front grill as in previous years, the front bumper now encircled the grill (1970)

1970 Charger Grill

• The grill was no longer divided vertically in the middle (1970)
• A thin bar visually split the grill horizontally (1970)

1970 Charger Grill Emblem

• The "Charger" name plate still adorned the left side of the front grill (1968 - 1970)

1970 Charger Front Side Marker Light

• Rectangular front side marker lights continued (1969 - 1970)

1970 Charger Rear Side Marker Light

• Rectangular rear side marker lights also continued (1969 - 1970)

1970 Charger Tail Lights

• The dual rectangular tail lights were slightly changed for 1970, but difficult to tell apart (1970)
• 1970 tail lights have a built-in reflector, but 1969's do not (1970)
• 1969 tail lights have chrome trim around their outer edge, whereas 1970 tail lights do not have the chrome trim (1970)

1970 Charger Back Up Lights

• Round back-up lights were mounted under the rear bumper (1969 - 1970)

1970 Charger Rear Window

• The rear window with flying buttresses remained the same (1969 - 1970)

1970 Charger Dash

• The dash also did not change (1968 - 1970)
• Console mounted tach is a non-standard addition

1970 Charger C-Pillar Name Plate

• The Charger name plate was fixed to the C-pillar behind the rear quarter window (1968 - 1970)

1970 Charger Fuel Filler Cap

• The quick-release fuel cap was the same design as in 1969 (1969 - 1970)

1970 Charger Hood

• The hood retained its indentations, but lost the simulated vents (1970)
• Turn signal indicators were changed, but still mounted in the indentations in the hood (1970)

1970 Charger Magnum 500 Wheel

• The optional Magnum 500 wheel with trim ring in satin finish

More 1970 Charger Pictures

For more photos of vintage 1970 Chargers, visit the Dodge Charger Gallery at the Muscle Car Jungle.

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