1970 – 1974 Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is iconic for its muscle car looks and high performance engines.  It was produced starting in model year 1970 along with the similar bodied Plymouth Barracuda.  The Challenger a non-memorable return in the late 1970s.  In 2008, Dodge brought the essence back to life with the new Dodge Challenger.  This page features the Challengers from 1970 to 1974.

From a distance, the Challenger seemed like it went apparently unchanged from 1970 to 1974. Actually though, it underwent a number of changes in appearance, performance, and options.

History of the Dodge Challenger

It all started back in 1967 when the Dodge design team started designing the DodgeChallenger. These are some of the early designs that they came up with:

As time went on and the deadline approached, they still hadn’t decided on the final design. At this point, Bill Brownlie, the chief designer, contributed his own design which was accepted and later on put to production.

Next let’s take a closer look at the design that they put to production. First, let’s focus on the front of the car. The grill and headlights are inset and give the car a powerful stance. Adding to that stance are the double headlights which is another rarity in itself.

Another noticeable feature is the distinctive body line along the side of the car. This body line was unique because it resembled the shape of a Coke Bottle. The identifying mark of the Challenger was its body line because no other car’s body line resembled it. There were four different types of hoods available including: standard hood, R/T hood, T/A hood, and shaker hood.

1970 Dodge Challenger

1971 Dodge Challenger

1972 Dodge Challenger

1973 Dodge Challenger

1974 Dodge Challenger

1970 – 1974 Dodge Challenger Engine Options

A muscle car must not only look good, but also needs to be backed up with performance. The Dodge Challenger fulfills that need with its nine different engine options ranging from a gas – friendly slant six to a big powerhouse 426 HEMI 8 – Barrel.

The 340 was powerful and light making any car equipped with this engine very quick. The 383 was known for being the least expensive big block. The 440 was the biggest Moparengine and put out high horsepower. The most well known engine, though, was the 426 Hemi. Even though the 426 was a little bit smaller than the 440 it put out more horsepower and was known as one of the fastest engines around.

Dodge Challenger Picture Gallery