Hello from Northern California

OK, regarding my Challenger, since you asked: It's a 1970 "Western Sport Special", which is a pretty rare option package that was only sold in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas (mine was built at the L.A. plant and sold in the S.F. area). There were only something like 3500 of them made, and they're identifiable by a large decal on the rear quarter panel (and the A91 code on the fender tag). It basically was an upscale model but without the performance hardware. More info can be found here: http://www.challengerspecs.com/1970challenger_western_special.htm

Mine was B7 blue with a white top and blue interior, with a rim-blow wheel, split bench seat (yeah, I know, in a Challenger!?), the fake wood on the dash and door panels, air conditioning, PS (but manual brakes), "astro-toned" (argent) tail-light panel and grille, and lots of exterior trim/moldings.

My sister bought it from the original owner in the late 80's. I went with her to look it over before she bought it and asked her to give me first crack at it if she ever decided to sell. Unfortunately she developed a terminal illness and a couple years ago became unable to drive, so she called me one day to come get it. It sat for about ten years before I got it so it was flatbed towed to my house, and after rebuilding the carburetor and replacing the coil, fuel pump, battery, motor mounts, and master cylinder, it was running and drivable again. Everything on the car works, except for the AC, which I haven't investigated yet.

As of today it has about 72k original miles, and has never been in a wreck. Unfortunately, my sister stored it outdoors so the weather took it's toll and the paint is now shot. I've begun some restoration work but I plan to leave things original wherever possible if the condition is good enough. I removed the disintegrating vinyl top and found quite a bit of rust around the back window, with holes that resulted in water leaking into the trunk and causing a rust hole there too. The rest of the car is solid (I put in new carpeting and the factory overspray is on the inside of the floorpans - no rust there whatsoever). It's currently sitting in my garage awaiting it's turn while I finish up some other projects but I hope to make some more progress on it this summer.