Dodge Challenger

 
 
Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation 
Production 1970-1974
1978-1983
2008-
Assembly Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Successor Dodge Conquest (for 1984)

Dodge Daytona (for 1984)

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Contents on this Page

First generation (1970-1974) 
Cosmetic variations 
Collector's value 
Export markets
Production 
Engines
Performance 
Serial numbers 
Production numbers 
Colors 
Second generation (1978-1983) 
Third generation (2008-)
Popular culture
Film appearances 
TV appearances 
Print campaigns 
Music videos
Book appearances 
Video Games 

Dodge Challenger First Generation (1970-1974)

 
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 inches, was two inches longer and had substantially different outer sheetmetal than its Plymouth cousin. Exterior design was done by Carl "CAM'" Cameron, who 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.

Dodge Challenger First Generation

 
Production 1970-1974
Class Pony car
Body style(s) 2-door convertible
2-door coupe
2-door hardtop
Platform FR E-body
Engine(s) 198 in³ Slant 6
225 in³ Slant 6 I6
318 in³ LA V8
340 in³ LA V8
360 in³ LA V8
383 in³ B V8
426 in³ Hemi V8
440 in³ RB V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed manual
3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Related Plymouth Barracuda
Designer Carl Cameron
Three models were offered: Challenger Six, Challenger V8 and Challenger R/T. Challengers could either be hardtops, coupes, or convertibles (through 1971 only). The standard engine on the base model was the 225 in³ six-cylinder. Standard engine on the V8 was the 230 hp 318 in³ V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. Optional engines were the 340 and 383 in³ V8s, all with a standard 3-speed manual transmission, except for the 290 hp 383 in³ engine, which was available only with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The 4-speed manual was optional on all engines except the 225 in³ I6 and 383 in³ V8.

The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 383 in³ Magnum V8, rated at 335 hp. Standard transmission was a 3-speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 375 hp 440 in³ Magnum, the 390 hp 440 in³ Six-Pack and the 425 hp 426 in³ Hemi. The R/T was available in all three 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 console that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel and seatbelts). The Challenger R/T 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 engine, 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", although it was never badged as such. 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. In order to race in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship, 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 carbs atop an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, creating the 340 Six Pack. Dodge rated at the 340 Six Pack at the same 290 bhp rating as the original 340 engine (and mysteriously the same rating as the Camaro Z/28 and Ford Boss 302 Mustang), it actually made about 350 bhp. It breathed air through a suitcase sized air scoop molded into the pinned down, lift off matte-black fiberglass hood. Low-restriction dual exhausts ran to the stock muffler location under the trunk, then reversed direction to exit in chrome tipped "megaphone" outlets in front of the rear wheels. TorqueFlite automatic or pistol-grip Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission, 3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gears, manual or power steering were available. Front disc brakes were standard. The special Rallye suspension used heavy duty parts and increased the camber of the rear springs. The T/A was among the first production vehicles to use different size tires front and rear: E60x15 fronts, and G60x15 in back. The modified camber elevated the tail enough to clear the rear rubber and its side exhaust outlets, thick side stripes, bold ID graphics, and a fiberglass ducktail rear spoiler as well as a fiberglass front spoiler added to the street punk image. The interior was strictly stock Challenger. Unfortunately, the race Challenger T/A wasn't very competitive and the street version suffered from severe understeer in fast corners. But it could turn mid 14s in the quarter mile which would do any small block muscle car proud. The T/A would only be available for 1970 as Dodge would pull out of Trans Am racing. Only 2,142 T/A's were made.

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 decklid. 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 sizable premiums over the smaller engines (with the exception of the limited edition Challenger T/A with its 340 six-pack).

Dodge Challenger Cosmetic Variations

Although the body style remained the same throughout the Challenger's 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 is as such: 72's had flush mounted bumpers with no bumper guards,(small bumper guards were optional), & both the 73 & 74 models had the protruding "5 mph" bumper (with a rubber type filler behind them) & the large bumper guards. 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.

Dodge Challenger Collector's Value

As the reputation of Chrysler's E-body line skyrockets, so too do their prices. 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 increasing, and the number of usable and restorable Challengers falling, many collectors now search for customizable later models to create their own 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 - 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. The rarity of specific models and combinations today is primarily the result of low buyer interest and production at the time.

Dodge Challenger Export markets

Dodge Challengers were mainly produced for the US and Canadian markets. Interestingly, Chrysler officially sold Challengers to Switzerland through AMAG AG in Schinznach, near Zurich. Only a very few cars were shipped overseas each year to AMAG. They did the final assembly of the Challengers and converted them to Swiss specs. There are few AMAG cars still in existence. From a collector's point of view, these cars are very desirable. Today, less than five Swiss Challengers are known to exist in North America. [citation needed]

Chrysler exported Dodge Challengers officially to France as well. They tried to market the Challenger there through the Simca company, since Ford sold the Mustang in France successfully in small numbers. However, only a few Challengers were exported and Chrysler finally gave up the idea of selling them in France. A few French Simca Challengers still exist today.

