Dodge didn’t have a correct challenger to the Mustang till 1970, which was unusual contemplating each different model on the decrease echelons of the market together with AMC provided one. For positive Dodge could possibly be given a move as a result of it had a specialty automobile known as the Charger. As soon as the Barracuda moved to the brand new E-body platform, Dodge noticed a chance to create its personal distinct mannequin. Is it any surprise it was known as the Challenger? A type of, a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T hardtop, is our Decide of the Day. It’s listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a personal vendor in Oklahoma Metropolis. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

Whereas Plymouth had the Barracuda from mid-year 1964 via 1969, Dodge provided the sporty Dart GT. Although not a pony automobile within the purest (and even purist’s) sense, its underpinnings had been the identical because the Barracuda’s. With the appearance of the Dart GTS in 1967, Dodge had a critical compact efficiency automobile, culminating within the 440-powered GTS for 1969.

Dodge continued to supply compact efficiency with the 1970 Dart Swinger 340, however now Dodge had a pony automobile to compete with the Mustang. The truth is, Dodge had its eye on the Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale pony automobile, so the Challenger adopted go well with with a wheelbase two inches longer than the Barracuda’s (110 versus 108 inches). And just like the Cougar providing a base model the luxurious XR-7, Dodge provided the Challenger and Challenger SE. Just like the XR-7, the SE provided leather-based seating surfaces, an overhead consolette, and fancier trim.

Nevertheless, whereas Mercury stored the Cougar V8-only, the Challenger was obtainable with the whole lot from the “Slant Six” to the 426 Hemi and 440. Plus, Dodge produced a devoted efficiency mannequin known as R/T and a mixture R/T SE to present efficiency followers luxurious in the event that they so desired. All informed, there was the bottom Challenger hardtop and convertible, SE hardtop, Challenger R/T hardtop and convertible, and Challenger R/T SE hardtop. Midyear, a decontented Deputy coupe and Trans-Am-inspired Challenger T/A joined the sequence. This lineup contrasted with the Barracuda’s and helped make the Challenger distinct.

That distinction might have helped the Challenger promote higher than the Barracuda, which was fascinating because the Mustang (and Camaro, for that matter) was by no means outsold by its extra subtle brethren.

This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T exemplifies the whole lot that made the brand new pony automobile engaging with the car-buying public. Although provided with an ordinary 383 Magnum, this one has the legendary 440 Six Pack, certainly one of 1,640 U.S.-spec hardtops constructed with the “V-code” engine. That engine is topped by the uncommon Shaker hood scoop, which instructions a effective premium lately. Different effective components embrace Torqueflite computerized with console, Efficiency Axle Bundle with 3.55 gears, “FJ5” Chic paint complemented by a white vinyl prime and white longitudinal aspect stripes, 15-inch Rallye wheels, quick-fill gasoline cap, and baggage rack, amongst many different choices.

Options for this Challenger R/T embrace “documentation [including] copies of prior possession titles, mileage assertion paperwork, copies of the unique dealership bill, transaction bill from the unique dealership, and a duplicate of Mopar Muscle and Mopar Collector’s Information magazines, the place she had characteristic articles on her.” This actually is an esteemed piece of Mopar muscle historical past, which is why it should price you $225,000 OBO to place it in your storage.

To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Decide of the Day.