History Of The Dodge Challenger Muscle Car

The Dodge Challenger is the name of three different generations marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler.The Mustang started it's run in 1964, the Camaro in 1967, so where was Dodge's entry?

The first generation was a pony car built from 1970 to 1974, using the Chrysler E platform and sharing major components with the Plymouth Barracuda. the 1970 and 1971, by far was the best years.

Exterior design was done by Carl Cameron, who also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. Cameron based the 1970 Challenger grille off an older sketch of his 1966 Charger prototype that was 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 76,935 produced for the 1970 model year), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Sales fell dramatically after 1970, and Challenger production ceased midway through the 1974 model year. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan.

The Challenger name was revived from 1978 to 1983 for a version of the early Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe, known overseas as the Mitsubishi Sapporo/Scorpion and sold through Dodge dealers as a captive import, from Japan. i won't even cover these cars, as these were not true Dodge Challengers.

The third, and current generation, was introduced in 2008 as a rival to the evolved fifth generation Ford Mustang and the revived fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro. The 2011 version now includes the SE, RT, and the SRT-8 versions.

1. Challenger Deputy,
Two door hardtop
Two door convertible

The "Western Special" was a version available only to west coast dealers. It came with a rear-exit exhaust system and Western Special identification on the rear deckled. Some examples came with a vacuum-operated trunk release. Another late production version was the low-priced "Deputy", stripped of some of the base car's trim and with fixed rear side glass. these cars are still sought due to the fact that not many survived.

2. SE,
Two door hardtop,

Included leather seats, a vinyl roof, a smaller 'formal' rear window, and an overhead interior console that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel, and seatbelts).

3. R/T,
Two door hardtop,
Two door convertible, (not in 1971)

The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 383 CID Magnum V8, rated at 335 hp1970, 300 hp for 1971, due to a drop in compression. Standard transmission was a 3-speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 375 hp 440 cu in (7.2 L) Magnum, the 390 hp 440 CID Six-Pack, and the 425 hp 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi. The R/T was available in either the hardtop or convertible, (1970 only). The Challenger R/T came with a Rallye instrument cluster that included a 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer, an 8,000 rpm tachometer. The shaker hood scoop was not available after 1971.

4. T/A,
Two door hardtop, (1970, only year)

The 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car. In order to race in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship Trans Am, it built a street version of its race car (just like Plymouth with its Plymouth 'Cuda AAR) which it called the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am).

Although the race cars ran a destroked version of the 340, street versions took the 340 and added a trio of two-barrel carburetors atop an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, creating the 340 Six Pack. Dodge rated the 340 Six Pack at 290 hp, this was only 15 hp more than the original 340 engine (and mysteriously the same rating as the Camaro Z/28 and Ford Boss 302 Mustang). It actually made about 320 bhp . It breathed air through a suitcase sized air scoop molded into the pinned down, hinged matte-black fiberglass hood.

Low-restriction dual exhausts ran to the stock muffler location, then reversed direction to exit in chrome tipped "megaphone" outlets in front of the rear wheels. Options included a Torque Flite automatic, or pistol-grip Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission, 3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gears, as well as manual or power steering. Front disc brakes were standard. The special Rallye suspension used heavy duty parts and increased the rate of the rear springs.

The T/A was the first US muscle car to fit different size tires front and rear to give a racing stance: E60x15 fronts, and G60x15 in back. The modified camber elevated the tail enough to clear the rear rubber and its side exhaust outlets. Thick dual side stripes, bold ID graphics, a fiberglass ducktail rear spoiler, and a fiberglass front spoiler added to the racing image. The interior was strictly stock Challenger.

Dodge contracted Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics firm in Marblehead, Mass. to run the factory Trans-Am team. Sam Posey drove the "sub-lime" painted car #77 that Caldwell's team built from a car taken off a local dealer's showroom floor! When #76 was completed mid-season from a chassis provided by Dan Gurney's All American Racers, Posey alternated between the two. Both cars ran the final two races, with Posey in #77; Ronnie Bucknum drove #76 at Seattle, and Tony Adamowicz at Riverside, CA.

