The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 80,000 sales in 1970 alone), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Challenger production ceased after the 1974 model year, only having lasted five years; performance dropped off dramatically after the 1971 models. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan.
The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 335 hp 383ci Magnum. Standard transmission was a 3 speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 375 hp 440ci Magnum, the 390hp 440ci Six-pack (3x2v) and the 425 hp 426 Hemi. available in both body styles; both standard and R/T hardtops could be ordered as the more luxurious SE specification, which included leather seats, a vinyl roof, a smaller 'formal' rear window, and an overhead interior console that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel and seatbelts). The R/T Challengers came with a Rallye instrument cluster which included a 150 mph speedometer, an 8000 rpm tachometer and an oil pressure gauge. The convertible Challenger was available with any power-plant except for the 340-6, as well as in the R/T and SE trim levels. In 1972, Dodge dropped the R/T badging and now called it the "Rallye". Other options, as well as engines and a manual transmission, included steeper rear axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker hood scoop were gone for 1972.
For obvious reasons, the 440 and the 426 Hemi engines were considered the most desirable, and nowadays command sizeable premiums over the smaller engines.
As the Chrysler E-body line reaches legendary proportions, so too do the prices to buy them. 1970 and 1971 models tend to generate more attention from potential (and usually deep pocketed) buyers, as the performance and style options had not yet been toned down. However, with the popularity of these vehicles on the increase, coupled with the number of useable and restorable Challengers being on the decrease, many collectors have begun looking towards the later models to create their own customizable dream machines. Indeed, many "clones" of the more visceral 1970 and 1971 Challengers have been created by using 1972 through 1974 donors; The front and rear grilles/bumpers on these vehicles are easily interchangeable. However, the tail panel is not so easy to change, since the 1970 and 1971 tail panels are quite different from the 1972 to 1974 models.
Today they are considered one of the most sought-after muscle cars of all time. The rarity of specific models and combinations today is primarily the result of low buyer interest and production at the time.
