Dodge’s Challenger first appeared on dealer lots in 1970, in response to the popularity of such models at the Mercury Cougar, Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda. Many of the exterior elements were based off concepts from the 1966 Dodge Charger. Under the hood, it was a different story – at the time, one could take home an R/T edition (meaning Road and Track) with a Magnum V8 and 335 horsepower – maybe a bit too much for a trip to the grocery store, but in a pre-inflation world (where gas wasn’t engulfing the majority of your paycheck) it was great to plow down your town’s main boulevard on a Saturday night.

1970 Dodge Challenger 

1974 Dodge Challenger

In 1971 the cult-classic Vanishing Point showcased a dazzling array of car stunts, a breathtaking soundtrack and enough engine revs to make any motor-head’s …well… head spin. Both movie and automobile star became ingrained in American pop-culture.

“Lucy” 

Today, car makers are focusing their designs on both new age materials, safety and the ideas of yesterday’s classic automobile. If Dodge’s 2009 Challenger becomes successful, it will most likely be one of the early contenders in a race to create (or re-create) the best new “classic” muscle car.