Check this, Packard Plant Rescued 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A!
In the heart of Detroit, nestled within the historic Packard plant, a remarkable automotive treasure lay dormant for decades, hidden away from the world. This hidden gem is none other than a 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, and its tale of rescue and redemption is one that will surely ignite the passions of car enthusiasts everywhere.
The story begins with this magnificent 1970 Challenger T/A, resplendent in its burnt orange glory with a matching interior. As any Mopar aficionado would expect, it boasts an impressive 340 engine under the hood, but curiously, there’s no 340 sticker on its body. The reason? In 1974, the car suffered a significant accident that led to the replacement of its front fenders, hence the absence of the iconic emblem.
But let’s dive deeper into the history of this remarkable automobile. Originally owned by a Detroit local who was also the lease manager at the Packard plant, this Challenger T/A lived its life in the shadow of Detroit’s industrial past. The Packard plant, once a symbol of the city’s industrial might, had fallen into disrepair, and this classic car was left to gather dust alongside it.
The turning point came when the Packard plant faced condemnation, and the fateful New Year’s Eve of 1999 marked a significant change. As the clock struck midnight, the authorities cut the locks on storage units, revealing a trove of forgotten cars. Among them was our burnt orange beauty, its tail lights, trunk, and front grille assembly pilfered during its years of neglect.
In an incredible twist of fate, a friend of the original owner discovered a note left by him inside the car, expressing a desire to buy it if the opportunity ever arose. Fuelled by nostalgia and a sense of duty, this friend stepped in and secured the Challenger T/A around the turn of the millennium.
As life went on for the new owner, with marriage and the arrival of children, the Challenger T/A took a back seat. However, now, as the kids grow older, the time has come to rekindle the dream of restoring this iconic automobile to its former glory.
But the story doesn’t end there. It turns out that the owner has not one but two 1970 Challengers, both in the same burnt orange hue, both powered by 340 engines, and both equipped with automatic transmissions. One of them, the T/A, boasts the burnt orange interior that’s a hallmark of its time. The other, a high school car owned by the same enthusiast, is now a project in progress, poised for a grand revival.
To make matters even more exciting, the owner has been collecting original parts, ensuring that the restoration process is as authentic as possible. There are original six-pack components, New Old Stock tail pipes, air cleaners, and even Mufflers with factory stampings and numbers that are a perfect match for the T/A.
The enthusiasm for these cars is undeniable, and now, with the promise of a disposable income on the horizon, the owner is gearing up to embark on the restoration journey. The Challenger T/A, with its unmistakable front end and its missing 340 sticker, is set to take center stage in this automotive revival.
As we look to the future, there’s hope that both Challengers will once again grace the streets, side by side, showcasing the glory of a bygone era. The commitment and passion of this Detroit enthusiast remind us that classic cars are not just machines; they are living pieces of history waiting to be reborn.
So, stay tuned for updates on this incredible restoration project. As we follow the progress of these two burnt orange beauties, we’ll witness the revival of automotive history right before our eyes.