The Challenger T/A's scored a few top three finishes, but lack of a development budget and the short-lived Keith Black 303 c. i. engines led to Dodge leaving the series at season's end. As of 2009, both race cars have been restored By Ed Skanes, Bryan Skanes, Dave McGaughey & Chris Brown from Lexington KY,and appear at concours and vintage races. #77 is in California and the #76 still resides in Kentucky and belongs to the restorers.

The street version suffered from severe under steer in fast corners, largely due to the smaller front tires. It could turn mid 14s in the quarter mile, which would do any small block muscle car proud. Only 2,399 T/As were made. A 1971 model using the 340 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor was planned and appeared in period advertising, but was not produced since Dodge had left the race series.

1970 - 1971 Engine Options:

Slant Six Options:

The standard engine on the base model was the 225 cu in (3.7 L) six-cylinder

198 cubic inch, 1 barrel carb, making 101 hp - offered on the Deputy only.
225 cubic inch, 1 barrel carb, making 145 hp

Small Block V8 Options:

Standard engine on the V8 was the 230 hp 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor.

318 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 230 hp
340 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 275 hp
340 cubic inch, 3x2 barrel carbs, making 290 bhp T/A only.

Big Block V8 Options, 1970:

383 cubic inch, 2 barrel carb, making 290 hp
383 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 330 hp
440 cubic inch, 3x2 barrel carbs, making 390 hp

"Magnum" V8 Options, 1971:

383 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 300 hp
440 cubic inch, 4 barrel carb, making 375 hp

The 426 Hemi:

426 cubic inch, 2x4 barrel carbs, making 425 hp

All models were available with a standard 3-speed manual transmission, except for the 290 bhp 383 CID engine, which was available only with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission. A 4-speed manual was optional on all engines except the 225 CID I6 and the 2-barrel 383 CID V8.

Differential Options:

Low Performance models came standard with a 7.25 inch housing with either 2.76:1 or 3.23:1 ratio gearing.

High Performance models came standard with a 8.75 inch housing with 2.76:1, 3.23 :1, 3.55:1, and 3.91:1 ratios, and an option of "SureGrip" limited slip. The 3.23 and 3.55 were the most common, with the 3.55:1 being standard in the T/A with an optional 3.91:1.

Hemi models with a manual transmission came with a 9.75 inch Dana 60 "SureGrip" axle standard offering either 3.54:1 or 4.10:1 gearing, and in 440 and Hemi automatic models, this rear differential was optional, in place of the 8.75 housing.

Performance 1/4 mile:

340: 14.8 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
340 T/A: 14.3 @ 99.5 mph (160.1 km/h) 4 speed with 3.55 gears
383 2-barrel: 15.1 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
383 Magnum R/T: 14.3 @ 99 mph (159 km/h)
440 Magnum R/T: 13.8 @ 102 mph (164 km/h)
440 Six-Pack: 13.4 @ 107 mph (172 km/h)
426 Hemi: 13.2 @ 108 mph (174 km/h)

Production numbers, 1970-1971:

1970 = 76,935, ( includes 2,539 T/As)
Hardtop I6: 9,929
Hardtop V8:. 39,350*
Sports hardtop I6: 350
Sports hardtop V8: 5,873
Convertible I6: 378
Convertible V8: 2,543
Hardtop R/T: 13,796
Special Edition hardtop R/T: 3,753
Convertible R/T: 963

1971 = 26,299
Hardtop I6: 1,672
Hardtop V8: 18,956
Convertible I6: 83
Convertible V8: 1,774
Hardtop V8 R/T: 3,814

Colors 1970 - 1971:

1970
Light Gold Metallic-FY4, Plum Crazy (purple)-FC7, Sublime (green)-FJ5, Go-Mango(orange)-EK2, Hemi Orange-EV2, Banana (yellow)-FY1, Light Blue Metallic-EB3, Bright Blue Metallic-EB5, Dark Blue Metallic-EB7, Rallye Red-FE5, Light Green Metallic-FF4, Dark Green Metallic-EF8, Dark Burnt Orange-FK5, Beige-BL1, Dark Tan Metallic-FT6, White-EW1, Black-TX9, Cream-DY3, Panther Pink-FM3

