1970 Dodge Challenger T/A is the Essence of American Muscle

Muscle Car Kings

Without a doubt, the late '60s to (very) early '70s was the pinnacle of the muscle car era. And while we typically think of Hemi-powered Mopars as the kings of this era, there were certainly others worth a mention. Cars like this incredible 1970 Challenger T/A that recently crossed the block at Mecum Auctions, for example.

Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Box Checker

By 1970, Trans Am racing was reaching the peak of its popularity, too. And every manufacturer wanted a piece of the pie. For Dodge, that meant building the T/A, a car that helped it satisfy homologation rules for the racing series.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Fine Example

Dodge built a mere 977 of these cars in 1970, and this fine example is number 677. It's been treated to a ground-up restoration, and has retained most of its original equipment through that extensive process.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Distinct Features

That includes the interior, which is original. Here you'll find a set of black bucket seats, the famous pistol grip shifter, a center console, and plenty of wood grain. Because this was the '70s, after all.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Power Maker

Pop the hood, and you'll find a matching-numbers 340 Six-Pack. The street version of the racing car's 305 produced 290 horsepower with three 2-barrel Holley carbs on top. That may not sound like a lot, but the T/A was a pretty quick machine for its day with a 3.91-geared rear end.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Aggressive Looks

On the outside, this Challenger T/A certainly looks the part painted in Hemi Orange and covered with black graphics. It also has a fiberglass hood, front and rear spoilers, and side-exit exhaust, as all T/As did.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Turning the Corner(s)

But the T/A wasn't just built to go fast in a straight line, of course. It also came with fast-ratio power-steering, power brakes, and Rallye suspension to help it handle the corners as well.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Racer for the Street

Rounding out this car's aggressive looks are body-color mirrors, a black vinyl top, and a very cool-looking flip-open gas cap that just screams race car.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Rolling Solid

Rolling stock was solid for the day as well, with Rallye wheels wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas GT E60-15 front and G60-15 rear tires.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

Hemi Orange Beauty

Overall, the Challenger T/A was one of the coolest cars in a crowded field of muscle. And today, it's also a highly coveted machine for all of those reasons, along with its inherent rarity. And truthfully, they don't get much nicer than this Hemi Orange beauty, either.

>>Join the conversation about this Challenger T/A right here in Dodge Forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.