Featured here is a sleek 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A muscle car. The 1970 Dodge Challenger was derived from the Plymouth Barracuda.
This was the first year for the Challenger and the model was a huge success and made an appearance in several movies of the era. The Challenger found itself with a cult following after it appeared in the 1971 road movie, “Vanishing Point.”
The first generation of the Dodge Challenger lasted for four years. Buyers were able to choose between a two-door hardtop coupe or a convertible.First generation Dodge Challenger’s were built in Hamtramck, Michigan and Los Angeles, California.
The first generation of Dodge Challengers hit the streets running in 1970 as what some might consider one of the most successful classic muscle cars ever made. The initial idea for the Dodge Challenger featured a turbine engine, but the designers decided to go with two different options. First, there was an inline-V6 featuring a 225-cubic-inch motor with 145 horsepower. However, for those who really wanted speed, they offered a 440-cubic-inch V8 motor that boasted 390 horsepower. Even though the public never got the original turbine engine, the design for the body stuck around, giving Challengers that iconic hood scoop.
The Dodge Challenger T/A
The Dodge Challenger Trans Am (T/A) was only available for the 1970 model year. The Challenger T/A was a performance variant of the First Generation Dodge Challenger. It was designed and built as a race car. The Challenger T/A was built to participate in the Trans American Sedan Championship. While the T/A’s interior was the same as with standard Challenger models, under the hood were three two barrel carburetors to that made up the 340 six-pack engine. The T/A package also included a cool air intake and plenty of visual upgrades from front to back including a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
Another significant attribute for the 1070 Challenger T/A was that it was among the first pony cars to fit different tires on the front and rear of the model. The front of the T/A Challenger had E60x15 Goodyear Polyglas tires and the rear was fitted with G60x15 tires.
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A Styling
The 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A was the ultimate pony car from the golden era of muscle cars. The styling was terrific and the 340 Six Pack engine was built for speed.
Dodge used the longer wheelbase Chrysler E Platform for all first generation Challenger models, both hardtops and convertibles. In addition, a good part of the car used Plymouth Barracuda components. Throughout the first generation very few changes were made to the exterior year to year. The minor changes pertained to the grille and rear lights. The basic design essentially stayed intact.
The Dodge Challenger was known for it’s luxurious amenities offered on all Challenger models which was one reason that the model was a hit with muscle car lovers.
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A Specifications
The 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A came with a 340 cubic inch V-8 with three two barrel carburetors. This was named the 340 six-pack and delivered 275 HP. Top of the line was the V-8 Hemi which put out a very impressive 425 HP.
The Challenger T?A was equipped with a six speed manual gear box.
Brakes are front and rear ventilated disc with four wheel ABS.
Suspension is four wheel independent with front and back stabilizer bars.
Dimensions include a 116.2 inch wheelbase, 197.9 inch overall length, 85.8 inch width.
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A production totaled just 2,630 vehicles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird
Reference material for this articles includes..Dodge Challenger& Plymouth Barracuda by author Peter Grist…Barracuda and Challenger by Paul Zazarine...Collector Cars by the Editors of Consumers Guide.
The Rare 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A Collector Car
Some refer to the Dodge Challenger in general as the most successful muscle car ever produced. The T/A model with it’s Hemi V-8 is extra special. As mentioned, there were only about 2,600 examples of the 70 Challenger T/A built. The sales and auction high bids for the T/A’s that have sold reflect both age and degree of restoration and originality.
One recent sale of a 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A was for $180,000. This was an original model in excellent condition and with mileage under 40,000. Another sale was for $100,000 for an original model with unknown mileage.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)