DODGE CHALLENGER

1970 Dodge Challenger

A s sales of Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros continued to grow in the late ‘60s, Dodge stepped to the bat in 1970, with what it hoped would be a home run – the Challenger. The company’s response to Chevrolet and Ford came late in the game, however, and the Challenger was in production only until 1974, when the pony car market began dwindling.

The Challenger, which was slightly larger than the Mustang and Camaro, was offered with an assortment of hood bulges, stripes, wings and interior options. Colors came in a dizzying array, from Plum Crazy to Top Banana, and engine options included everything from a 198-cubic-inch engine to a 440-cubic-inch engine.

Among the most popular of the Challenger models were the R/T and T/A cars, which were offered with high-performance 340, 383, 426 and 440 engines. Trick carburetor systems also were available to get more power from these already powerful mills.

Total production of the Challenger is estimated at about 170,000 cars, making the Challenger a rare find. Today, many enthusiasts will buy Challengers with less desirable engines, insert big-block crate engines and dress the exterior with R/T or T/A decals. –Larry Sanata

PHOTOS and VIDEOS at right, including a very cool Autosculpt of the '71 Challenger. Check out the new Challenger SRT8 . And the Chrysler Museum for more Mopar beauties. Find your own at bestofshowautomotive