– 1 of five JS27R cars with 4-speed transmission
– Shaker Hood Scoop
– A33 Track Pak Option
The origins of the Dodge Challenger go back to early 1967 when Chrysler Corporation started work on a new Dodge Division full-fledged “pony car” of their own. Designed on a new upcoming “E” body platform, the car was styled with the long nose/short deck layout and was wide compared to its overall length. The basic shape of the “E” body was also shared with the sister division’s new car, the third-generation Barracuda; however, each car had its own sheet metal, styling characteristics and specific features.
ALL-NEW FOR 1970
These new Mopar® Pony Cars were unique as they were based on a mid-sized “B” body front subframe assembly (to allow for all Chrysler engines to fit, including the HEMI®) all the while sitting low to the ground for a road-hugging stance. Challengers rode on a 2-inch longer wheelbase than the Barracuda (giving it a tad more rear seat leg room) and the Dodge version was also nearly 5 inches longer. Challenger designers used the Mercury Cougar as a comparison model during the early clay mock-up stages, with the new-sized Dodge to be positioned as an up-market vehicle compared to the Mustang and Camaro.
Challenger was offered in numerous versions, with standard models powered from economical Slant Six engines through 383-cid V8s. R/T models were aimed at performance buyers and they could be powered by 340-cid 4 bbl small blocks, 383-cid 4 bbl “B” series engines, 440-cid 4 bbl and 6 bbl “RB” engines (raised block) and the top-of-the-line 426-cid HEMI engine, complete with two inline four-barrels.
SPACE-AGE INTERIOR
Dodge Styling Studio Chief Bob Brownlie came up with the name “Challenger” for this all-new car and besides the completely fresh exterior design, the interior layout also featured a modern look. Brownlie explained it this way, “We wanted a space-age capsule feel for driver and passenger when we first explored the basic concept of the Challenger.” Later when asked about the challenge of creating a whole new car, he answered, “The anticipatory thinking of a stylist is predicated on market research and sound engineering, coupled with some hallucinatory trips!”
ONE YEAR ONLY CONVERTIBLE
Challenger R/T convertibles are also unique as they are “one year only” cars, as Dodge dropped the convertible option for Challenger R/T models for 1971.
BIG DANA 60 9.75-INCH RING GEAR
“A33” Track Pac Package (consists of 3.54 Axle Ratio w/H.D. 9 ¾ Dana Axle, Sure-Grip Differential) is part of this car’s original option package, combined with the “D21” 4-speed Manual Transmission (A-833) w/Pistol Grip Hurst Shifter.
N96 “SHAKER”
A factory Shaker hood on a 1970 Challenger was a rarity, and the color here is Argent Silver.
J81 GO WING
Special bracing was fitted under the deck lid for “J81” Go Wing option cars.
WHEELS/TIRES
When buyers were selecting the equipment for the new-for-1970 Challengers, these “W21” Rallye Road Wheels were available as an extra cost option, and HEMI engine-powered cars received F60 – 15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. The “W34” Collapsible Spare Tire was a required option for any 15-inch wheel application.
SLEEK SIDE PROFILE
Rolling on a 110-inch wheelbase, the Dodge Challenger was measured 191 inches in length, which was large compared to the original pony car, the Mustang from 1964 1/2. The general shape of the 1970 Challenger was well received by the automotive media and the positive response extended to drag racer Don Garlits as well:
“Now Dodge has gone and done the real thing. Built the pony cars of all pony cars. They watched the whole pony car thing develop, then built their own super-tough version…the Challenger R/T. Compact like a Dart. Wide like a Charger. Just the right size for anyone who likes his own personalized backyard bomb. Dodge should sell a million of ‘em. …if I ever leave dragsters, you can be sure I’ll run a super stock Challenger R/T.”
