Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger was the name of two automobile models marketed by the Dodge Division of Chrysler Corporation in the 1970s.

First model

The first Challenger was the division's late entrant to the pony car market segment in the United States, launched for the 1970 model year.

Related Topics:
Pony car - United States - Model year

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It was strongly based on the similar Plymouth Barracuda's new E-body but with two inches (51 mm) of extra wheelbase and somewhat different outer sheetmetal. Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 80,000 sales in 1970 alone), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Challenger production ceased after the 1974 model year, only having lasted five years; performance dropped off dramatically after the 1971 models. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over the this model's lifespan.

Related Topics:
Plymouth Barracuda - E-body - Wheelbase

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Engine choices included the following:

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• 225 in³ (3.7 L) slant 6: 1970-1972.
• 318 in³ (5.2 L) LA V8: 1970-1974.
• 340 in³ (5.6 L) LA V8: 1970-1973.
• 360 in³ (5.9 L) LA V8: 1974.
• 383 in³ (6.3 L) B V8: 1970-1971.
• 440 in³ (7.2 L) RB V8: 1970-1971. Available in Magnum 4-barrel carbureted form (developing 375 bhp (280 kW)) or Six-Pack (3 × 2-barrel carburetors and 390 bhp/490 ft.lbf) form.
• 426 in³ (7.0 L) Hemi V8: 1970-1971. 425 bhp (317 kW)/490 ft.lbf, costing an extra $1,228, and very few sold.

Performance ::

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• 340 : 14.8 @ 96mph
• 340 T/A : 14.4 @ 97mph
• 383 Hemi : 15.1 @ 93mph
• 440 Magnum R/T : 13.9 @ 101mph
• 440 Six-Pack : 13.8 @ 104mph
• 426 Hemi : 13.6 @ 105mph

For obvious reasons, the 440 and the 426 Hemi engines were considered the most desirable, and nowadays command sizeable premiums over the smaller engines.

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Challengers could either be hardtop coupes or convertibles (through 1971 only). The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), available in both body styles; both standard and R/T hardtops could be ordered as the more luxurious SE specification, which included leather seats, a vinyl roof and a smaller 'formal' rear window. Other options, as well as engines and manual transmission, included steeper rear axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker scoop.

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A 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car, which used a specially tuned Six-Pack version of the 340 cubic inch (5.6 L) powerplant, topped with a giant hood scoop in a fiberglass lift-off hood. 'Megaphone' exhaust outlets were fitted in front of the rear wheels. A 'Rallye' suspension package was available, and different-sized wheels were fitted front and back, with very fat rubber on the rear.

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By 1972, maximum power was down to 240 hp, and production stopped in 1974.

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Although the body style remained the same throughout the 5 year run, there were two notable changes to the front grille. 1971 models had a more stylized "split" grille, and the final manipulation coming in 1972, with the incorporation of the "sad-mouth" design.

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With this change to the front end, 1972 through '74 Models had little to no variation. The only way to properly distinguish said models is by the front and rear "bumperettes" which exponentially increased in size during each consecutive year. These changes were made to meet US regulations regarding crash test safety.

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The tail light array also changed for the 72-74 model years, with the single tail bar being replaced with four individual lights.

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As the Chrysler E body line reaches legendary proportions, so too do the prices to buy these sleek machines. 1970 and 71 model years tend to generate more attention from potential (and usually deep pocketed) buyers, as the performance and style options had not yet been toned down. However, with the popularity of these vehicles on the increase, coupled with the number of useable and restorable Challengers being on the decrease, many collectors have begun looking towards the later models to create their own customizable dream machines. Indeed, many "clones" of the more visceral '70 and '71 model Challengers have been created by using 72 through 74 model year donors; The front and rear grilles/bumpers on these vehicles are easily interchangeable.

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