The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Why is 1970 Challenger So Expensive - A Comparative Analyses of Dodge Challenger's Most Popular Models


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

                    SEE MORE: The Auto Channel Dodge Challenger Content Library


How much is a dodge challenger worth? An average 1970 challenger costs around $86,805, a price that even most of the newly launched cars won’t fetch. What makes classic Challenger cars so special?

Dodge Challenger was launched in 1969 and was labeled as Dodge Challenger 1970. This midsize muscle car was launched as a challenge to Mustang Camaro pony cars, and boy did the Challenger do justice to the title. A restored first edition Dodge Challenger can fetch up to six figures price, the powerful engine, strong body and sleek design makes 1970 challenger a classic piece and one of the most sought-after automobiles since the 70s. From 145 horsepower to 390 horsepower, Challenger had over nine different engine and transmission options.

In 1971, Hollywood introduced this iconic car in Barry Newman’s Vanishing Point, the same year Challenger also debuted as a racing car in the Trans-America Championship, however, despite the positive publicity it did not do good initially.

What made the 1970 challenger so popular and expensive over the time? Let us look at this star sports car and compare it with some of the later models launched by Dodge.

How Much is a 1970 Challenger Worth and Why is it so Popular?

For one thing, the Dodge 1970 Challenger came with an unparalleled number of customizations. The car enthusiasts can choose from a base model or a high-performance Road/Track model. Configuration wise there were hardtop coupe, two door convertible and Special Edition (SE) coupe. Hollywood also played a major role in making this car a huge hit among the masses. Movies like Tarantino's Death Proof, Fast and Furious 2, The Bucket List, Vanishing Point and 2 Guns massively increased popularity of this first-generation Challenger.

Let us have a look at how much a vintage 1970 Dodge Challenger is worth.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Click to enlarge

How Much is Dodge Charger 2007 Worth

Dodge Charger 2007 is considered to have sports car performance with sedan functionality, firm handling and heady power from SRT8 model, it is quite reasonably priced.

However, in order to evaluate, you will need to know some basic facts about your vehicle, such as the mileage, condition, option packages and trim level. Generally, the trade-in value of a 2007 Dodge Charger with no options and driven roughly around 12,000 miles per year would be worth about $1,836 (for one in "Clean" condition) and about $2,853 if you were selling it as a private party.

How Much is a 2010 Dodge Challenger Worth

How much a Dodge Challenger 2010 worth depends on the model; the 2010 Dodge Challenger SE has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $24,000. The Challenger R/T starts just under $32,000, while a fully loaded SRT8 model tops out around $47,000. In affordability ranking, Dodge Challenger 2010 grabs 7.3 score out of 10.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Click to enlarge

How Much is a 2011 dodge Challenger Worth

Along with some other factors, the year, mileage, trim level, options and condition of a car will decide how much the Dodge Challenger is worth. Usually, a 2011 Dodge Challenger with no options and driven around 12,000 miles per year would be worth $6,000 plus minus $500 (in clean condition, and if you are selling it through an agent) and about $9,000 if you are selling it on your own. The valuation of a 2011 Dodge challenger is appraised below.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Click to enlarge

How Much is a 2012 Challenger Worth

In 2012, Challenger was renamed as preforNow. It developed a consistent Dodge portfolio mostly focused on delivering optimal performance in value. The Dodge Challenger SXT model and Challenger SXT Plus package feature the lightweight, aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 305 horsepower (227 kW), responsive 268 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 27 mpg highway.

Let us have a look at how much a Dodge Challenger 2012 worth with its world class performance, power and speed.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Click to enlarge

How Much is the Black Ghost Challenger Worth

In mid May 2020, when the 1970 Dodge Challenger Hemi was registered at Mecum Mecum Auction event for sale, no one knew that it was the Black Ghost of the 70s.

The car was owned by a police officer named Qualls Godfrey in 1970 who put the k425-plus-horsepower car to use at the nighttime drag-racing happening up and down the streets like Woodward Avenue. The car grabbed win after win for a night or two and then used to disappear for weeks or months at a time before resurfacing to race again, hence the name “Black Ghost” and the mythical status attached to it.

After 1975, Qualls quit racing and put the challenger at family’s disposal, up until 80s it was used as a family car and after that it retired, and was parked and hidden in the garage. After Qualls passed away in 2014, the keys to the legendary Black ghost challenger were passed on to his son who then restored the 45,000-mile Dodge Challenger and has now put it up for auction.

In the meantime, the car garnered a cult following. How much a Black Ghost Challenger 1970 will be worth is hard to predict at this stage as Mecum Auctions have announced plans to auction it in May 2023. However, Dodge itself has announced that the company is going to launch a Black Ghost trim among its seven 2023 model-year Last Call cars. The seven models are named Last Call because these special editions are going to be the final editions of the Challenger line thereby ending a legendary car. The estimated value of the 2023 Black Ghost Challenger is estimated at $90,000 without any options.

How Much is a 2018 Dodge Challenger Worth

The 2018 Challenger was till then the most powerful and strongest model lineup in the history of the Dodge Challenger. Ranging from the 305-horsepower V-6 SXT model to the high-octane powered 840-horsepower SRT Demon, and including Challenger GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker, T/A, SRT 392, SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Widebody models in between, 2015 sure was one of the best cars produced by Dodge. Here is an estimated evaluation of the 2015 Dodge Challenger.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Click to enlarge

How Much is a 2019 dodge Challenger Worth

This is the car that celebrities love. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Its 797-horsepower Supercharged HEMI® High-output Engine is the most powerful SRT Hellcat lineup ever. It is one of the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle cars. Here is how much a 2019 Dodge Challenger is estimated at average $71,500 today.

How to Take Care of Your Dodge Challenger

Considered to be one of the most celebrated sports cars throughout history, the Challenger is going to gain tremendous value in the near future as Dodge has announced that it is going to stop the production of its iconic car line. Hence, in order to get maximum benefit out of your car, here is how you should take care of it.

The Dodge Challenger can offer anywhere between 200,000 to 300,000 miles of reliable service if maintained adequately. If taken care of properly, your car can last as long as 300,000 miles with original engine and transmission. However, if you are the second or third owner, we recommend a service overhaul every 150,000 miles. Some of the essential services that you should follow religiously are listed below.

  • Change oil and oil filter, check all the fluids, and rotate the tires every 6000 miles.
  • At 10,000 miles service the fuel system and perform a multi-point inspection. service the battery and the differential, align the wheels, and check all the fluids at 15,000 miles
  • At 30,000 miles drain and refill the transmission and the differential fluids.
  • And to cap it off, make sure that the exterior of your car is taken care of. Always wash it every 6 months if your car is parked. Make sure you apply a good quality wax to ward off dust and debris. The best way is to keep it covered with a customized Dodge Challenger Car Cover