Barn Find | The Car Nut Chronicles

Michigan Barn Unveils Massive Mopar Treasure with Rare Dodge and Plymouth Classics

Jay Altman — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:06:00 +0000

Muscle Car Treasure Trove in Michigan

Tucked away in the Great Lakes State, a collection of Chrysler’s legendary Mopar vehicles awaits restoration, showcasing relics from the unprecedented muscle car period. Enthusiasts and restorers alike prize such finds, as they bring to life the fierce competition and innovation of those times.

1970 Dodge Challenger T/A

Notably in the collection is the ’70 Challenger T/A, a model birthed from the competitive spirit of SCCA Trans-Am racing. Chrysler produced this model to comply with the league’s rules, which entailed crafting a street-legal car available in sufficient quantity. Only 2,399 of these were manufactured, making them a coveted item for collectors. Among them, a very special Challenger T/A stands out, sporting the Lemon Twist paint with a contrasting tan interior. Its heart, a 340 cubic-inch V8, is enhanced by triple two-barrel carbs and feeds a four-speed manual transmission. Remarkably, this particular car is one from just a batch of 989. Although in a dilapidated state, the dedicated owner has spent two decades amassing parts for its imminent revival.

Key Challenger T/A Specs:

Engine: 340 cubic-inch V8
Carburetors: Triple two-barrel
Horsepower: 290
Production: 2,399 units (989 with four-speed manual)
Restoration: In progress

1969 Plymouth GTX

Also sheltered within the same confines is a ’69 GTX, boasting its authentic “Coyote Duster” 440 cubic-inch V8. Though it doesn’t possess the prestigious HEMI, its presence is significant in a landscape where many have succumbed to neglect. This model, still in an operational state, serves as a testament to the endurance of muscle car architecture.

1970 Plymouth Road Runner

Bringing more variety to this secretive collection is the ’70 Road Runner, equipped with a powerful 390-horsepower, six-barrel engine. It holds its place in muscle car royalty, with only 36,861 units sold—a mere 1,815 of which featured the robust six-barrel option. Among hardtop models, just 651 were manufactured, marking it as an exemplar of this pinnacle era.

Road Runner Comparative Statistics:

Total Production: 36,861 units
Six-Barrel Models: 1,815 units
Two-Door Hardtops: 651 units

Get NOCOBOOST Today >>>

1970 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible

Finally, the assemblage includes an unusual 1970 Barracuda convertible. This variant is not only a rarity among its contemporaries due to its drop-top design—one of only 2,501 produced—but it also sports the less sought-after slant-six engine. The Barracuda is further distinguished by a production number of only 238 convertibles with this engine, underscoring its uniqueness.

The compilation of Mopar muscle cars, uncovered in Michigan, constitutes an invaluable connection to a time when horsepower and fast quarters ruled the roads. The ’70 Challenger T/A, ’69 GTX, ’70 Road Runner, and the ’70 Barracuda each represent a slice of automotive history, with restoration projects underscoring their enduring legacy. Their scarcity and condition pose not just a challenge, but a passionate project for the owner, who aims to breathe new life into these timeless machines.

Note To Reader: Car Nut Chronicles is reader supported. We may post content which contains links to affiliate sites such as Amazon where we may earn a small commission. This helps us keep the lights on and the articles you enjoy being produced. Thank you for your readership, we appreciate you!