Dodge Challenger History

The first Dodge Challenger was Mopars answer to the pony car market in the U.S.. The Challenger was introduced for the 1970 model year and was intended to compete against the Mercury Cougar. It was based on the similar Plymouth Barracuda’s new E body. The Dodge Challenger‘s wheelbase was 110 inches which was 2 inches longer than the Cuda, much like the Cougar and its cousin the Mustang.

The exterior of the Dodge Challenger was done by Carl Cameron who also designed the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. Cameron paste the Challenger‘s grille off an ole sketch of the 1966 Charger prototype that was intended to receive any turbid power plant. The Dodge Charger never received the term and engine but the Dodge Challenger did get the grille. The 1970 Challenger was well received by the consumer and sold 76,935 units. The market for pony cars was already on the decline by the time the 1970s Challenger was released in sales declined after 1970. The Dodge Challenger was produced until midway through 1974 and sold about 165,000 units through its lifespan.

Hemi Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger was offered in four models between 1970 to 1974. These models included the Challenger six, the Challenger V8, the T/A model and the Challenger R/T. Through 1971 the Challenger could be purchased with either a hardtop, convertible or a coupe.
Standard based model engines were the 225 CID.
The 318 CID 230 horsepower motor was the standard V8 with a 2 barrel carburetor. If you wanted something with more get up and go you could get the optional 340 CID. Or 383 engine which came standard with a three speed Manual tranney. The exception to this would have been the 290 horsepower 33 engine which had the option of a TorqueFlight automatic transmission. And just for you true gear heads you could also get a for speed Manual tranney on all but the 225in/3 and 318in/3 V8.

The Challenger R/T (Road/Track) was the performance model with a 383 magnum V8 power plant, rated at 335 horsepower.
Options available for the R/T:
440 CID. Magnum with 375 horsepower.
440 six-Pack with 390 horsepower.
426 CID Hemi with 425 horsepower.
The R/T option was available for three body styles. The R/T came with a Rallye instrument cluster which included a oil pressure gauge, an 8000 RPM Tac and 150 mph speedometer.

In order to participate in the Trans American Sedan Championship Dodge produced the Challenger T/A in 1970 only. Street versions of the Dodge Challenger T/A worry quipped with a 340 topped off with three to barrel carburetors and a Edelbrock intake this was called the 340 Six-Pack. Dodge rated this combination at 290 horsepower just slightly over the horsepower rating of the original 340. “Coincidentally!! The same rating of the Boss 302 Mustang and they Camero Z/28″ the 340 Six-Pack actually made about 320 horsepower. The air intake was to a molded scoop on a hands to black fiberglass hood. The exhaust was a dual lower restrictive system with stock mufflers.
Options:
Pistol-grip Hurst shifted for speed tranny.
3.90:1 or 3.55:1
Power steering or Manual.
Front disc brakes were standard.
The Dodge Challenger T/A was one of the first production cars to have smaller tires in the front then the rear, bold graphics, a fiberglass the ducttail, wide side stripes and a fiberglass front spoiler all went into creating the image of the Dodge Challenger T/A. The Challenger T/A could turn mid 14s in the quarter mile which was very respectable for a small block muscle car. Dodge stop production after 1970 and 2,145 T/A’S were made. A 1971 340 four barrel T/A was planned for 1971 but was never produced. Here are 3 Dodge Challenger Burnout Videos. Enjoy

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Burnout