The 1970 Dodge Challenger was the first generation produced of this iconic vehicle. Though it was manufactured to compete directly with the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro it was in its own right a unique vehicle that has garnered a wide variety of enthusiasts from a myriad of different demographics. The Chrysler corporation which owns Dodge had another muscle car in production that year as well, which was the Plymouth Barracuda. Both of these vehicles were considered to have the "E" body styles. Both cars were produced with a great variety of different trim and optional equipment which made them highly desirable.
While the original "pony car" the Ford Mustang was first manufactured in 1964, it took Chrysler the better part of a decade to offer the Challenger. Though it was a relatively late comer, the company designed it to be the most powerful car in its class, and many models were actually more comparable to the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird than the more affordable Mustangs and Camaros. Interesting features of the 1970 Dodge Challenger include a longer wheel base than the competitions, and an extremely refined and luxury themed interior which truly out-competed both Ford and Chevy's models.
Hardtop models were produced as one body style and were offered on the T/A (Trans Am), Challenger Six and Challenger V8 models. Only one trim package was offered as a convertible, which was the R/T or Road and Track edition. Another interesting fact to note is that the following year there would be no convertibles produced, making the '70 R/T very collectible with modern day enthusiasts. On base models there was only one engine offered, the 3.7 liter 6 cylinder with 225 cubic inches. As optional equipment the other models could come with an 5.2 liter V8, 318 cubic inch, and capable of up to 230 horsepower. There was also a 6.3 liter V8 with 383 cu. in. and 290 horsepower. Enthusiasts looking for a premium Challenger seem to prefer one of the V8 engines over any other.
R/T models were designed as the high end performance package and came with their own standard engine. These models had a 383 CID Magnum which was a V8 capable of producing up to 335 horsepower. All of the previously listed smaller engines came with a 3 speed manual transmission except for the 6.3 liter V8 which was produced with a 4 speed manual. R/T models were forced to utilize the 3 speed manual transmission due to the extreme drop in compression associated with them.
Compared with Ford's Mustang and the Chevy Camaro, similar 1970 Dodge Challenger models were either as fast or faster. This was because the manufacturer produced each comparable model with a slightly larger engine than any of the competitors. The standard equipment actually made these vehicles closer in relation to higher end models like the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Thunderbird, although it lacks in most categories with those cars.
While they weren't heralded as much as the Mustang while in production, subsequent decades have seen the Challenger, and especially 1970 models become extremely popular. Being that they were offered with such a wide variety of body styles, colors, and engines enthusiasts find that it is relatively easy to find parts and refurbish these cars. Those factors, combined with the superb drivability make these cars some of the most iconic vehicles ever produced.
While the original "pony car" the Ford Mustang was first manufactured in 1964, it took Chrysler the better part of a decade to offer the Challenger. Though it was a relatively late comer, the company designed it to be the most powerful car in its class, and many models were actually more comparable to the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird than the more affordable Mustangs and Camaros. Interesting features of the 1970 Dodge Challenger include a longer wheel base than the competitions, and an extremely refined and luxury themed interior which truly out-competed both Ford and Chevy's models.
Hardtop models were produced as one body style and were offered on the T/A (Trans Am), Challenger Six and Challenger V8 models. Only one trim package was offered as a convertible, which was the R/T or Road and Track edition. Another interesting fact to note is that the following year there would be no convertibles produced, making the '70 R/T very collectible with modern day enthusiasts. On base models there was only one engine offered, the 3.7 liter 6 cylinder with 225 cubic inches. As optional equipment the other models could come with an 5.2 liter V8, 318 cubic inch, and capable of up to 230 horsepower. There was also a 6.3 liter V8 with 383 cu. in. and 290 horsepower. Enthusiasts looking for a premium Challenger seem to prefer one of the V8 engines over any other.
R/T models were designed as the high end performance package and came with their own standard engine. These models had a 383 CID Magnum which was a V8 capable of producing up to 335 horsepower. All of the previously listed smaller engines came with a 3 speed manual transmission except for the 6.3 liter V8 which was produced with a 4 speed manual. R/T models were forced to utilize the 3 speed manual transmission due to the extreme drop in compression associated with them.
Compared with Ford's Mustang and the Chevy Camaro, similar 1970 Dodge Challenger models were either as fast or faster. This was because the manufacturer produced each comparable model with a slightly larger engine than any of the competitors. The standard equipment actually made these vehicles closer in relation to higher end models like the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Thunderbird, although it lacks in most categories with those cars.
While they weren't heralded as much as the Mustang while in production, subsequent decades have seen the Challenger, and especially 1970 models become extremely popular. Being that they were offered with such a wide variety of body styles, colors, and engines enthusiasts find that it is relatively easy to find parts and refurbish these cars. Those factors, combined with the superb drivability make these cars some of the most iconic vehicles ever produced.
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