Dodge

The 1969 Dodge Charger was a design high point for muscle cars of the day, with its attractive, curvy styling and a roomy, functional interior. A complete set of round gauges faced the driver -- including an optional combined tachometer and clock. (more…)

In 1971, the all-new third generation Charger was launched. It was completely restyled with a new "Pontiac" grille and more rounded "fuselage" body style. Many people have compared the look of the 1971-1974 Chargers to the 1968-1970 Pontiac GTOs. The interiors now looked more like those of the E-body and were now shared by the Plymouth B-body. Concealed headlights were no longer standard, they were now optional. A rear spoiler and a "Ramcharger" hood made the selection lists for the first time. A special scoop was mounted in the hood, straight above the air cleaner. If the driver wanted to put fresh air directly into the carburetor, he pulled a small lever under the dash and the scoop popped up. This gimmicky (but original) device had been used on the Coronet ...

In 1970 the Charger changed somewhat again. This would be the last and most excellent year of the 2nd generation Charger and it now featured a large wraparound chrome bumper and the grille was no longer separated in the middle. The taillights were the same as in 69, but the flat-black area on the taillight panel was made smaller and was surrounded by a chrome strip. (more…)

The 1975 Dodge Charger would be nothing more than a re-badged Chrysler Cordoba. The Charger SE (Special Edition) was the only model offered. It came with a broad variety engines from the 225 in³ (3.7 L) "Slant Six" to the 400 in³ (6.6 L) big block. The customary engine was the 360 in³ (5.9 L) small block. Sales in 1975 amounted to 30,812.  (more…)

1968It was obvious after the sales drop of the 1967 Charger that a redesign was in order. Dodge was going to restyle their whole B-body lineup for 1968 and decided that it was time to divide the Coronet and Charger models even more. What designer Richard Sias came up with was a double-diamond design that would later be referred to as "coke-bottle" style. From the side profile the curves around the front fenders and rear quarter panels look almost like a Coke bottle, which was very big in the 60's. On the roof a "flying buttress" was added to give the back window area a look similar to that of a 1966-67 Pontiac GTO. (more…)

1966The new external designer for Dodge new flagship vehicle would be Carl "CAM'" Cameron, and on January 1, 1966, viewers of the Rose Bowl were first encountered the new "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion", the 1966 Charger. The Charger's introduction coincided with the introduction of the new street version of the 426 Hemi (7.0 L). At last, Dodge would have the performance image to go along with this great performance engine. (more…)

In the beginning... 1965 Dodge Charger II Show CarAfter watching the Pontiac GTO starting the muscle car era in Detroit the rest of GM's divisions were quick to leap on the muscle car bandwagon. Buick followed with the Gran Sport and even Oldsmobile brought out the 442. Yet Dodge, even though putting out cars that could meet or beat these cars, didn't have a performance representation muscle car of their own. In spite of a wide array of performance engines, their Coronet's styling and image was conventional. Dodge needed something that would show that they were able to compete in the muscle car race.  (more…)