Despite being often thought of as a splinter brand of the Chrysler Corporation, Dodge actually predates Chrysler. Established in 1900, the Dodge Brothers Company transformed from a parts supply company to an auto manufacturer in 1914. The Dodge Dart would become one of the brand’s best-selling models in the early 1960s as mid-size cars became more popular. They would continue to progress the muscle car cause with the Dodge Charger, Coronet R/T, Super Bee, and Challenger.
Dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, muscle cars have long been an integral part of Americana culture. Ever since the first Pontiac GTO (or Chrysler 300) rolled off the assembly line, Americans have been asking themselves: How can I make this car go faster and faster? While in the old days, usually that meant…
Known by many as the “Giant Killer,” the Chrysler 340 V8 engine is one of the most iconic and legendary muscle car engines ever. Even though it was a small-block only displacing 340 cid, it would take down 400+ cubic inch big-blocks with ease. This was especially true for the 1970 “Six-Pack” 340 inside the…
The Dodge Challenger is a car that needs no introduction. Since the early 1970s, the Challenger has been a household name and one of the first cars that come to mind in a discussion about muscle cars. Since 2008, the third-generation Dodge Challenger has honored the initial muscle car mantra of performance on a budget….
Since its introduction in 1959, the Chrysler 383 Wedge V8 engine has earned a solid reputation as one of the top big blocks ever made by Mopar. Producing a maximum of 335 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque from the factory, the 383 Mopar powered many iconic muscle cars throughout the 1960s and very early-1970s….
Since the 1950s, few things have been associated as closely with Americana as muscle car culture. Muscle cars have been making their mark in America for roughly seven decades, originally powered by big-block V8 engines sending massive amounts of raw horsepower to only the rear wheel drive. There was an unfortunate lull from the mid-’70s…
Since the 1950s, America and muscle cars have been synonymous. Large displacement V8 engines powering rear-wheel drive two door coupes, have warmed the hearts and souls of generation after generation of Americans. Yet, for many younger generations who didn’t experience the behemoths of the 1950s-1980s first-hand, the question always comes up for those looking to…
Spanning two different eras from the 1940s through the 1970s, the Dodge Coronet is one of the most iconic cars of all time. It started life as a top of the line passenger car in 1949, but in the late-’50s Dodge started to stuff powerful V8 engines under the hood that could boast more than…
When it comes to muscle cars that defined the 1960s, it is impossible to leave out the Mopar “Wing Cars.” Prior to 1969, aerodynamics in racing series like NASCAR wasn’t considered to be a make-or-break aspect of car design. Form over function dictated the design of most muscle cars at the time. All of that…
From 1960–1976, the Dodge Dart was a fantastic sports car and muscle car that could hang with the best of them. Dodge originally introduced the Dart as a full-size sedan in 1960, before making it a compact from 1963-on. From the beginning, Dodge stuffed the biggest engines they could inside the Dart, including the early…
Super Bee History1968-1971 Introduction: During the late 1960s, it is no secret that MOPAR was under a lot of pressure from the competition. Cars like the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and Pontiac GTO were tearing up the strip. While their full-size muscle cars, like the Plymouth GTX, were selling well, they wanted to target a…
Dodge Charger History1966-1974 The Dodge Charger was a response to the fastback fad started by the Mustang and the Barracuda, but on a much larger scale. Based on the midsize Dodge Coronet model, the Charger was launched in 1966 and quickly became a sales hit with its dramatic fuselage styling of 1968. From the beginning,…
From pony car, to compact, to modern muscle champion, the Dodge Challenger is one of the most iconic vehicles in American history. Dodge first produced the Challenger from 1970–1974, and it made huge waves alongside its cousin the Dodge Charger. Today, the Challenger R/T and T/A with the 340, 383, 426 HEMI, and 440 Magnum…