1971
Light Gunmetal Metallic-GA4, Light Blue Metallic-GB2, Bright Blue Metallic-GB5, Dark Blue Metallic-GB7, Dark Green Metallic-GF7, Light Green Metallic-GF3, Gold Metallic-GY8, Dark Gold Metallic-GY9, Dark Bronze Metallic-GK6, Tan Metallic-GT5, Bright Red-FE5, Bright White-GW3, Black-TX9, Butterscotch-EL5, Citron Yella-GY3, Hemi Orange-EV2, Green Go-FJ6, Plum Crazy-FC7, Top Banana-FY1

Light Group (A01), included Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals except the R/T or 340 models, headlight-on reminder buzzer.

Basic Group (A04), included AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror, upgrades could be ordered at differential price, variable speed wipers and electric washers.

Protection Group (A05) included vinyl insert body side moulding, bumper guards (f&r w/rubber inserts), door edge protectors.
High Performance Axle Package (A31) Available on 340 or 383 4bbl cars. Included 3.91 axle gears with Sure Grip, high cool radiator with seven blade fan and heavy duty suspension.

Super Performance Axle Package (A32) Available on the 440 and 426 powered cars with automatic transmission. Included 4:10 geared Dana 9.75inch axle with Sure Grip, seven blade fan, and high cool radiator. Not available with A/C.

Taillights:
Single light bar style, with center section serving as reverse indicator, with Dodge logo on reverse indicator.

Hoods offered:
Standard flat hood with low rising center molded peak.
Power Bulge Hood. Contained a raised center section which ran almost the width of the hood towards the rear, containing 2 air vents, with the engine designation on each outer side of the bulge, and a chrome Dodge logo along the front of the bulge.

Shaker Hood. This hood system, unlike the Power Bulge Hood, did feed air directly into the engine. Hood scoop was actually affixed to the carbs., and moved with the engine while poking through the large hole cut in the hood.

Fiberglass T/A Hood. This hood featured a large, molded hood scoop which fed air directly into the engine, and came finished in matte black. It was rumored that due to a shortage of the Shaker Hoods, several R/T models were equipped with the T/A hood.

Gas Caps:
Body color, flush mounted filler cap.
Chrome, raised, flip open race style cap with "FUEL" in raised chrome letters on the black background.

Exterior Mirrors:
Standard manually controlled chrome mirror.
Optional chrome or body colored remote controlled "racing mirror".
Passenger side chrome or body colored manually controlled "racing mirror".

Exterior Striping Offered:
T/As had a thick black stripe which ran from the front of the car, to the area over the rear wheel, and ended with the T/A emblem.
R/Ts had the option of the stripe that ran the length of the body, below the body line, or the tail end "bumble bee stripe".
Base models could also opt for the stripe that ran the length of the body, below the body line, at an additional charge. This stripe was originally offered in black, white and red, then green and blue were added, and after March 11th, 1970, chartreuse or magenta were added.

Roofline Options:
Vinyl roof was offered on all hardtops Challengers. The offered vinyl roof colors were black, white, green or Gator Grain.
The Deputy came with a white vinyl roof, and it was a brighter white than what was offered on non-Deputy models.
ALL 1970 S.E.s came with a vinyl top due to the rear window modifications.
A power sunroof (option code M51) was available in conjunction with the vinyl roof, and worked both by a switch or by hand.

Standard steel wheels came one of two ways, painted to match the body color with a small "dog dish hubcap" which only covered the lug area; or they came painted black with a full rim cover. The full rim cover came in three styles, a simulated wire wheel (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11). On Challengers equipped with a slant six or 318, the stock rim size was 14x5 inch. Big block cars came with 14x6 inch steel wheels, or an optional 15x7 inch steel wheel. T/As and hemi cars came with the 15x7 inch steel wheel, standard.

