The car theme always attracts a passionate audience of its own. This is one of the reasons why action scenes involving cars are popular in Fast and Furious movies. But there is such a car that we are used to seeing in this movie that it has put its name among the iconic legendary cars. This car is none other than the 1970 model Dodge Charger.
Reawakening many people’s passion for the nostalgic vehicle, the Dodge Charger was also a very popular vehicle in its time. It would even be more accurate to say that he was a fashion icon. Of course, Fast and Furious wasn’t the first movie to use the Dodge Charger. Dodge Charger, which was also used in many popular movies of its time, managed to write its name in automobile history with some of its features. So what are these features that make the Dodge Charger so memorable?
Dodge Charger’s unforgettable features:
Designed for the speedsters: R/T performance model:
Performance models have always been interesting in any product. The same is true for the Dodge Charger. The company introduced a performance model called ‘R/T’ meaning ‘Road’ and ‘Track’ to strengthen its product range and appeal to wider audiences. The engine found in the 68 Charger was a 440-inch v8 engine known as the previous year’s Magnum. However, on the contrary, the newly released performance model was designed as a speed monster planned to target speed enthusiasts.
Body design change:
Charger models originally always had a fastback body design. In fact, if we say that it has become iconic with this, we would be making a right point. But for the third model year of the first generation, the Dodge Charger decided to take a very different route in body design. The American automaker completely abandoned the fastback body design and decided to come up with something new. This marked the classic and beloved Dodge Charger.
The design that moves fastback forward:
The fastback design was a classic. So much so that many people were buying cars just for this design. Dodge, on the other hand, decided not to stay with this design, but to take the fastback style one step further. The 68 model, which emerged as a result of long efforts, was undergoing a complete design change, and the fastback design took itself one step further here and introduced the coke bottle style to the fans.
Different engine options:
We mentioned that Charger R/T is a 440 inch v8 engine in general. But for those who don’t like this engine and want to make their choice on different engines, there were engine variants in the Charger series. It was possible to choose the engine in the Charger, just like choosing the color when buying a new phone today. Other engines included the 318ci, 383ci, 426ci and Slant 6. However, the Slant 6 was not a highly preferred engine since it was a little behind in sales compared to its counterparts.
Total production:
A total of 96,100 units were produced for 68 Chargers. 17,000 of these produced were R/T models. This number, which was quite good for its time, may have something to do with the then famous movie Bullit. The movie Bullit caused a nice splash in the sales of old-fashioned mopars in its time. What can we say? Sometimes movies affect people.
Vinyl top design:
Not all models produced in total 96,100 were the same. The design of some models was different, and the most prominent was the Vinyl Top design with a sales rate of 75%. Viny top design was very popular at that time and it was possible to see it in many models. Apparently, this situation should be valid for Charger models, as 75% of the sales were made on this.
Engine power transmission:
Charger models are also known for their enormous engine power. They owe this engine power to the 426 cubic inch V8 engine it is equipped with. It takes a heavy transmission to transfer the power from this massive V8 engine to the rear wheels. Otherwise, it is very difficult to achieve what you want. Dodge, on the other hand, managed to solve this problem with the Chrysler 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission they equipped.
Commercial headlights:
We mentioned that 68 models underwent a comprehensive design change when they were released. The interesting part starts here. Of course, since the design has completely changed hands, it is also included in the headlights. But who would have guessed that these newly designed and unveiled hidden headlights for the Charger would become a trademark for the Charger?
Bonus: Unforgettable Charger – Mustang chase in Bullit:
In the famous car chase scene in ‘Bullit’, main character Steve Mcqueen was driving a Bullit Mustang . But the Dodge Charger, used by the villain of the movie, managed to be talked about more than the Mustang. In terms of engine and horsepower, the Dodge Charger was used in the movie with a more powerful hardware compared to the Mustang. Even this example alone proves how the Dodge Charger classic reflects its difference in its class.
How is the Dodge Charger doing today?
1970 model Dodge Charger was a comfortable car due to its popularity in its year and the conditions of that period. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find him nowadays. The model we see in the movies is on display at the Volvo Automobile Museum, completely restored and overhauled. Millions of dollars are mentioned for the price. But it is another fact that it will not be available for sale anytime soon. Of course, there are other Dodge Chargers besides the model exhibited in the museum. Other models used in the movies were also restored and a private collector in Italy made the cars part of his own collection.
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