MOPAR MUSCLE

Dodge Challenger 1970-1974

The Dodge Challenger was introduced in 1970 to compete against rival competitors pony cars and featured the similar long hood, short deck styling.

1970 Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger emblem

RT emblem

The E-Body Challenger came with 9 available engine possibilities for 1970. Base model and luxury SE challengers could be ordered with a 318, 340 or choice of two different 383 motors. The Challenger R/T came standard with the 335 hp 383 engine, but could also be equipped with the 440 Magnum, 440 six-pack or 426 Hemi.

383 motors standard with a 3-speed manual transmission, upgradeable to 727 Torqueflight 3-speed automatic or A-833 4-speed manual transmissions. 440 and 426 Hemi motors came standard with the 727 Toqueflight transmission. Opting for the 4-speed manual on 440 and Hemi engines also got you the Hurst wood grain pistol-grip shifter and heavy-duty 9-å?" Dana 60 rear end.

The 1970 Dodge Challenger was offered in both two-door hardtop and convertible. hardtop challengers could also be ordered with optional SE and R/T Packages. The SE, Special Edition, option included leather seats, and an overhead console with dummy lights for: door ajar, low fuel and seat belts. The SE option was not available on convertible models. The R/T , short for Rapid Transit, was the challenger high-performance model and came loaded standard with many performance options including 8-å?" Axle Package package with 3.23, 3.55, 3.91 or 4.10 gear ratio. Interior features consisted of styleized bucket seats, Rallye instrument cluster with 6000 rpm tack and 150 mph speedometer and center console. 14x7 Rallye wheels were standard, but 15x7 Road Wheels could also be purchased skinned with Goodyear Polyglass GT tires.

Buyers could choose between eighteen exterior paint colors, including 5 High-Impact colors: Plum Crazy, Sub Lime, Go-Mango, Hemi Orange, Top Banana. Panther Pink and Green-Go were later offered on the 1970 T/A Challenger. An optional vinyl roof, standard on SE and R/T SE challengers, was available in black, white, green or gator grain. Dodge sold 42,625 Challengers in 1970.

1970 Challenger Models
Base Price
two-door hardtop
$2,851
two-door convertible
$3,120
SE two-door hardtop
$3,083
R/T two-door hardtop
$3,266
R/T SE two-door hardtop
$3,498
R/T convertible
$3,535

1971 Dodge Challenger

1971 Dodge Challengers were no longer offered in R/T SE or R/T convertible configuration. The 440 Magnum engine option was gone, but the 440 six-pack and 426 Hemi were still available. The 383 was reduced to 300 hp due to its lowered 8.5:1 compression to run on regular gas. The '71 Challenger also received a new louvered grille unique to this year only. 28,901 challengers were sold in 1971

1971 Challenger Models
Base Price
two-door coupe
$2,727
two-door hardtop
$2,848
two-door convertible
$3,105
R/T two-door hardtop
$3,272

1972 Dodge Challenger

In 1972 all big-block 383, 440 and 426 hemi engines were dropped, as were the RT , SE and convertible models. In their place was the new performance model, the Challenger Rallye. The Challenger Rallye came standard with the 240 hp 340 v-8 engine, 3-speed manual transmission, 3.23 sure-grip 8 3/4 rear axle, performance hood with scoops, dual exhaust with chrome tips and simulated side louvers and black tape stripes. Optional 4-speed manual transmission with pistol grip shifter, and 3.55 sure-grip Performance Axle Package could also be ordered.

A new grille and tail lights were introduced that would continue though 1974. Also new were vertical chrome bumper guards to reinforce bumper strength. Only two high-impact colors were available: Hemi-Orange and Top Banana. 27,770 Dodge Challengers were sold in 1972.

1972 Challenger Models
Base Price
two-door hardtop
$2,790
two-door Rallye hardtop
$3,082

1973 Dodge Challenger

The 1973 Challenger received rubber bumper guards to meet 5-mph impact standards. The Rallye performance package became an option instead of a distinct model and came standard with a 318 v-8 and optional was the 340 v-8. There were 30,221 dodge challengers produced in 1973.

1974 Dodge Challenger

The 1974 dodge challenger was a carry-over from '73 with 1 major difference. The 340 v-8 was no longer available. In its place was the new 360 high-performance motor with 245 hp, a slight performance increase. Production was stopped after only a few months in 1974. Only 6.063 1974 dodge challengers were sold in the cars final of production.