The Chrome Road wheel (option code W23) was one optional wheel, and came in 14x5.5 inch. This was also known as the Magnum 500 wheel.
The slotted Rallye Wheel (option code W21), which has become one of the most popular "Stock wheels for restroration projects, and they came as either 14 X 5.5 or 15 X 7 inch. They came with a polished seperate center cap and chrome "beauty ring", but were only polished in 1970.

Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 76.5 inches
Height: 51 inches

Two door hardtop, I6 = 2970
Two door hardtop, V8 = 3020
Two door hardtop, R/T, V8 = 3390
Convertible, I6 = 3085
Convertible, V8 = 3130
Convertible, R/T, V8 = 3500
Formal Coupe, I6 = 2980
Formal Coupe, V8 = 3030
Formal Coupe, R/T, V8 = 3395

By 1972, the convertible version and all the big-block engine options were gone. Maximum power was also downgraded to 240 horsepower (180 kW) to reflect the more accurate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) net hp calculations.

The R/T performance version was dropped and convertibles were eliminated. The 440 and Hemi were also dropped. A new Rallye edition replaced the R/T model, but sported only a 318 with just 150 bhp (net). The largest engine available was a 340 with just 240 bhp (net), a far cry from just the year before.

The 1972 models also received a new grille that extended beneath the front bumper, (nick-named the "sad-mouth") . The taillight array also changed for 1972 onwards, with the Challenger now having four individual rectangular lamps.

The only 1972 convertibles which exist are actually 1971 models with the 1972 front end (grille, lights, etc.) and rear end (tail lights and their panel). These were specially built for TV programs such as "Mod Squad". The only way to ascertain a 'real' 1972 Challenger convertible is to look at its fender tag. On the code line which gives the dealer order number, that number will start with an "R", which designates "Special Meaning" (in this case, a TV 'special promotions' car).

Engines:
318 V8 150 bhp.(SAE Net)
340 V8 240 bhp. (SAE Net)

Performance 1/4 mile:

340/240: 0-60 in 8.5 seconds, 1/4 mile in 16 seconds.
Production:
1972 = 22,919
Hardtop I6: 842
Hardtop V8: 15,175
Hardtop V8 Rallye: 8,123

Colors:
1972
Light Blue-HB1, Bright Blue Metallic-HB5, Bright Red-FE5, Light Green Metallic-GF3, Dark Green Metallic-GF7, Eggshell White-GW1, Black-TX9, Honeydew-GY4, Light Gold-GY5, Gold Metallic-GY8, Dark Gold Metallic-GY9, Dark Tan Metallic-GT8, Light Gunmetal Metallic-GA4, Medium Tan Metallic-GA4, Super Blue-GB3, Hemi Orange-EV2, Top Banana-FY1

The Rallye edition was dropped, although buyers could still build their own on the option sheet. Sales were still up for the year, even though most of these cars had the 318 with 150 bhp, hardly a performance machine. Still available was the 340 with 240 bhp but it was replaced at mid-season with a new 360 V8 debuted with 245 bhp. The increased capacity was the only way that Dodge could keep power up in the face of tightening emissions control regulations.

The 1973 models were no longer available with a six-cylinder engine.

1973 = 27,930
Note: All models were V8-powered hardtops

Engines:

318 V8 150 bhp.(SAE Net)
340 V8 240 bhp. (SAE Net)
360 V8 245 bhp. (SAE Net)

Colors:
1973
Black-TX9, Dark Silver Metallic-JA5, Eggshell White-EW1, Parchment-HL4, Light Gold-JY3, Dark Gold Metallic-JY9, Gold Metallic-JY6, Bronze Metallic-GK6, Pale Green-JF1, Dark Green Metallic-JF8, Light Blue-HB1, Super Blue-TB3, Bright Blue Metallic-GB5, Bright Red-FE5, Top Banana-FY1, Light Green Metallic-GF3

1974 would be the last year for the Dodge Challenger, still available with the 360 for those that wanted any real performance. The Dodge Challenger lived just five short years, but it made its mark on the muscle car era.

