The 1970 Challenger T/A is a legendary vehicle that entered the Trans-American Sedan Championship and made its mark on the racing scene. This competition served as a platform for Detroit’s manufacturers to showcase their modified street cars and boost sales. While many manufacturers had already introduced their Trans Am versions of pony cars, Dodge was missing out because it lacked a pony car in its lineup. However, Dodge changed the game when it introduced the Challenger T/A.
In the midst of the horsepower wars, Dodge relied on its powerful Plymouth and Dodge muscle cars. On the pony car front, the Barracuda was left to compete against the fierce competition on its own. However, everything changed in 1970 when Plymouth redesigned the Barracuda and introduced the all-new Dodge Challenger. These cars were built on a new platform and shared no sheet metal, but they were specially engineered to challenge the dominance of small-block engines from their rivals across the street.
Ford had the Little Boss, the 302, while GM had the Chevy Camaro Z/28 with the same displacement. The refreshed ‘Cuda and the Challenger perfectly embodied the essence of the pony car era with their long hoods, short decks, and muscular stances. The Mopars were equipped with the formidable 340 V8 engine, featuring a triad of double-throat carbs to deliver impressive firepower.
While the Barracuda earned the All-American Racers moniker (AAR), the Dodge Challenger T/A left no room for doubt about its Trans-Am intentions. To participate in the championship, Dodge had to produce a minimum number of cars. Chrysler wasted no time and ramped up production, completing the assembly of all Dodge Challenger T/A automobiles by April 1970, only two months after the announcement. In total, they manufactured 2,399 units, consisting of 989 manuals and 1,410 automatics. Unfortunately, Dodge did not continue this level of production for the Challenger’s first generation, making these brightly colored, heavily-decaled models highly sought after by collectors.
Among the rarest examples of the Challenger T/A is a stunning four-speed model, featuring a striking red-on-red color scheme. This particular vehicle has been meticulously maintained, evident from its excellent condition despite having covered over 86,000 miles (138,000 kilometers). The Challenger T/A stands out with its correct-sized tires, differentiating between the front and rear, a departure from the standard practice of that era. The chrome-tipped exhausts gleam under the rocker panels, adding a touch of style. While side pipes were not entirely new, having been featured on the Corvette for over a decade and a half, they were a rare sight on non-sports cars of the ’60s and ’70s.
The Challenger T/A boasts unique air ducts on its hood, hinting at the power that lies beneath. The heart of this Trans-Am champion is the 340 cubic-inch (5.6-liter) V8 small-block engine, which delivers an impressive 290 horsepower (294 PS) and 345 lb-ft (468 Nm) of torque. Equipped with triple dual-barrel carburetors, this engine leaves parallel tire marks on the pavement without hesitation.
This particular Challenger T/A, produced in the later stages of the first generation, was finished on April 3, 1970. It has undergone a restoration, contributing to its overall excellent condition. While the originality of the high-performance engine and drivetrain is not explicitly mentioned on the selling site, it adds to the allure of this vehicle. With an asking price of $120,000, this Challenger T/A represents a valuable piece of automotive history that will undoubtedly appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 1970 Challenger T/A stands as a testament to Dodge’s commitment to performance and style. With its striking design, powerful engine, and exclusive features, this legendary pony car has secured its place in automotive history. Whether on the track or the open road, the Challenger T/A continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless appeal.
