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Dodge didn’t have a correct challenger to the Mustang till 1970, which was unusual contemplating each different model on the decrease echelons of the market together with AMC supplied one. For certain Dodge may very well be given a go as a result of it had a specialty automotive referred to as the Charger. As soon as the Barracuda moved to the brand new E-body platform, Dodge noticed a chance to create its personal distinct mannequin. Is it any surprise it was referred to as the Challenger? A type of, a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T hardtop, is our Choose of the Day. It’s listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a non-public vendor in Oklahoma Metropolis. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)
Whereas Plymouth had the Barracuda from mid-year 1964 by way of 1969, Dodge supplied the sporty Dart GT. Although not a pony automotive within the purest (and even purist’s) sense, its underpinnings have been the identical because the Barracuda’s. With the arrival of the Dart GTS in 1967, Dodge had a severe compact efficiency automotive, culminating within the 440-powered GTS for 1969.
Dodge continued to supply compact efficiency with the 1970 Dart Swinger 340, however now Dodge had a pony automotive to compete with the Mustang. In reality, Dodge had its eye on the Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale pony automotive, so the Challenger adopted swimsuit with a wheelbase two inches longer than the Barracuda’s (110 versus 108 inches). And just like the Cougar providing a base model the luxurious XR-7, Dodge supplied the Challenger and Challenger SE. Just like the XR-7, the SE supplied leather-based seating surfaces, an overhead consolette, and fancier trim.
Nevertheless, whereas Mercury stored the Cougar V8-only, the Challenger was accessible with all the things from the “Slant Six” to the 426 Hemi and 440. Plus, Dodge produced a devoted efficiency mannequin referred to as R/T and a mix R/T SE to provide efficiency followers luxurious in the event that they so desired. All instructed, there was the bottom Challenger hardtop and convertible, SE hardtop, Challenger R/T hardtop and convertible, and Challenger R/T SE hardtop. Midyear, a decontented Deputy coupe and Trans-Am-inspired Challenger T/A joined the sequence. This lineup contrasted with the Barracuda’s and helped make the Challenger distinct.
That distinction could have helped the Challenger promote higher than the Barracuda, which was attention-grabbing because the Mustang (and Camaro, for that matter) was by no means outsold by its extra subtle brethren.
This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T exemplifies all the things that made the brand new pony automotive enticing with the car-buying public. Although supplied with an ordinary 383 Magnum, this one has the legendary 440 Six Pack, one in every of 1,640 U.S.-spec hardtops constructed with the “V-code” engine. That engine is topped by the uncommon Shaker hood scoop, which instructions a positive premium nowadays. Different positive components embrace Torqueflite computerized with console, Efficiency Axle Bundle with 3.55 gears, “FJ5” Elegant paint complemented by a white vinyl high and white longitudinal aspect stripes, 15-inch Rallye wheels, quick-fill fuel cap, and baggage rack, amongst many different choices.
Options for this Challenger R/T embrace “documentation [including] copies of prior possession titles, mileage assertion paperwork, copies of the unique dealership bill, transaction bill from the unique dealership, and a duplicate of Mopar Muscle and Mopar Collector’s Information magazines, the place she had function articles on her.” This definitely is an esteemed piece of Mopar muscle historical past, which is why it’ll price you $225,000 OBO to place it in your storage.
To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Choose of the Day.
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