Thanks to Marty aka MHemi, i got the idea to make this thread where we all can learn a little Mopar! Here ill try compile history and knowledge about Mopar, we all should know a little about if we really wanna represent our club! Please post just Mopar history, lets keep it like that since it would be a lot easier for everybody, all other posts will be deleted.

Now guys and gals i will need your help compiling history!

From 1933 to 1937 Chrysler Motor Parts featured a logo with the letters D, C, P and D, for Dodge Chrysler, Plymouth, and Desoto.

This led to the Mopar trademark becoming one of the most familiar trademarks in automotive history. However, we'll bet you didn't know that it evolved from a group of unlikely characters that included a genius, a camel and a robot.

The genius was Nelson L Farley, Chrysler Division's sales promotional manager in the 1930s. Farley had established a "think tank" called the Activities Council, whose purpose was to brainstorm new merchandising ideas and report back to him.

In the spring of 1937, this activities council was working on the creation of a product name to put on cans of Chrysler Motor Parts antifreeze that was being used in their cars. The group, after many suggestions, came up with a simple name that would be easy to remember: a combination of the words motors and parts hence the word... MOPAR.

Now Chrysler needed a logotype for the trade name. The first attempt, created by a man named Burke Bartlett, was a bright purple logo arranged in a vertical arrow. Farley immediately rejected it because he didn't like the downward pointing arrow or the use of the color purple.

The next design became one of the most famous and distinctive trademarks of the century, the unique signpost of the Chrysler Parts Division.

The Activities Council then came up with a way to introduce the new acronym to the public. They created a character named "Mr. Mopar" who made his first debut in the form of a camel.

In 1937 the Shriners national convention came to Detroit, and Chrysler Corporation's Parts Division was creating a corporate float for the opening parade. A camel seemed to fit right in. The float was made up of piston rings, cylinders, push rods, oil pans, etc. Of course, the camel needed someone to lead it.

A year or two earlier, a man named Vern Dupuis had made a small "mechanical man" fashioned out of parts. The group found this mechanical man, named him 'ACCY, " an abbreviation for accessory, and put him in front of the camel. An employee in full Moslem dress sat atop the camel and the float was a big hit

Eleven years later when Dupuis was in the Merchandising and Development Department he modified "ACCY" into a moving and speaking robot and renamed him "Mr. Mopar " A later version of this robot made television appearances from coast to coast

Today, the familiar Pentastar and Mopar signature in process blue is seen on the package designs and labeling of more than 40,000 quality-engineered original equipment replacement parts.

So what 's in a name? An entire history. If the name is "Mopar, " it stands for "Motor" and "Parts" and quality engineering. The color of the name, like Chrysler, is always blue.

You know that the term Mopar came about by combining the words motor and parts, but what you may not know, is that the development and growth of Mopar is quite a story.

1959-1963 Prior to 1960, Chrysler had very little involvement in what has been termed "the aftermarket," which is the overproduction of parts for sale to the independent parts distributors. Toward the end of the 1950s, Chrysler began to see the advantages of the aftermarket, and the opportunities it could provide. The aftermarket had a great profit capability, as well as market stability. Chrysler knew that during bad times, auto owners tended to spend more money to keep their older cars running, as opposed to buying new vehicles.

Along with penetrating the automotive aftermarket, in November of 1963, Chrysler announced plans for the elimination of all of its wholesalers. At this time, the Mopar logo continued to display the Chrysler models available.

1964-1971 The biggest problem at the time was that Chrysler dealers could not compete with the wholesalers because the wholesalers were beating their prices. The solution for Chrysler was to go back to the depot system used in earlier years. In July of 1964, a depot network was set up consisting of Area Depots, Regional Depots and National Depots, eighteen in all. By 1965, Chrysler parts were being distributed by two separate systems. The Dealer Parts Sales Group supplied Chrysler parts through Chrysler dealers and wholesalers, and the Independent Aftermarket Parts Sales Group distributed Mopar parts through franchised warehouse distributors, or WDs. The Mopar logo no longer displayed the model designations, and took on the Omega M that we see today.

1972-1984 Chrysler developed newer methods of distribution, inventory control and tracking systems, to name a few. With the widespread advancements happening In technology, Chrysler was able to meet supply and demand at a greater rate than that in earlier years. Wholesalers were out of the picture, and Chrysler only dealt with aftermarket parts through the dealer network. At this time, the Mopar Logo began featuring the well-known pentastar In addition, the colors were updated to red, white and blue.

1985-1990 Chrysler continued to flourish, with the addition of American Motors Corporation (AMC), and expanded their parts operations. Also, Chryslersponsored events such as drag racing presented an ideal form of recognition for Mopar. "Chrysler Corporation Genuine Parts" was incorporated into the Mopar logo, so as to differentiate genuine Chrysler parts from aftermarket and counterfeit parts

Today, Mopar represents quality replacement parts for Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep, and Eagle products. The tag line "Get Real. Get Mopar tells customers that Mopar is designed to fit and work the best for all Chrysler Corporation Products.

