There were quite a few representatives of real "Muscle Cars" in the 1960s and 1970s in the USA. Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, Plymouth Barracuda or Pontiac GTO were the most famous. However, there is one representative of American muscle cars standing out above the rest – the Dodge Charger.
The first Charger hit the market on 1/1/1966. Its similarity to the Dodge Coronet cannot be denied, since the Charger is built on its basis, but it was still something "different". First of all, it was distinguished from it by the elongated, flowing back, the so-called fastback, which you could see for the first time on competitors Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda. However, due to the dimensions of 5,170 x 1,915 x 1,364 mm (length/width/height) and weight of 1,645 kg, it belonged to the height class. This was also the reason why it was equipped with V8 engines as opposed to Ford and Plymouth, which had six-cylinder forks working under their hoods. The basic unit became the V8 engine 318 cui (318 cubic inches corresponds to a volume of 5.2 liters) producing 230 horsepower. Other engines in the range grew in volume and power, the 361 V8 engine with a volume of 5.9 L offered 265 hp, the 383 V8 (6.3 L) 325 hp and the cherry on the cake was the 426 Hemi engine (7.0 liters) with an output of 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a brutal torque of 663 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Values can be a bit misleading as these were paper values for insurance purposes. The real performance was up to 500 horsepower, with which the Charger had an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds (later even under 5.5 seconds) and attacked the 200 km/h mark. The transmission was fitted as standard with a three-speed automatic Torque-Flite, a four-speed manual was available as an option. The front headlights were hidden under the radiator grille, while the rear ones were unusually large. Standard equipment included four seat belts, an upholstered interior and luggage compartment, an oil pressure indicator and tinted rear windows. For an additional fee, you could treat yourself to air conditioning, electric windows or electric mirrors.
In 1967, the range was expanded to include the 7.2L 375hp 440 Magnum V8, which was more affordable than the Hemi. Driving performance wasn't bad at all, but still it didn't have a V8 Hemi. The latter remained the best unit with greater potential for competitors.
The following year, the Dodge Charger received a significant design change. Instead of the fastback, the new, much-loved "Coke Bottle" body shape took center stage. A modified mask, reduced chrome and recessed bumpers together with four circular rear lights formed a style with which Dodge won over sporty drivers. The 1968-1970 generation is generally considered to be the most successful, the best and also the most beautiful. The Magnum 440 V8 R/T model came on the scene, where the brakes were strengthened, the suspension was improved, and the car sat on wider wheels with F70x14 tires. There were two exhaust tips and a "rally" instrument panel in the interior. Advances have also been seen in the area of safety, with front seat headrests, a seat belt for the middle passenger and lockable power windows becoming standard. The "Bumble bee stripes" typical for the Charger R/T were unmistakable. There were 6 interior colors and 17 exterior colors to choose from. Sales of the car rose significantly to 96,100 (17,665 in the R/T version and only 475 with the Hemi engine), surpassing the projected sales of 35,000 units, which roughly corresponded to the annual sales of the first generation.
The year 1969 was again characterized by styling changes. Round rear lights replaced wide group headlights, the front part was revived by a vertical grille. The more interesting change was the Special Edition models – SE, Daytona and Charger 500. The SE version was essentially a more luxuriously equipped Charger. More interesting were the remaining two models, which had the task of supporting Dodge in NASCAR races, where Ford clearly dominated. The first step was the Charger 500 with a 440 Magnum engine (extra charge Hemi) with slightly modified body aerodynamics in which Dodge lagged behind Ford. The Daytona was derived from the Charger 500, but with substantial body changes. A massive pressure wing reigned at the rear and a long pointed protrusion was added to the hood, which resulted in a drastic improvement in aerodynamics (drag coefficient Cx = 0.28) and thus it was possible to reach speeds of over 300 km/h.
The next year brought yet another series of design improvements. The front part got rid of the radiator grille and got only a massive chrome frame. Again, the rear lights were slightly modified. A new Six Pack 440 power unit appeared with an output of 390 horsepower. It differed from the Magnum 440 by having three two-chamber carburetors instead of the original one four-chamber.
Although Dodge made the offer attractive with impressive bonuses, such as a retractable intake above the hood, sales slowly and surely declined and it meant the gradual end of the era of Muscle Cars. In addition, due to emission limits and innovations in the form of a different power measurement methodology, the horsepower numbers of all engines were decreasing. The year 1974 marked the end of the Hemi engine, and a year later a new generation comes, completely different from the previous one. The car was smaller with different styling (Chrysler Cordoba base), thus losing its personality, charge and sales numbers as well.
The Dodge Charger has played in several films, and in my opinion one of the best and most faithful car chases from the film The Bullitt Case, where Steve McQueen in a Ford Mustang chases Bill Hickman in the first generation Dodge Charger in the streets of San Francisco, is definitely worth mentioning. Charger also appeared in the movie Fast and Furious or Dukes of Hazard.
This car is a personality that exudes real power and beauty at the same time. He can stand in a parking lot or drive slowly down the street and you will still have respect from him. If you ever hear the question of which car is the true "American Muscle Car", know that it is the Dodge Charger.