HIGH PRAISES FROM MOTOR TREND
Motor Trend Magazine’s Bill Sanders introduced the Challenger to his readers in the November ’69 issue with this opening paragraph:
“Double takes will be the standard reaction for the first month Dodge’s new Challenger is on the road, as heads snap in unison to see what the “strange” car was that just passed. And rightly so. The Challenger is styled for right now. It has a certain wide, heavy GT flavor that hits your vision immediately. Even the name is indicative of the endeavor.”
M/T’s Bill Sanders told his readers this: “If you want more tire smoke away from the stop lights, the 440 Six-Pack V8 or the HEMI are obvious choices.” Amen to that Mr. Sanders!
PRISTINE CONDITION IN EVERY DETAIL
The pictured Challenger R/T convertible (model #JS27 in factory speak) came with a leather interior and Rim Blow steering wheel, and a desirable selection of other options, including these: “E74” Code engine 426 HEMI 425 hp Engine, “D21” 4-speed Manual Transmission (A-833) w/Pistol Grip Hurst Shifter, “A33” Track Pac Package (consists of 3.54 Axle Ratio w/H.D. 9 ¾ Dana Axle, Sure-Grip Differential, 7-Blade Torque Drive Fan, HEMI Suspension Pkg., 26” High-Performance Radiator w/Fan Shroud), “W34” Collapsible Spare Tire, “FJ5” Sublime High Impact Paint Color, “J81” Go Wing, “R22” AM w/8-Track Tape and “C62” Six-Way Adjuster Seat.
Challenger R/Ts in 1970 came with either longitudinal side stripes or a “bumblebee” stripe (optional at no extra cost) as well as a unique Rallye Instrument Cluster, which included a clock, tachometer, trip odometer, variable-speed wipers and electric washers, 150-mph speedometer and oil pressure gauge.
R/T stood for “Road and Track” and all the various R/Ts (Charger, Coronet and Challenger models) were members of Dodge’s “Scat Pack” group of high-performance vehicles. Back in the day, there was a factory-organized Scat Pack Club that for three bucks a year, you got a high-performance parts and tune-up catalog, a wallet identification card, an embroidered jacket patch, a hard-nosed bumper sticker and a 40-page guide to (1970) auto racing. After that, a monthly Dodge Performance News tabloid newsletter showed up in your mail, as did an illustrated Dodge Scat Pack News publication with available discounts on cool stuff like jackets and automotive books.
R = HEMI
This car’s VIN starts with “JS27” which signifies Challenger, Special, Convertible. “R” denotes “426 ci 2×4 V8 425hp” AKA HEMI! The next digit “0” means “last digit of model year” then “B” identifies the Assembly Plant, in this case Hamtramck. The remaining digit sequence reflects the serial number. October 1969 scheduled build date.
ORIGINAL DEALER SALES BROCHURE
The full-color Challenger brochure that was handed out at the dealerships, highlighting the specifications of the standard Challenger Hardtop and Convertible, the “SE” (Special Edition) model, and the “R/T” versions (Hardtop and Convertible).
Here’s the wording used in some of the national advertising for the Challenger as it was being introduced to the public on September 23, 1969:
Challenger. Watch it!
Dodge Challenger is the kind of sports compact you buy when you don’t want one like everybody else’s. When you like a little more living room in the back seat. When you’d appreciate a wider stance that carves curves with extra authority. When you want a look a little cleaner, a door a little thicker, and a choice of engines that starts with a new, livelier, thrifty Six and runs all the way up to the 426 Hemi. The new Dodge Challenger is the kind of sports compact you buy when you want a choice of standard hardtop, formal hardtop, or convertible. When you want a model choice of the standard Challenger or the R/T. (The R/T offers a special hood and a Rallye Instrument Cluster with simulated walnut dash as standard equipment. Optional on the Challenger.) New Dodge Challenger is the car you buy when you decide you don’t want to be like everyone else. There’s a big difference between good and great. New Dodge Challenger has it all. And you’ll find very little of it is reflected in the price. If you have your own idea of what a car should be…you could be DODGE MATERIAL.
Author: James Maxwell
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