Development of the Dodge Challenger began in late 1966, with early design work led by Bill Brownlie, who envisioned a clean, formal coupe that was quite similar to the overall design of the Mercury Cougar. While the design studies submitted by Brownlie’s staff were considered, Brownlie’s original work was the design that made it to production, as well as his choice of the “Challenger” name for the new car. The Challenger’s enduring appeal stems not only from its very handsome styling, but also from its ability to accommodate the entire Chrysler engine range, by virtue of the front sub-frame, which was borrowed from the B-bodied Charger/Coronet. In addition, the use of the Charger/Coronet rear suspension layout provided a wide rear track, which was capable of housing the wider wheels and tires that became available by 1970. Much like the AAR `Cuda, the Challenger T/A was built to homologate the Dodge Challenger for the SCCA Trans Am Series.

This 1970 Challenger T/A displays a complete, professional nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration and is powered by an uncommon 340-cid, 290-hp V-8 engine with a three two-barrel “six pack” carburetor setup. Finished in code K5 Dark Burnt Orange, this example has a burnt orange interior that features a console-mounted four-speed manual transmission with a “pistol grip” shifter. Among the T/A Package features are power brakes with front discs, heavy-duty shocks and suspension, fiberglass hood with Fresh Air package, hood tie-down pins, 15- x 7-inch Rallye wheels fitted with correct Goodyear Polyglas tires, rear decklid spoiler, remote driver’s side mirror, locking flip-top gas cap, T/A longitudinal side stripes, flat black hood paint and side exhaust. This Challenger also displays an optional front spoiler, fast-ratio steering, black vinyl top, bucket seats power steering and AM radio.

The detail level of the restoration is reported to be so precise that it includes the “Seat Belt Usage” and “Steering Column Lock” instruction visor lips, its original drivetrain with original VIN stamps present, most original sheetmetal with body date stamps, factory spot welds and factory crimp joints. The Challenger T/A is documented with its original broadcast sheet, photos of the restoration and the associated body/parts stamps, plus the jack, spare and factory literature.

Somebody had to build a little bigger, bolder, hotter sports coupe at a price people could afford. Dodge did with the Challenger.