1)What was the first year,and on what car, that Mopar used a single alphabetic letter to designate a certain body platform?
1960 Valiant-the first A-Body

2) On which car and in what year did a chrysler product first feature dual 4-barrel carburetion?
1955 Chrysler C300

3)Not counting the Pont-A-Mousson used on early Chrysler 300's, What was the first year a Chrysler product passenger car offered a 4-speed manual transmission?
1963,on big-Block applications only.The Borg-Warner T-10 was replaced by the all new Chrysler A833 in 1964

4) What sixties era Chrysler product used the same bumper on both front and rear?
1967,68,69 Barracuda

5) The 1962-1964 Max Wedge engines weren't built at the regular big-block engine assembly plant. Who Built these engines ?
Chrysler Marine and industrial Division

6)What was the first Mopar owned by the Sox & Martin race team ?
In 1964,they won the winternationals atPomona in a Mercury comet.
Their prize was a 1964 Dodge Polara convertible. They had to sell the car to raise money for the trip home.

7) What were the 4 color choices for the stripe on a 1971 challenger R/T ?
Black, white, Chartreuse and Orange.

8)Richard Petty took the Checkered flag at a NASCAR race in 1966 but is not credited with the win,WHY ?
At the World 600,Richard was driving in relief of Marvin Panch, who had become ill during the race and had to be relieved while driving a petty team car. Richard had dropped out earlier with engine problems,but won in Panch's car.

9)Chrysler pioneered Halogen lighting way back in the 1960's. What year was it used and on what car?
1969 C-Body Dodges offered the Super lite as an option.

10)What was the first Mopar musclecar to feature an in-dash tachometer?
1956 Plymouth Fury.



Thanks to Marty!

1)What part was the first to receive a part number by the old Chrysler Special Parts Group?
1964 HEMI cast-iron block.

2)Chrysler 300 letter Series cars ran consecutively from the 1956 300c to the 1965 300L,But one letter was skipped.What was it and why?
The letter "i" was skipped, so as not to appear to be 3001

3)The Chrysler "B" Wedge engine was available in 350,361,383 and 400-ci displacements. In what displacements was the "RB" Wedge engine available?
413,426, and 440 are well known "RB" displacements, but there was a limited production 383 "RB" engine available in the late 1950's

4)Aside from the altered wheel base 1965 Dodge Coronets and Plymouth Belvederes built for drag racing, what other Non-racing altered wheelbase car did Ma Mopar build in 1965?
The 1965 Dodge Polara Pursuit police car was streched from a 121-inch wheelbase to a 122-inch wheelbase to meet California Highway patrol bid specs.

5)What was the first year a 413-ci engine was available in a Chrysler product, and what was the application?
The 413-ci Flathead six cylinder engine was available in a 1953 Dodge 4 ton truck.

6)If the A54 Colored Bumper Group was ordered on a 71 Charger R/T, What other two popular options were not available?
A09 Concealed Headlamps and M85 Bumper Guards.

7) What major internal change was made to the 426 Hemi engine for 1970?
Hydraulic lifters, as opposed to mechanical/solid lifters.

8) When the N96 Fresh Air Hood option was ordered on a 1969 B-body, what mandatory option also had to be ordered?
Three-speed wipers,The standard two-speed wiper motor wouldn't clear the air cleaner.

9) On what 1970 Performance Mopar does the same word appear three times, spelled two different way's?
On the 1970 challenger T/A the engine I.D. is spelled sixpak on both front fenders,and six pack on the air cleaner lid.

10)on a 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury, what was different about the automatic transmission from any other 1964 Plymouth?
Only the Sport Fury had a center console. The shift "lever" moved to the console as opposed to dash-mounted push buttons on all other automatic plymouths.


Thanks again Marty!

1964 Dodge Charger (1964 concept) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/w/index.php?title=Dodge_Charger_(1964_concept)&action=edit&redlink=1): a roadster (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Roadster)-style show car based on the Dodge Polara (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Polara)

1965 Dodge Charger 273 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/w/index.php?title=Dodge_Charger_273&action=edit&redlink=1): a limited production option package for the Dart GT (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Dart)

1966–1978 Dodge Charger (B-body) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(B-body)): a rear wheel drive (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Rear_wheel_drive) coupe and muscle car (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Muscle_car)

1983–1987 Dodge Charger (L-body) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(L-body)): a front wheel drive (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Front_wheel_drive) subcompact (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Subcompact_car) hatchback (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hatchback)

1999 Dodge Charger (1999 concept) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(1999_concept)): a rear wheel drive concept car

