1970 Dodge Challenger
source: Flickr
The Dodge Challenger is one of the most recognizable names in the muscle car realm, competing alongside the Mustang and Camaro as perhaps one of the top three. 1970 marked the year the first Challenger rolled off the production line to critical acclaim. It came with plenty of power and aesthetic, with eight models dominating the lineup. Prospective buyers could choose a convertible or coupe, but more importantly, they could opt for the Ford- and Chevy-crushing R/T and T/A Challengers.
Though it was late to the game – the Mustang and Camaro had been for sale for many years – the Challenger marked a new standard of performance. Pedestrian models featured meager inline-six motors, though true muscle lovers could opt for the available 318, 240, 360, 383, 426 Hemi and 440 V8s. The Challenger’s late appearance meant it needed plenty of options and available trims to appeal to the established Ford and Chevy pony car markets – thus the reason the Challenger came available with virtually every motor Chrysler produced at the time.
source: ShutterStock
The Challenger nailed an iconic set of lines, curves, and design elements that immediately cemented it in the visual annals of muscle car history. Its rear valence and exhaust tip cut-outs paired perfectly with understated yet aggressively wide rear tail lamps. Up front, the Challenger’s long, flat hood featured subtle lines that accented its muscular body. The R/T’s hood came standard with the top end bulge and hood pins, giving the impression that an appropriately large engine was hidden underneath. The Challenger’s front end featured a wide recessed grille with quad headlights, giving it a beefier impression compared to its competitors’ single headlights.
What made the Challenger truly stunning, though, were its 426 Hemi and 440 motors. The 440 Magnum was likely underrated at 375 horsepower, while the 440 Six Pack was rated at 390 horses. Each featured a 3-speed manual, standard. Chrysler’s 426 Hemi stole the show, thumping out around 425 horses and around 500 torques.
Dodge threw everything they had into the ring in 1970, introducing a special Challenger T/A (Trans Am) car. It was intended to compete against the Camaro Z/28 and Boss 302 Mustang. Because homologation rules dictated the car be sold to the public, buyers could choose between a TorqueFlite automatic or Hurst-equipped four-speed manual transmission mated to 3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gears. Front disc brakes were, of course, standard and special Rallye suspension improved handling off the line with higher pound-rated rear springs.
The T/A Challenger was one of the first production muscle cars to use a staggered wheel stance, featuring E60x15 front and G60x15 rear tires. Other accouterments included wide dual stripes, a fiberglass ducktail rear spoiler, and a front spoiler. We could go on and on about the small details, but… It’s the Dodge Challenger. You and we both know it deserves a spot on this list.
