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Topic starter
29/07/2024 8:53 am
In 1971, The Charger replaced the straight lines of their iconic 1968-1970 Chargers with more voluptuous and 'coke bottle' lines. With soaring insurance rates, fuel consumption mandates and low lead gas, this would be the last year for the vaunted 426 Hemi V8. Still producing 425 HP, Chrysler changed its advertised specs to "350 NET horsepower" hoping the insurance companies wouldn't notice the "net" part when they adjusted premiums via horsepower to weight ratios. However, consumers were still wary of increased driving costs and, at the end, only 63 Hemi R/Ts were sold. What reminded me of this rare bird, was this period Roger Corman produced B movie on TCM where a pair of hit men (ala: "Bullitt" ) were after the good guys and the heroes engineered the Charger to run off a cliff the be destroyed. It was in the same B5 Blue but the dash operated flip-up "Ramcharger" hood scoop seemed to be a cheap rounded fiberglass add-on (much to my relief). Personally, I liked the more hard edge look of its predecessor, but I've grown to appreciate its more luxurious look.
29/07/2024 9:12 am
I agree that this change from the '68-'70 was disappointing. IMHO it was impossible to improve upon the styling and trim of the stunning '68.
29/07/2024 10:40 am
29/07/2024 11:24 am
I liked the more hard edge look of its predecessor, but I've grown to appreciate its more luxurious look.
Me too. I'd guess most guys feel this way. Afterall, any retro-Charger design ALWAYS harks back to '68-'70 styling themes. No one needs to re-visit this "girly version." 🙄 🙄
Awesome pics. I'd bet that side-shot of the engine bay could fool people; I had to look twice too!
29/07/2024 7:03 pm
Anything after the 68-70 was anticlimactic IMO.
Rich Sufficool and Christopher Moroni reacted
29/07/2024 8:27 pm
I like all the Chargers from the first three generations and I am happy to have 1/18 replicas from each of those series from Ertl, Ertl Authentics and Yat Ming. I am especially delighted to have 2 of Ertl Authentics third series 1/18 automobile diecast models. They look great and really show off that cool "coke bottle" design.
29/07/2024 9:07 pm
I've owned two Chargers, this 1975 bought used in '77 - my first MoPar!
And this 2020, bought new and continues to be my daily driver:
Barry Levittan
Long Island, NY
30/07/2024 3:43 am
@moe-parr I just can't deal with these 4-door muscle cars like you young guys can.
Although I haven't yet seen one in person, I continue to be impressed with these NEW Chargers (that can be configured in a variety of ways ).
30/07/2024 8:02 am
@moe-parr I just can't deal with these 4-door muscle cars like you young guys can.
Although I haven't yet seen one in person, I continue to be impressed with these NEW Chargers (that can be configured in a variety of ways ).
Mine's a V-6 AWD so it's not exactly a muscle car...but I do appreciate being called a young guy 😆
The new Charger is very appealing. I'd be waiting for the 2-door "Hurricane" twin-turbo straight six/AWD version. Although, is there a better name for an Electric car than "Charger"?
Barry Levittan
Long Island, NY
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
30/07/2024 8:55 am
Insurance costs and leaded gas weren't the only reasons why so few HEMIs were sold. They were essentially pure junk, and most people who had them couldn't give 'em away. Without a doubt, Mopar did field strong running cars. The 340, 383, and 440s were formidable street race opponents. However, the street HEMI wasn't one of them. They were routinely outperformed by just about every muscle car on the street. On Woodward Ave., we beat on street HEMIs like a drum. 😆
30/07/2024 11:05 am
"Hurricane" twin-turbo straight six/AWD version. Although, is there a better name for an Electric car than "Charger"?
I hear only good things about this new, very beefy, straight 6. No doubt replacement, aftermarket fender scripts will come, "Charging." 😏 😏 😀
Steve Jacobs reacted
30/07/2024 11:17 am
They were essentially pure junk, and most people who had them couldn't give 'em away.
Wow, harsh language and to some,"fight'en words!"
I do know many purest believed the early 1950's HEMIs were more bullet proof than later '60's versions but I don't think I've heard anyone dismiss these as "junk." I do recall HEMIs being highly prized when I was in high school in the early 1980's, thus, your comments are bit surprising.
So.... you & your friends were blowing away HEMIs with big-block Ford 429s and Chevy 454s? You knew dudes that complained about their HEMIs?
Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
30/07/2024 11:18 am
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