1974 models had the protruding "5 mph (8.0 km/h)" bumpers (with a rubber type filler behind them) in conjunction with large bumper guards. The 1974 cars had larger rear bumper guards to meet the (new for 1974 and on) rear 5 mph rear impact law. These changes were made to meet U.S. regulations regarding crash test safety.

Production: 16,437

Engines:
318 V8 150 bhp.(SAE Net)
360 V8 245 bhp. (SAE Net)

Colors:
1974
Yellow Blaze-KY5, Golden Fawn-KY4, Parchment-HL4, Bright Red-FE5, Deep Sherwood Metallic (Green)-KG8, Eggshell White-EW1, Black-TX9, Light Blue-HB1

Kowalski works for a car delivery service. He takes delivery of a 1970 Dodge Challenger to take from Colorado to San Francisco, California. Shortly after pickup, he takes a bet to get the car there in less than 15 hours.

After a few run-ins with motorcycle cops and highway patrol they start a chase to bring him into custody. Along the way, Kowalski is guided by Supersoul - a blind DJ with a police radio scanner. Throw in lots of chase scenes, gay hitchhikers, a naked woman riding a motorbike, lots of Mopar and you've got a great cult hit from the early 70's.

Director:

Richard C. Sarafian

Writers:

Malcolm Hart (story), Guillermo Cabrera Infante (screenplay)

Stars:

Barry Newman, Cleavon Little and Dean Jagger

CastActor Role:

Barry Newman/ Kowalski
Cleavon Little/ Super Soul
Dean Jagger/ Prospector (The Desert Snake Catcher)
Victoria Medlin/ Vera Thornton
Karl Swenson /Sandy McKees (Argo's Car Delivery Attendant Clerk)
Lee Weaver /Jake (Denver Drug Dealer, Kowalski's Connection)
John Amos/ Super Soul's engineer
Joe Brooks/ Speed Freak
Tom Reese /Sheriff
Paul Koslo/ Charlie (Young Nevada Patrolman)
Robert Donner /Collins (Older Nevada Patrolman)
Owen Bush /Communications officer
Bill Drake/ KLZ-FM Reporter
Severn Darden/ Rev. J. 'Jessie' Hovah
Delaney Bramlett /J. Hovah's singer (as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends)
Bonnie Bramlett/ J. Hovah's singer (as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends)
Bekka Bramlett /J. Hovah's Baby (as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends)
Rita Coolidge/ J. Hovah's singer (as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends)
Patrice Holloway/ J. Hovah's singer (as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends)
David Gates /Piano player at revival meeting (as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends)
Anthony James/ Male Hitchhiker #1 (Front Seat)
Arthur Malet Male/ Hitchhiker #2 (Back Seat)
Timothy Scott /Angel
Gilda Texter /Nude motorcycle rider
Charlotte Rampling /Female Hitchhiker
Country:
USA

Language:
English

Release Date:
13 March 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:
Carrera contra el destino

Filming Locations:
Austin, Nevada, USA Box Office

Production Co:
Cupid Productions, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:
99 min | UK: 106 min

Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1

Trivia:

The city names on the California Highway Patrol tracking board (where Kowalski never made it) were Stockton, Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: During close-ups on the rattlesnake in the desert that threatened Kowalski, the prospector's snare casts multiple shadows from studio lighting. See more »

Quotes:

Charlie: [after listening to Super Soul's broadcast] Did you hear that?
Collins: Yeah.
Charlie: Where the hell he get so much information?
Collins: Same place as you do, Charley.
Charlie: You mean from our own frequency?
Collins: That's right.
Charlie: How long's he been at it?
Collins: Year 'n a half, maybe two.
Charlie: Hell, that's against the law!
Collins: So's carryin' a transistor on duty.

Crazy Credits
The Fox logo is shown without the fanfare making it one of the first times this has happened.

Soundtracks
"So Tired"
Written by Temmer-Creamer-Sliwin
Performed by Eve