Dodge Challenger
One of my personal favorites, and an incredibly popular model that was just a little late to the party, is the Dodge Challenger. It’s one of the more upscale models too, outclassing the more affordable pony cars like the Mustang and Camaro, and even its sibling, the Barracuda.
The hood is long and flat, and if often equipped with a shaker hood scoop on high-powered trims. It’s often adorned with graphics on the sides and the hood, commonly in matte black.
but enough beating around the bush. People love the Plymouth Challenger especially for its HEMI engine. The 426c.i. V8 made an incredible 425hp in 1970, scaled back in 1971 to 350hp. Its first year, 1970, was by far the highest in sales. Slumping sales in ’71 through ’74 made the first-gen Challenger a short-lived model.
Plymouth Barracuda
Let’s not talk about the original Barracuda from 1964 to ’66. That car was an abomination. The second run was better from ’67 to ’69. The really good stuff started after that. It was the 1970 to ’74 model that turned heads, and continues to do so today.
Ever heard of a Hemi ‘Cuda? That’s this car, or at least the most desirable one. It was aligned with the Challenger, but at a bit of a discounted rate. Its distinct design includes a split grille, high-rising rear wheel arches, and usually a blacked-out roof to contrast bright paint jobs.
There weren’t any bad engine choices in the 70s Barracuda per se, so long as you chose a V8. The entry-level 340c.i. V8 made 275hp, but you’d probably want to choose the 383c.i., the 440 six-pack, or the 426 Hemi V8.
Plymouth Roadrunner/Superbird
There are two very different cars under one title here, but they share the same name. The Plymouth Roadrunner was developed as a midsize performance car for the everyday car owner. If you wanted something a little classier, you could choose the GTX.
All right, so the ’68 to ’70 Roadrunner. It’s a monster in its own right. This car was all about harnessing V8 power, and it only came in a 383 V8, a 440 V8, or a 426 Hemi V8 with a blistering 425hp. It’s also the car that put the Hurst shifter squarely on the map.
And then there’s the Superbird. Made only in 1970, the Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird was designed for NASCAR. The dart-like nosecone is aerodynamic, with flip-up headlights, while on the rear there was a sky-high wing installed. So tall you could still open the massive trunk lid under it. The Superbird was sold with three engine options: a four-barrel Super Commando 440 V8, a 440 six-pack, and he 426 Hemi V8. You know which one is most desirable, right?
The Roadrunner continued to be one of the classic muscle cars built from ’71 to ’74 in a second generation before petering out.
View on One Page
