50 years at the peak of popularity: Dodge Charger

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Back in 1966, at the Rose Bowl Game, the Dodge Charger, a new car from Dodge, appeared before the eyes of the audience. And now, for almost fifty years, this model has remained a cult for all motorists. We will now tell about the reasons for such unquenchable popularity.

Idea

The Dodge Charger was inspired by the Pontiac GTO, released two years earlier, in 1964. It became so popular that many companies began to create models similar in design. This machine was also designed on this wave. But unlike its prototype, the Dodge Charger has held its own for decades.

First Generation

Design

The hallmark of the very first model was the "electric shaver" grille, as well as the headlights, completely hidden under it, which had not been used since the fifties.

Inside view

The cabin featured four individual seats, as well as many exclusive details such as instrument panel lights.

Features

Each carcame with one of four V8 engines to choose from:

• 318 - volume 5, 2 liters, two-barrel carburetor;
• 361 - 5.9 liters, same carburetor;
• 383 - 6.3 liters, four-barrel carburetor, power - 325 horsepower; this engine was ordered most often;
• 426 "Street Hemi" 7 liter capacity, two four-barrel carburetors.

A trunk spoiler was also optionally installed. Dodge Charge, by the way, became the first American production car with a spoiler.

Second Generation

In 1968, the developers decided to change the Dodge Charger even more, but the redesign turned out to be not very significant. The tachometer was now optional, and a vinyl mat appeared in the trunk.

In 1969 the car was modified again. It has a new radiator grill, divided in the middle. Also added designer taillights.

In 1970, the original grille returned and a chrome bumper was installed on the model.

Third generation

In 1971, the design of the Dodge Charger underwent dramatic changes. The body has become more rounded, and the radiator grille is again separate. A spoiler and a special hood with an air intake above the air filter appeared in the list of components.

In 1973, the model began to be equipped with new taillights, and the design of the radiator grill changed again. This version features three small side windows.

In 1974 added some newpaint options, increased rubber bumpers, and the engine was replaced with a new one with a four-barrel carburetor.

Fourth generation

Since 1975, the car began to be produced on the basis of Chrysler Cordoba with engines ranging from 5.2 to 6.6 liters. The most popular was the Chrysler LA 380 V8 engine with a volume of 5.9 liters.

Dodge Charger SRT

Since the last modification, the company has released many models based on the Charger. One of them, quite young, produced since 2012, was the Dodge Charger SRT 8. It is equipped with a powerful 6.4-liter HEMI engine with a capacity of 465 horsepower. It also has a five-speed automatic transmission.

Initially, this car was planned as a sports car, but over time its purpose has changed - it has become more of a luxury item that you can put in the garage and admire it from time to time. But on the track you can no longer drive on it.

The Dodge Charger has long gone beyond "vehicles". Rather, it is the status and expressive lifestyle of its owner.