2006–present Dodge Charger (LX) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(LX)): a rear wheel drive sedan that shares the same platform as the Chrysler 300 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_300) and Dodge Magnum (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Magnum#2005-2008)

The Chrysler 300 "letter series" were high-performance luxury cars (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Luxury_car) built in very limited numbers by the Chrysler Corporation (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Corporation) in the United States between 1955 and 1965. Each year's model used a new letter of the alphabet as a suffix (skipping "i"), reaching 300L by 1965, after which the model was dropped.
The 300 "letter series" cars were the vehicles that really rekindled interest in performance among major American manufacturers after World War II, and thus can be considered the muscle car (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Muscle_car)'s ancestors, though much more expensive and exclusive.
Chrysler has recently started using these designations again for sporting near-luxury sedans (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Sedan_(car)), using 300M (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_300M) from 1999, and continuing the 300 series with a new V8-powered 300C (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_300#2005_300.2F300C), the top model of a relaunched Chrysler 300 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_300) line, a new rear wheel drive (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Rear_wheel_drive) car launched in 2004 for the 2005 model year. This is disliked by some fans of old Chryslers who do not approve of the reuse of a 300 letter series designation. Unlike the first series, the second does not have 300 hp (220 kW) engines, except for today's top-line 300C.

The 1978 and 1979 Dodge Magnum in the United States and Canada (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Canada) was an addition to the Chrysler (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler) line up that allowed Richard Petty (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Richard_Petty) to continue racing with a Mopar (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Mopar). The Magnum replaced the Charger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(B-body)) SE in Dodge's lineup in two forms; the "XE" and the "GT". It was the last vehicle to use the long running Chrysler B platform (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_B_platform). The appearance was somewhat of a rounded off Charger, and was in response to getting a car that would be eligible for NASCAR (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/NASCAR) that would be more aerodynamic, something the 1975-78 Charger was not. Styling features included four rectangular headlights behind retractable clear covers, with narrow opera windows, and an optional T-bar or power sunroof. The Magnum was well-featured with power steering, brakes and seats; the suspension included Chrysler's standard adjustable, longitudinal torsion bars, lower trailing links, and front and rear anti-sway bars. The base engine was the 318 in³ V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8) with Lean Burn (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Lean_burn#Chrysler_Lean_Burn_computer), while two and four-barrel carbureted 360 and 400 V8s (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8) were also available; weight was nearly 3,900 lb (1,800 kg). The 400 was dropped from the option list in 1979 as Chrysler stopped production of big-block V-8's in production cars at the end of 1978. A performance model, the "GT" was available with the 400 V8 in 1978 and the "E58" police interceptor engine in 1979 along with HD suspension, special axle, special "GT" badging and a "turned metal" dash applique. Technology was advanced for the time with an onboard spark control computer from inception, electronic ignition, and a lockup torque converter. The Magnum name was discarded quickly in favor of the Mirada (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Mirada), a smaller car that was also a rebadged Chrysler Cordoba. The Magnum has something of a cult following today, with several clubs and enthusiasts who are dedicated to the recognition and preservation of Chrysler's "last B-body". In 1979, they made 3,704 Dodge Magnums with the T-Top.

The Challenger is described in a book about 1960s American cars as Dodge’s "answer to the Mustang (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Mustang) and Camaro (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet_Camaro)."[1] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-0) It was one of two Chrysler E-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_E_platform) cars, the other being the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Barracuda). "Both the Challenger and Barracuda were available in a staggering number of trim and option levels" and were intended "to compete against cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, and to do it while offering virtually every engine in Chrysler's inventory."[2] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-edmunds-1) However they were "a rather late response to the ponycar (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Pony_car) wave the Ford Mustang had started."[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-2) The author of a book about "Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hemi_engine)"-powered muscle cars says that the Challenger was conceived in the late 1960s as Dodge’s equivalent of the Plymouth Barracuda, and that the Barracuda was designed to compete against the Mustang and Camaro. He adds that Chrysler intended the new Dodge as "the most potent ponycar ever," and positioned it "to compete against the Mercury Cougar (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Mercury_Cougar) and Pontiac Firebird (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Pontiac_Firebird)."[4] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-3) Similarly, the author of a book about the Chrysler pony-cars notes that "[t]he Barracuda was intended to compete in the marketplace with the Mustang and Camaro/Firebird, while the Dodge was to be positioned against the Cougar" and other more luxury-type musclecars.[5] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-4)
The Challenger's longer wheelbase, larger dimensions and more luxurious interior were prompted by the launch of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, likewise a bigger, more luxurious and more expensive pony car aimed at affluent young American buyers.[6] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-5) The wheelbase (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wheelbase), at 110 inches (2,794 mm), was two inches longer than the Barracuda, and the Dodge differed substantially from the Plymouth in its outer sheetmetal, much as the Cougar differed from the shorter-wheelbase Ford Mustang (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Mustang).
Exterior design was done by Carl Cameron, who also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(B-body)). Cameron based the 1970 Challenger grille off an older sketch of his 1966 Charger prototype that was to have a turbine engine. The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 76,935 produced for the 1970 model year), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Sales fell dramatically after 1970, and Challenger production ceased midway through the 1974 model year. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan.

