The Dodge Challenger is a full-size automobile produced by American automobile manufacturer Dodge. The first use of the Challenger name by Dodge was in 1959 for marketing a "value version" of the full-sized Coronet Silver Challenger.
From model years 1970 to 1974, the first generation Dodge Challenger pony car was built using the Chrysler E platform in hardtop and convertible body styles sharing major components with the Plymouth Barracuda.[1]
Introduced in the autumn of 1969 for the 1970 model year,[2] the Challenger was one of two Chrysler E-body cars, the other being the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda. Positioned to compete against the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird in the upper end of the pony car market segment,[3] it was "a rather late response" to the Ford Mustang, which debuted in April 1964.[4] Even so, Chrysler intended the new Challenger as the most potent pony car ever,[5] and like the less expensive Barracuda, it was available in a staggering number of trim and option levels, and with virtually every engine in Chrysler's inventory.[6]
Dodge's first usage of the Challenger name was for a trim package in 1959 called the Dodge Silver Challenger which was a two-door coupe only.
The Challenger's longer wheelbase, larger dimensions, and more luxurious interior were prompted by the launch of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, likewise, a bigger, more luxurious, and more expensive pony car aimed at affluent young American buyers.[7] The 110inches wheelbase was 2inches longer than the Barracuda's, and the Dodge differed substantially in its sheet metal, much as the Cougar differed from the shorter-wheelbase Mustang. Air conditioning and a rear window defogger were optional.[8] With 1971 being the sole exception, the front ends of both cars differed from each other in that the Challenger had four headlights and the Barracuda had only two; a trend replicated by offerings from Chrysler's rivals. The exterior design was penned by Carl Cameron, who was also responsible for the exterior designs of the 1966 Dodge Charger. Cameron based the 1970 Challenger grille on an older sketch of a stillborn 1966 Charger prototype that was to have a turbine engine. The pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Sales fell dramatically after 1970, and though sales rose for the 1973 model year with over 27,800 cars being sold, Challenger production ceased midway through the 1974 model year. A total of 165,437 first-generation Challengers were sold.
For its introductory model year the Challenger was available in two series, Challenger and Challenger R/T, and three models, two-door hardtop, Special Edition two-door hardtop, or convertible.[9] The base model was the Challenger with either an inline-6 or V8 engine. The Special Edition hardtop, available on either the base Challenger or on the R/T, added a number of appearance, convenience, and comfort features.[10] Produced for the 1970 model year only, this more luxurious SE specification included as standard a vinyl roof with a "SE" medallions on the pillars, a smaller "formal" rear window, leather and vinyl bucket seats, and an overhead interior console that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel, and seatbelts).[11] The standard engine on the base model was a 2251NaN1 Straight-6. The standard engine on the higher trim models was a 3181NaN1 V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. For 1970, the optional engines included the 340and, as well as the 440and V8s, all with a standard 3-speed manual transmission, except for the 2901NaN1 383 cu in. engine, which was available only with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission. A 4-speed manual was optional on all engines except the 2251NaN1 Inline-6 and the 2-barrel 3831NaN1 V8.
The performance model was the Challenger R/T (Road/Track), with a 3831NaN1 "Magnum" V8, rated at 3350NaN0; 3000NaN0 for 1971, due to a drop in compression. The standard transmission was a 3-speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 3750NaN0 4401NaN1 Magnum, the 3900NaN0 4401NaN1 Six-Pack and the 4261NaN1 Hemi rated at 4250NaN0 at 5,000 rpm and 4900NaN0 of torque at 4,000 rpm. The R/T was available in either the hardtop or convertible. The Challenger R/T came with a Rallye instrument cluster that included a 150mph speedometer, an 8,000 rpm tachometer and an oil pressure gauge.[12] The shaker hood scoop was not available after 1971.
A mid-year introduction was the low-priced Challenger Deputy, a coupe with fixed rear quarter windows lacking some of the base car's trim with fixed rear side glass as the most notable identifier.[13] This model was named after a "sheriff-type" character that was featured in television commercials by Dodge at the time.[14]
thumb|1970 Dodge Challenger T/A
A special model only available for the 1970 model year was the Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car. To race in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship Trans Am, Dodge 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 3031NaN1 version of the modified 340, street versions took the 340 and added a trio of two-barrel carburetors atop an aluminum intake manifold, creating the 340 Six Pack. Dodge rated the engine at 2900NaN0, only 15hp more than the original 340 engine (which also had the same rating as the Camaro Z/28 and Ford Boss 302 Mustang). Air came in through a suitcase-sized air scoop molded into the pinned-down, hinged matte-black fiberglass hood. A low-restriction dual-outlet exhaust 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 TorqueFlite automatic or pistol-grip Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission, 3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gear ratios, 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 one of the first U.S. muscle cars to fit different size tires at the front and rear: E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas in the front, and G60x15 on the rear axle.[15] [16] The modified camber elevated the tail enough to clear the rear tires and its side exhaust outlets. Thick dual side stripes, bold ID graphics, a fiberglass ducktail rear spoiler, and a fiberglass front spoiler were also included. The interior was identical to other Challengers.
