The 1970 Challenger T/A is a legendary car that entered the scene with a roar, ready to take on its rivals in the Trans-American Sedan Championship. While other manufacturers had already introduced their Trans Am versions of pony cars, Dodge was late to the game. However, when the Challenger T/A emerged, it threw down the gauntlet, prepared to face off against the bosses, Camaros, and the rest of the Trans-Am gang.
The Rise of Trans-Am Racing
Launched on March 25, 1966, the Trans-American Sedan Championship was an intense competition among modified street cars, serving as a sales booster for Detroit manufacturers. Almost every brand with racing heritage had a Trans Am version of their powerful pony car by 1970. However, Dodge was initially left out due to the absence of a pony car in their lineup. That all changed when the Challenger stepped onto the stage, ready to make its mark in the Trans-Am world.
The Challenger’s Arrival
During the height of the horsepower wars, Dodge relied on their renowned muscle cars from Plymouth and Dodge to dominate the scene. However, on the pony car front, the Barracuda faced stiff competition alone. But in 1970, the tables turned as Plymouth redesigned the Barracuda and introduced the all-new Dodge Challenger. Although both cars were built on a new platform, they shared no sheet metal. Nevertheless, they received special treatment to counter the small-block powerhouses from their rivals.
Taking on the Competition
Ford boasted the Little Boss, the 302, while GM had the Chevy Camaro Z/28 with a matching displacement. With their long hoods, short decks, and muscular stance, the refreshed ‘Cuda and Challenger perfectly embodied the essence of a classic muscle car. Under the hood, the Mopars packed the formidable 340 V8 engine, equipped with a trio of double-throat carbs for maximum firepower.
The Dodge Challenger T/A
While the Barracuda received the All-American Racers moniker (AAR), the Dodge Challenger T/A was unapologetically named, leaving no doubts about its Trans-Am intentions. Dodge had to produce a minimum number of cars to qualify for the track, and they wasted no time in ramping up production. By April 1970, all Dodge Challenger T/A vehicles were already assembled, despite being announced just two months prior.
A total of 2,399 units were manufactured, with 989 equipped with manual transmissions and 1,410 featuring automatics. Dodge did not replicate this effort in the Challenger’s short-lived first generation, making these brightly colored, heavily decaled models highly sought after by collectors.
A Rarity Among Four-Speeds
Among the various Challenger T/A configurations, one stands out as a rarity: a stunning red-on-red model that has received meticulous care over the years. With over 86,000 miles on the road (approximately 138,000 kilometers), this four-speed beauty has provided its lucky owners with countless smiles per gallon.
The car proudly sits on correctly sized tires, with different sizes in the front and back, breaking away from the uniformity of its era. The chrome-tipped exhausts gleam from under the rocker panels, a feature rarely seen on non-sportscars of the ’60s and ’70s. Paired with the distinctive air ducts on the hood, these smoking barrels of the Challenger T/A signal the formidable power that lies beneath.
Unleashing the Beast
The heart of the 1970 Challenger T/A is its 340 cubic-inch V8 (5.6-liter) small-block engine. Despite being officially rated at a modest 290 horsepower (294 PS) and 345 lb-ft (468 Nm) of torque, this triple dual-barrel setup had no reservations about leaving parallel marks on the pavement. The combination of power and style made the Challenger T/A a true force to be reckoned with on and off the racetrack.
Restoration and Preservation
This particular Challenger T/A, finished on April 3, 1970, has undergone a restoration, resulting in its impressive overall condition. Although the selling site does not provide detailed information about the engine and drivetrain, it is hoped that they remain true to the car’s original specifications. The remarkable restoration work and the car’s undeniable performance history are reflected in its price tag of $120,000.
Conclusion
The 1970 Challenger T/A solidified its place in automotive history as a fierce contender in the Trans-American Sedan Championship. Its arrival disrupted the status quo and demonstrated Dodge’s commitment to producing high-performance vehicles. With its eye-catching design, power-packed engine, and racing pedigree, the Challenger T/A continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
FAQs
1. How many Dodge Challenger T/A cars were produced in 1970? In total, 2,399 Dodge Challenger T/A cars were manufactured in 1970.
2. What distinguishes the Challenger T/A from other pony cars? The Challenger T/A featured a distinctive design, including air ducts on the hood and chrome-tipped exhausts. Its 340 V8 engine with triple dual-barrel carbs also set it apart.
3. Did the Challenger T/A compete in the Trans-American Sedan Championship? Yes, the Challenger T/A was specifically built to participate in the Trans-American Sedan Championship, showcasing its performance capabilities.
4. How rare is a four-speed Challenger T/A? While the Challenger T/A is already a rare model, finding one with a four-speed transmission adds to its exclusivity.
5. What is the price range for a restored Challenger T/A? The price for a restored Challenger T/A can vary, but it is not uncommon to find them listed for around $120,000 or more, depending on their condition and originality.
