Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger debuted in 1970, making Dodge the last American car maker to produce a pony car; the Challenger is arguably the best of that bunch with its available 426 Hemi and 440 engines. The 440 had an optional Six Pack triple two-barrel carburetor. Dodge intended for the Challenger to compete with the Camaro and the Mustang, and the car was based on Plymouth's Barracuda.

However, the Challenger's wheelbase was extended by two inches to allow for additional leg room. The car's grille work was lifted from a '66 Charger concept, and sales were great the first year before taking a nosedive. The Challenger was produced until the middle of the 1974 model year.

The 1970 Dodge Challenger was sold in both convertible and hardtop versions, and there were a variety of options available. The performance (R/T or Road/Track) version came with a 383 CI V8, a 440 V8, or the Six Pack. The Magnum put out 375 hp, the Six Pack put out 390, but they were both far eclipsed by the Hemi's 425 hp. All R/Ts came with a stiffer suspension and the models with 440s and Hemis came with 15-inch wheels. They also came with nonfunctioning hood scoops, with an optional "Shaker" hood. Both the R/T and the standard model came with an optional SE package, which included a vinyl top, leather seating and a smaller back window.

The Challenger T/A was released in the middle of 1970 so that Dodge could compete in the Trans-American Sedan race. Those cars had a slightly detuned version of the 340, but the street version had a Six Pack and an Edelbrock intake. They were rated at 290 hp for insurance purposes, but likely put out closer to 350 hp. The rear tires were bigger than the front tires in order to keep the rear end of the car elevated.

The T/A wasn't made for the 1971 model year, although it was at first advertised. Dodge did not participate in the Trans Am for that year, so the model was never produced. By then, the muscle and pony car markets were in decline, and 1971 Challenger sales dropped by over 60% when compared with 1970's. The R/T was not an option that year, and the SE trim level was only available on the Challenger base model.

The Challenger still had an available 383 motor that year, but it was detuned to 300 hp to meet the EPA's more strict emissions standard. Unfortunately, the 440 V8 was not available that year, but a detuned 440 Six Pack could be had, as could the 426 Hemi V8. 1971 was the last year for those three motors, and it was also the swan song for the Dodge Challenger's legendary performance.