It’s almost a miracle that after over 50 years of being out of production, you can once again buy a new 1970 Dodge Charger. And it’s a new and improved Charger at that. The 1968 to 1970 Charger is arguably the prototypical muscle car. And you can’t touch one needing a complete restoration for under $20,000, if that. So taken together, though this Charger remake is expensive, some will consider it a bargain. 

What company makes the new 1970 Dodge Charger?

The new 1970 Charger is a combination of Finale Speed’s carbon fiber body and Roadster Shop’s complete chassis. You may know Finale Speed from its Charger bodies available through the Dodge Direct Connection performance arm of Dodge. And the Roadster Shop is famous for its upgraded suspension components and complete chassis for the most popular muscle cars and trucks.

The Roadster Shop has been making its Fast Track Mopar chassis for years, so its inclusion into this remake mix is unsurprising. Each frame is custom-built, including the frame rails, which are fully boxed. Boxing the rails closes off the insides of the frame, making them far more rigid than unboxed stock frames. Roadster Shop has dialed in its independent front and rear suspensions for the best in both comfort and performance, making them far superior to stock versions. 

What engine and suspension does the new 1970 Charger have?

Power comes from the infamous Hellcat 6.2-liter V8 with 707 hp. This, combined with the ultra-lightweight of the body, takes these remakes way beyond stock 1970 Charger capabilities. A Tremec six-speed manual transmission backs the Hellcat engine. 

Fox custom-valve shocks combine with large front and rear sway bars for the suspension. Wilwood disc brakes are at each corner, with Forgeline 18-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tires. 

Is the new 1970 Dodge Charger a better deal than the original?

Complete cars or rolling body and chassis combos are available through Dodge Direct Connection. A body/chassis combo is $199,000. Complete cars are $499,000. It’s a lot of money, but not in context.

How much is a restored 1968 to 1970 Charger with, let’s say a 426 Hemi engine or 440 ci big block and four-speed? According to Hagerty Insurance, one in excellent condition is $300,000. But the question is, would you drive it much? And the answer is “no.” 

The reason is because as you drive it the value goes down, not up. And there is a risk of an accident taking out part or all of your original Charger. True, you have insurance, but even if insurance fixes it, do you still want to keep your formerly original, now formerly T-boned Charger anymore? 

Why new might be better than original

With one of these new Finale Speed Chargers, there are no worries. They’re new muscle cars, so you can drive the heck out of it. Now fears of depreciation, because everything is replaceable, and none of it is original. If you must have an original Charger, then this isn’t your market. 

But for many enthusiasts, the no-hassles new Charger offers more appealing advantages. Plus, it is exactly as you want it. If you like green cars with orange interiors, you can have that (though we don’t know why anyone would find this color combo desirable). For now, there is a market brewing to let one decide between an original or Finale Speed 1970 Charger.