Produced from 1970 to 1974, the first-generation Dodge Challenger remains a standout icon of the golden era despite its relatively brief tenure. Its prominence waned after just two years in the muscle car market following Chrysler’s discontinuation of high-compression big-block engines in 1971.
Despite these circumstances, the Challenger enjoyed significant success during its debut year in US showrooms, with nearly 77,000 units sold. Though sales dipped in 1971 to approximately 27,377 examples, the cumulative figure of over 100,000 cars delivered over two model years underscores the enduring popularity of the golden-era Dodge Challenger.
However, rarity becomes apparent when examining specific features and drivetrains. Only a select few vehicles were equipped with high-performance V8 engines, such as the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB and the legendary 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI powerplants. In 1970, for instance, a mere 6,231 R/T models left the assembly line with these potent engines.
Of these, the HEMI option stands out as the most coveted among collectors. Due to its premium pricing and shifting consumer preferences away from high-performance vehicles, only 356 units were sold in 1970, with a mere nine convertibles produced. Additionally, just 60 were equipped with the Special Edition (SE) package.
Determining the current existence of these vehicles presents a challenge, as some HEMI Challengers remain hidden in barns awaiting restoration, while others have succumbed to neglect or remain unrecognized by their owners. Nonetheless, numerous 1970 HEMI Challengers have been meticulously restored and often command six-figure sums at auctions a testament to their enduring allure and collector appeal.