1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack

Some things take a little more time than others, but more often than not, the wait is always worth it. It took Chrysler 6 years to develop a true pony car, and by the time the Challenger was introduced, it was hard to do anything really new with the formula. Offering a wide range of engine choices from a slant six to the earth-shaking Hemi was Dodge division's way of getting attention. The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T440 Six Pack was one muscle car that definitely stood out in the crowd.

The 1970 Dodge Challenger used the same unibody platform as Plymouth's new Barracuda, but its wheelbase was two inches longer to provide slightly more rear-seat room. It was available in hardtop and convertible form, with performance versions wearing the familiar R/T label. Standard R/T power came from the 335-bhp 383. Two 440s were offered, the four-barrel Magnum with 375 bhp, and the tri-carb Six Pack with 390. The 425-bhp 426 Hemi cost $1,228 with required heavy-duty equipment.

The 440s and the Hemi came standard mated up with TorqueFlite automatic transmissions. Ordering up the 4-speed brought a pistol-grip Hurst shifter and a Dana 60 axle. Gears climbed from 3.23:1 to 4.10:1, with limited-slip an extra-cost item. All R/Ts got a beefed suspension, and 440 and Hemi cars got 15-inch 60-series tires, but power steering and front disc brakes were optional.

The R/T's standard hood had two scoops that were open but didn't feed directly to the air cleaner. A $97 option was the shaker scoop, which mounted to the air cleaner and poked through an opening in the hood. Full gauges, including a tach, were standard, and R/Ts could also be ordered as an SE, which included leather seats and a vinyl roof with a smaller "formal" rear window.

Visibilty left something to be desired, and the car had a bulky feel for its size, but the 440 Six Pack Challenger did what it was intended to do...move fast. Mashing the gas pedal resulted in an explosion off the line, unleashing the Challenger like a dragster. The car pushed forward to the point where suddenly you realized that you were waaayyyy over the speed limit. (I imagine quite a few speeding tickets were issued to less than happy Challenger owners).

One of the 1970 Challenger R/T 440's proudest moments was it's starring role in the movie "Vanishing Point." The film's main character Kowalski, played by actor Barry Newman, was a car transporter making his way from Denver to San Francisco to deliver a 1970 Dodge Challenger in 15 hours to win a bet, although the car was clearly the real star. If you haven't seen the movie yet, check it out...but spoiler alert: if you truly LOVE the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack...turn the movie off when you see the sun shining between the blades of the two bulldozers blocking the road at the end. Trust me...you'll thank me later. Happy Valentine's Day...the end.