Dodge contracted Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics in Marblehead, Massachusetts to run the factory Trans-Am team. Sam Posey drove the No.77 "sub-lime" painted car that Caldwell's team built from a car taken off a local dealer's showroom floor. When the No.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 the No. 77. Ronnie Bucknum drove the No.76 at Seattle, Washington, and Tony Adamowicz drove it at Riverside, California.
The Challenger T/A's scored a few top-three finishes, but lack of a development budget and the short-lived Keith Black built race engines led to Dodge leaving the series at season's end. The street version suffered from severe understeer in fast corners, largely due to the smaller front tires. A total of 2,399 T/As were made. A 1971 model using the 340 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor was planned and appeared in advertising, but was not produced since Dodge had withdrawn from the race series.
For the 1971 model year the Challenger Coupe became the entry-level model, with either a straight-six or V8 engine. Like the Challenger Deputy it replaced, it had fixed rear quarter windows and a basic black steering wheel with horn button.[17]
For the 1972 model year, the options lists (both for performance and appearance/convenience items) had been drastically cut back. The convertible version (though a sunroof was made available), most interior upgrade options (in particular leather seats), comfort/convenience items (in particular power windows and power seats), and all the big-block engine options were gone. The R/T series was replaced by the Challenger Rallye series. The Rallye model featured four simulated vents on the front fenders, from which exited matte black strobe tape stripes. Engine choices were down to three: the 2251NaN1 slant-6, 3181NaN1 V8, and a 3401NaN1 V8 that was equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts, as well as a performance-oriented camshaft and heads. All three engines were detuned to lower compression ratios to run on lead-free gasoline, and the horsepower ratings were lowered to reflect the more accurate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) net horsepower calculations. Each engine could be mated to a 3-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 340 could also be equipped with a 4-speed manual if so ordered. The performance axle ratios were also gone except for a 3.55 sure grip which could only be had with the 340 and the heavy-duty suspension.[18] The 1972 models also received a new grille that extended beneath the front bumper, as well as new rear tail-lights. Toward the end of the 1971 model year, a few convertibles were made with the 1972 front end (grille, lights, etc.) and rear end (tail lights and their panel). The only way to ascertain these 1972 Challenger convertibles 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).
The 1972 grille and tail-light arrangement were carried over for the 1973 (and 1974) model years, and the mandatory 5 mph bumpers were added. While the 2251NaN1 six-cylinder engine was dropped, (leaving just the two V8s), all option lists otherwise were carry-overs from 1972.
For 1974, the 3401NaN1 engine was replaced by a 3601NaN1 version offering 2450NaN0, but the pony car market had fallen off and production of Challengers ceased in late April 1974.
Although the body style remained the same throughout the Challenger's five-year run, there were two notable changes to the front grille. The 1971 models had a "split" grille, while 1972 introduced a design that extended the grille (nicknamed the "sad-mouth") beneath the front bumper. With this change to the front end, 1972 through 1974 models had little to no variation. The only way to properly distinguish them is that the 1972s had flush-mounted bumpers with no bumper guards, (small bumper guards were optional), while both the 1973 and 1974 models had the protruding "5mph" 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 5mph rear impact law. These changes were made to meet U.S. 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. 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 rectangular lamps.
Although few mourned the end of the E-body models, the passage of time has created legends and highlighted the unique personalities of both the Challenger and the Barracuda.[6] With a low total production, as well as low survivability over the years, any Challenger is worth a substantial amount of money. In a historic review, the editors of Edmunds Inside Line ranked these models as: 1970 was a "great" year, 1971 was a "good" one, and then "three progressively lousier ones" (1972–1974).[6]
Dodge Challengers were mainly produced for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Chrysler officially sold Challengers to Switzerland through AMAG Automobil- und Motoren AG in Schinznach-Bad, near Zürich. Only a few cars were shipped overseas each year to AMAG. They did the final assembly of the Challengers and converted them to Swiss specifications. There are few AMAG cars still in existence. From a collector's point of view, these cars are very desirable. Today, fewer than five Swiss Challengers are known to exist in North America.[19]
Chrysler exported Dodge Challengers officially to France as well through their Chrysler France Simca operation, 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.
