Dodge Challenger
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 4
Introduction
While the Charger is the muscle car most highly regarded today, the Challenger remains a close runner up and, like its predecessor, was available as a R/T model in both 2 door coupe and convertible configurations.
As with all such American cars, the 'base' engine was an in-line six-cylinder unit, but the most exciting of the V8's, and the one which most people bought, was the 426ci 7 litre 'Hemi'.
And naturally it was the R/T model that most lust after today - particularly because it used instruments mounted well forward and recessed into the bonnet panel. In
1971, and to satisfy drag racing fanatics, there was also a Challenger T/A model, fitted with larger rear tyres, side
exhaust pipes with megaphone ends and fresh air scoops feeding the carbys mounted on the bonnet.
The T/A also had bonnet quick release pins, upgraded
suspension, a rear spoiler, blacked out grille and bonnet panels. Of course the Americans immediately knew that T/A stood for Trans Am, a popular racing series being held in the US at that time. But as the Challengers rivals underwent continued improvement and modification, it became obvious to many purchasers that it was merely a Charger with a face lift, and an ever heavier one at that.
In
1971 Dodge dropped the optional 7 litre Hemi, which pretty much sounded the death knell for the car. Despite the fierce competition and lack of a 'muscle car' engine option, the sheer beauty of the original design would see production struggle on for another 3 years until it was finally dropped altogether in
1974 
The Challenger is more highly regarded than the Charger; look at the prices all through the range with with exception of the Daytona, the Challenger is higher.
The Charger was never available as a convertible.
As pointed out above the Hemi was the rarest option; most were optioned with 318 and 383.
T/A, Charger with a facelift?? This entire paragraph is all wrong.
The Hemi was not dropped in 1971, it continued with hydraulic lifters. It was dropped in 72.
No muscle car engine option after 71?? The 340 was still offered and is acknowledged as one of the best muscle motors ever built. It was faster through the 1/4 than almost every other pony car in 72/73 except the 455 Pontiac Trans Am.
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