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Guy Takes On 1970 Dodge Charger Left in Pieces for 36 Years

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Sam, a self-proclaimed petrolhead, embarks on the challenging restoration of a 1970 Dodge Charger that has been sitting untouched in a makeshift UK garage for over three decades.


In a testament to the enduring allure of classic American muscle cars, Sam, a passionate car enthusiast and TV presenter, has undertaken the ambitious project of restoring a 1970 Dodge Charger. This particular vehicle, which sat parked for 36 years in a makeshift garage in the United Kingdom, has become a complex puzzle of missing and mismatched pieces that Sam is determined to solve.

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The car, initially appearing to be a 1969 model due to its wings and grille, has been confirmed to be a 1970 model. This discovery came after the previous owner, Tim Cummings, attempted to assemble the car from parts left by his father. Despite his efforts, Tim eventually abandoned the project, and the car remained incomplete until Sam purchased it in 2024.

Upon acquisition, Sam found the Charger in a dilapidated state, with a rusting engine bay and various parts either damaged or missing. The car originally rolled off the production line with a 383 engine, but it now houses a 440-cubic-inch Mopar big block. Despite these challenges, Sam's previous experience with restoring a NASCAR-powered Dodge Charger has prepared him for this daunting task.

Among the car's rare features is a speedometer and odometer scaled in kilometers, a novelty that adds to the vehicle's unique character. Sam's inventory of the car's components revealed several valuable parts, including the original seat belts and part of the windshield chrome trim, crucial for restoring the Charger to its former glory.

Sam plans to fully revamp the Charger, considering various modifications such as installing bucket seats, a roll cage, and possibly converting it into a Fast & Furious replica. He's also contemplated painting it orange and transforming it into the General Lee from "The Dukes of Hazzard," although this idea conflicts with his desire to return the car to its 1970 specifications.

As Sam delves into the restoration, he aims to not only bring the Charger back to life but also to eventually take Tim on a joyride in the revamped vehicle, fulfilling a promise to honor the car's history. The journey of this 1970 Dodge Charger from a forgotten relic to a rejuvenated icon continues to inspire classic car enthusiasts and demonstrates the deep connection between humans and their machines.

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