The SAE gross horsepower ratings were determined testing the engine with no accessories, no air cleaner, or open dyno headers. In 1971 compression ratios were reduced in performance engines, except the 4261NaN1 and the high performance 4401NaN1, to accommodate regular gasoline. 1971 was the last year for the 4261NaN1 Hemi.
| Engine type | Engine family | Displacement and name | Code | Carburetor | Exhaust | Compression ratio | Years | Powerhp (kW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I6 | Chrysler Slant-6 | 1981NaN1 | B | 1-barrel | Single | 8.4:1 | 1971 | 1250NaN0 SAE gross, 1050NaN0 SAE net | Challenger Coupe only |
| 2251NaN1 | C | 8.4:1 | 1970 | 1450NaN0 SAE gross | |||||
| 1971–72 | 1450NaN0 SAE gross, 1100NaN0 SAE net | ||||||||
| V8 | Chrysler LA | 3181NaN1 | G | 2-barrel | Single | 8.8:1 | 1970 | 2300NaN0 SAE gross | |
| 8.6:1 | 1971–72 | 2300NaN0 SAE gross, 1550NaN0 SAE net | Standard on 1972 Challenger Rallye | ||||||
| 8.6:1 | 1973–74 | 1500NaN0 SAE net | |||||||
| 3401NaN1 | H | 4-barrel | Dual | 10.5:1 | 1970 | 2750NaN0 SAE gross | N/A on Challenger R/T | ||
| 10.3:1 | 1971 | 2750NaN0 SAE gross, 2350NaN0 SAE net | No cost option on Challenger R/T | ||||||
| 8.5:1 | 1972–73 | 2400NaN0 SAE net | |||||||
| 3401NaN1 Six Pack | J | 3× 2-barrel | Dual | 1970 | 2900NaN0 SAE gross | Challenger T/A only | |||
| 3601NaN1 | L | 4-barrel | Dual | 8.2:1 | 1974 | 2450NaN0 SAE net | |||
| Chrysler B | 3831NaN1 | L | 2-barrel | Single | 8.7:1 | 1970 | 2900NaN0 SAE gross | N/A on Challenger R/T | |
| 8.5:1 | 1971 | 2750NaN0 SAE gross, 1900NaN0 SAE net | |||||||
| 3831NaN1 Magnum | N | 4-barrel | Dual | 9.5:1 | 1970 | 3300NaN0 SAE gross | N/A on Challenger R/T | ||
| 3350NaN0 SAE gross | Standard on Challenger R/T | ||||||||
| 8.5:1 | 1971 | 3000NaN0 SAE gross, 2500NaN0 SAE net | Standard on Challenger R/T | ||||||
| Chrysler RB | 4401NaN1 Magnum | U | 4-barrel | Dual | 9.7:1 | 1970 | 3750NaN0 SAE gross | Challenger R/T only | |
| 4401NaN1 Six Pack | V | 3× 2-barrel | Dual | 10.5:1 | 1970 | 3900NaN0 SAE gross | Challenger R/T only | ||
| 10.3:1 | 1971 | 3850NaN0 SAE gross, 3400NaN0 SAE net | |||||||
| Chrysler Hemi | 4261NaN1 Hemi | R | 2× 4-barrel | Dual | 10.25:1 | 1970 | 4250NaN0 SAE gross | Challenger R/T only | |
| 10.2:1 | 1971 | 4250NaN0 SAE gross, 3500NaN0 SAE net |
| Year | Variant | Model | Production | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | I6 | Hardtop | 9,929 | 76,935 | |
| Special Edition | 350 | ||||
| Convertible | 378 | ||||
| V8 | Hardtop | 36,951 | |||
| Special Edition | 5,873 | ||||
| Convertible | 2,543 | ||||
| R/T Hardtop | 13,796 | ||||
| R/T Special Edition | 3,753 | ||||
| R/T Convertible | 963 | ||||
| T/A | 2,539 | ||||
| 1971 | I6 | Hardtop | 1,672 | 26,299 | |
| Convertible | 83 | ||||
| V8 | Hardtop | 18,956 | |||
| Convertible | 1,774 | ||||
| R/T | 3,814 | ||||
| 1972 | I6 | Hardtop | 842 | 22,919 | |
| V8 | 15,175 | ||||
| Rallye | 6,902 | ||||
| 1973 | V8 | Hardtop | 27,930 | 27,930 | |
| 1974 | V8 | Hardtop | 11,354 | 11,354 |
The Challenger was introduced to the SCCA Trans Am Series in 1970. Two factory-backed cars were prepared by Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics and driven by Sam Posey and Tony Adamowicz. The No.77 car was built at Autodynamics from a street Challenger T/A that was taken from a local dealer showroom. The No.76 chassis arrived mid-season from Dan Gurney's All-American Racers and was completed by Autodynamics.
Dodge's early to mid-1970s factory-supported "Kit Car" program for short-track late-model stock car racing offered a choice of Challenger, and a few (less than 12) were made, but in 1974 Dodge ended the Challenger line and they went to the Dodge Dart Sports and Dodge Aspen bodies over a steel-tube chassis.[20]