Dodge Challenger
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. It was based on the similar Plymouth Barracuda's new E-body, though the wheelbase, at 110" was two inches longer and had substanitally different outer sheetmetal than its Plymouth cousin. Exterior design was done by Carl "CAM'" Cameron, whom also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. For the 1970 Challenger grille, CAM' based it off of an older sketch of his of a 1966 Charger prototype that was designed to have a turbine engine. The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. 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 this model's lifespan.
Three models were offered: Challenger Six, Challenger V-8 and Challenger R/T. Challengers could either be hardtops, coupes, or convertibles (through 1971 only). The standard engine on the base model was the 225ci. six-cylinder. Standard engine on the V-8 was the 230 hp 318ci 2 barrel (2v) carburetor. Optional engines were the 340ci, 383ci, 2v and 4v, all with a 3 speed manual transmission, except for the 290hp 383ci 2v, which was available only in the torqueflight automatic transmission. The 4 speed manual was optional on all engines except the 225ci six cyl and 383 ci 2v V-8.
The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 335 hp 383ci Magnum. Standard transmission was a 3 speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 375 hp 440ci Magnum, the 390hp 440ci Six-pack (3x2v) and the 425 hp 426 Hemi. 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, a smaller 'formal' rear window, and an overhead interior cosole that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel and seatbelts). The R/T Challengers came with a Rallye instrument cluster which included a 150 mph speedometer, an 8000 rpm tachometer and an oil pressure gauge. The convertible Challenger was available with any powerplant except for the 340-6, as well as in the R/T and SE trim levels. In 1972, Dodge dropped the R/T badging and now called it the "Rallye". Other options, as well as engines and a manual transmission, included steeper rear axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker hood scoop were gone for 1972.
A 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car, which used a specially tuned 290 hp Six-Pack version of the 340 in³ (5.6 L) engine, topped with a giant hood scoop on a fiberglass hood. 'Megaphone' exhaust outlets were fitted in front of the rear wheels. These cars came standard with front and rear sway bars to enhance handling. Different-sized tires were fitted front and back, with very fat rubber (G60-15) on the rear and power font disc brakes. The T/A came standard with a rear ducktail spoiler and could be fitted with a front spoiler as well.
The "Western Special" was version available to west coast dealers. It came with a rear-exit exhaust system and Western Special identification on the rear deck lid. Some examples came with a vacuum operated trunk release. Another late production version was the Challenger "Deputy".
By 1972, all big-block engines were gone, maximum power was down to 240 hp, and production ceased in mid-1974.
For obvious reasons, the 440 and the 426 Hemi engines were considered the most desirable, and nowadays command sizeable premiums over the smaller engines.
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. With this change to the front end, 1972 through 1974 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.
The 1970 taillights went all the way across the back of the car, with the backup light in the middle of the rear. In 1971, the backup lights were on the left and right instead of the middle. The taillight array also changed for 1972 onwards, with the Challenger now having four individual lamps similar to the mid-size Mercurys of the time.
Collector's value
As the Chrysler E-body line reaches legendary proportions, so too do the prices to buy them. 1970 and 1971 models 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 1970 and 1971 Challengers have been created by using 1972 through 1974 donors; The front and rear grilles/bumpers on these vehicles are easily interchangeable. However, the tail panel is not so easy to change, since the 1970 and 1971 tail panels are quite different from the 1972 to 1974 models.
Today they are considered one of the most sought-after muscle cars of all time. The rarity of specific models and combinations today is primarily the result of low buyer interest and production at the time.
Engines
Engine choices included the following:
B-198 in³ (3.2 L) Slant 6: A93 Challenger Deputy (101 bhp) 1970-1971
C-225 in³ (3.7 L) Slant 6: (145 bhp)1970-1972
G-318 in³ (5.2 L) LA V8: (230 bhp) 1970-1974
J-340 in³ (5.6 L) LA V8: (290 bhp) 1970 *T/A
H-340 in³ (5.6 L) LA V8: (275 bhp) 1970-1973
J-360 in³ (5.9 L) LA V8: (245 bhp) 1974
L-383 in³ (6.3 L) B V8: (290 bhp and 330 bhp) 1970-1971
N-383 in³ (6.3 L) B V8: (335 bhp) 1970-1971
U-440 in³ (7.2 L) RB V8: Available in Magnum 4-barrel carbureted form (375 bhp) 1970-1971
V-440 in³ (7.2 L) RB V8 Six-Pack (3 × 2-barrel carburetors and 390 bhp/490 ft.lbf) 1970
R-426 in³ (7.0 L) Hemi V8: (425 bhp) (317 kW)/490 ft.lbf, costing an extra US$1,228, and very few sold. 1970-1971.
Performance
340 : 14.8 @ 96mph
340 T/A : 14.4 @ 97mph
383 : 15.1 @ 93mph
440 Magnum R/T : 13.0 @ 107mph
440 Six-Pack : 12.6 @ 110mph
426 Hemi : 12.0 @ 118mph
Serial numbers
ex. JS27R0B100001
J - Car line, Dodge Challenger
S - Price class (H-High, S-Special)
27 - Body type (23-Hardtop, 27-Convertible, 29-Sports hartop)
R - Engine code (see engines above)
0 - Last digit of model year
B - Assembly plant code (B-Hamtramck E-Los Angeles)
100001 - Consecutive sequence number
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