Dodge Challenger Production Engines

Engine choices included the following:

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 Six-Pack
(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) 1970-1971

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 @ 96mph
440 Magnum R/T: 13.8 @ 102mph
440 Six-Pack: 13.4 @ 107mph
426 Hemi: 13.0 @ 108mph

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

Production numbers
1970 = 76,935 *includes 2,399 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
Sports 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
1972 = 22,919
Hardtop I6: 842
Hardtop V8: 15,175
Hardtop V8 Rallye: 6,902
1973 = 27,930
Note: All models were V8-powered hardtops
1974 = 11,354
Note: All models were V8-powered hardtops

Colors
1970
Light Gold Metallic-FY4, Plum Crazy (purple)-FC7, Sublime (green)-FJ5, Go-Mango(orange)-EK2, Hemi Orange-EV2, Banana (yellow)-FY1, Light Blue Metalic-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

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

1972
Light Blue-HB1, Bright Blue Metallic-HB5, Bright Red-FE5, Light Green Metallic-GF3, Dark Green Metalic-GF7, Eggshell White-GW1, Black-TX9, 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

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

Dodge Challenger Second generation (1978-1983)

Dodge Challenger Second Generation

 
Production 1978-1983
Class Sports car
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Engine(s) 1.6 L 4G32 I4
2.6 L 4G54 I4
Related Mitsubishi Galant Lambda
Plymouth Sapporo
See Mitsubishi Galant Lambda for more information
The Challenger name was revived in 1978 for a version of the early Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe, known overseas as the Mitsubishi Sapporo and sold through Dodge dealers as a captive import, identical except in color and minor trim to the Plymouth Sapporo. Although mechanically identical, the Dodge version emphasized sportiness, with bright colors and tape stripes, and the Plymouth on luxury with more subdued trim. Both cars were sold until 1983 , until being replaced by the Conquest and Daytona.

The car retained the frameless hardtop styling of the old Challenger, but had only a four-cylinder engine and was a long way in performance from its namesake. Nevertheless, it acquired a reputation as a reasonably brisk performer of its type, not least because of its available 2.6 L engine, exceptionally large for a four-cylinder. Four-cylinder engines of this size had not usually been built due to inherent vibration, but Mitsubishi pioneered the use of balance shafts to help damp this out, and the Challenger was one of the first vehicles to bring this technology to the American market; it has since been licensed to many other manufacturers.

Dodge Challenger Third Generation (2008-)

This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile.
It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

Dodge Challenger Third Generation

 
Production 2008-
Class Pony car
Body style(s) 2-door hardtop
Platform FR LC
Length 197.6 in
Related Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger (LX)
Chrysler 300
Dodge Magnum
 
Challenger concept at the 2007 Canadian Auto ShowA new "retro" Dodge Challenger concept car was shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The concept uses a shortened LX platform, has the 6.1 L Hemi V8 coupled to a manual transmission, and borrows many styling cues from the original 1970 model. On July 1, 2006, prior to the Pepsi 400 at the Daytona International Speedway, Dodge announced that this concept would, in fact, be made for the 2008 model year.[1] It will be built on the Chrysler LC platform, which is the shortened version of the Chrysler LX platform, similar to the concept's platform. The rear-wheel drive performance coupe will be a direct competitor to the hugely successful Ford Mustang, as well as to the potential future Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac GTO muscle cars. The Challenger will be made in limited numbers on the same line as the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Magnum in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, as the same flexible manufacturing system that allows the Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee to be built on the same line, as well as the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot, one after the other (instead of in batches). The SRT-8 Challenger will feature the 6.1 L Hemi V8 as standard equipment. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. There will be no other models for 2008, others may be added in 2009.

Unlike all other American domestic sport coupes, the new Challenger is a true two-door hardtop, with no B-pillar. Recent spy photographs (unconfirmed) of production test mule Challengers have revealed the presence of a B-pillar, but it is as yet unclear as to whether actual production models will contain the B-pillar.

Dodge Challenger Popular culture

Film appearances
Vanishing Point (1971) : 1970 Challenger R/T - IMDB
Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) : 1973 Dodge Challenger (1970 model with 1973 grille and tail lights - note 1970 lower valence and side marker lights. Retains 1970 R/T w/bumblebee stripe trim) - IMDB
Natural Born Killers (1994) : 1970 Challenger R/T convertible - IMDB
Terminal Velocity (1994) : 1970 Challenger R/T - IMDB
Drive (1997) : 1970 Challenger - IMDB
Vanishing Point (1997 Remake) : 1970 Challenger R/T Hemi - IMDB
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) : 1970 Challenger R/T - IMDB
Just Married (2003) : 1970 Challenger - IMDB
Cars (film) (2006 film) : Character "Snotrod" is a modified 1970's Challenger / Barracuda.
Grindhouse (film) (2007) : 1970 Challenger - IMDB

TV appearances
Mannix (1973) : 1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye
[2]

American Dreams (1990s): 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Viper (TV series) (1996) : 1970 Challenger R/T -
IMDB

Drive (TV series) (2007): 1970 Dodge Challenger (Note: In the show they say that it is a 1972 Dodge Challenger, but in reality, it is a 1970 Dodge Challenger. The grille and taillights for the 1970 model are unique.) 

Print campaigns
McDonald's I'm lovin' it campaign (2007-2008): film/TV star actor Joseph Fiero appears with his restored 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 on paper bags and cups worldwide. 

Music videos
Primal Scream - "Kowalski" : 1970 Challenger R/T
Audioslave - "Show Me How To Live" : 1970 Challenger R/T
Iron Maiden - "The Wicker Man" : 1970 Challenger R/T

Book appearances
Needful Things (1991) : A modified lime-green Dodge Challenger from the 1970s appears as the car driven by notorious hood John "Ace" Merrill.  Video Games
Need for Speed: Carbon (2006) : The Dodge Challenger Concept appears in the game.
Forza Motorsport: '70 challenger

1974 Dodge Challenger

1970 Dodge Challenger RT