Models

Four hardtop (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hardtop) models were offered: Challenger Six, Challenger V8, T/A Challenger, and Challenger R/T with a convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible) version available only in 1970 and 1971. The standard engine on the base model was the 225 cu in (3.7 L) six-cylinder (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Straight-6). Standard engine on the V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8_engine) was the 230 bhp (171.5 kW) 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Carburetor). Optional engines were the 340 cu in (5.6 L) and 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8s, all with a standard 3-speed manual transmission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Manual_transmission), except for the 290 bhp (216.3 kW) 383 CID engine, which was available only with the TorqueFlite (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/TorqueFlite)automatic transmission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission). A 4-speed manual was optional on all engines except the 225 CID I6 and the 383 CID V8.
The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 383 CID Magnum V8, rated at 335 bhp (249.8 kW). Standard transmission was a 3-speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 375 bhp (279.6 kW) 440 cu in (7.2 L) Magnum, the 390 bhp (290.8 kW) 440 CID Six-Pack and the 425 bhp (316.9 kW) 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi. The R/T was available in either the hardtop or convertible. Base hardtop models and R/T hardtops could be ordered with 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 Challenger R/T came with a Rallye instrument cluster that included a 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer, an 8,000 rpm tachometer (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Tachometer), and an oil pressure gauge. In 1973, the R/T badging was dropped and these models were called "Rallye", although they was never badged as such. The shaker hood scoop (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hood_scoop) was not available after 1971.

A 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car. In order to race in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship, it built a street version of its race car (just like Plymouth with its Plymouth 'Cuda (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Barracuda) AAR) which it called the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am). Although the race cars ran a destroked version of the 340, street versions took the 340 and added a trio of two-barrel carburetors atop an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, creating the 340 Six Pack. Dodge rated the 340 Six Pack at 290 bhp (216.3 kW), only 15 bhp (11 kW) more than the original 340 engine (and mysteriously the same rating as the Camaro (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet_Camaro) Z/28 and Ford Boss 302 Mustang (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Mustang)), it actually made about 320 bhp (238.6 kW). It breathed air through a suitcase sized air scoop molded into the pinned down, hinged matte-black fiberglass hood. Low-restriction dual exhausts ran to the stock muffler location under the trunk, then reversed direction to exit in chrome tipped "megaphone" outlets in front of the rear wheels. Options included a TorqueFlite automatic or pistol-grip Hurst (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hurst_Performance)-shifted four-speed transmission, 3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gears, as well as manual or power steering. Front disc brakes were standard. The special Rallye suspension used heavy duty parts and increased the camber of the rear springs. The T/A was among the first production vehicles to use different size tires front and rear: E60x15 fronts, and G60x15 in back. The modified camber elevated the tail enough to clear the rear rubber and its side exhaust outlets, thick side stripes, bold ID graphics, a fiberglass ducktail rear spoiler, as well as a fiberglass front spoiler added to the image. The interior was strictly stock Challenger. Unfortunately, the race Challenger T/A was not competitive, due to the fact that they had to be large enough to accommodate engines as large as the 426 Hemi, and 440, the street version suffered from severe understeer in fast corners. It could turn mid 14s in the quarter mile, which would do any small block muscle car proud. The T/A would only be available for 1970 as Dodge pulled out of Trans Am racing. Only 2,142 T/As were made. A 1971 model using the 340 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor was planned and appeared in period advertising, but was not produced.
The "Western Special" was a version available only to west coast dealers. It came with a rear-exit exhaust system and Western Special identification on the rear decklid. Some examples came with a vacuum-operated trunk release. Another late production version was the low-priced "Deputy", stripped of some of the base car's trim and with fixed rear side glass.
By 1972, the convertible version and all the big-block engine options were gone. Maximum power was also downgraded to 240 horsepower (180 kW) to reflect the more accurate Society of Automotive Engineers (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Society_of_Automotive_Engineers) (SAE) net hp calculations. The 1972 models also received a new grille that extended beneath the front bumper.
The 1973 models were no longer available with a six-cylinder engine. For 1974, the 340 cu in (5.6 L) engine was replaced by a 360 cu in (5.9 L) version, but the pony car market had deteriorated and production of Challengers ceased in mid-1974.

On December 3 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/December_3), 2007 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/2007), Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger which debuted on February 6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/February_6), 2008 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/2008) simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chicago_Auto_Show)[9] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-8) and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at US$ (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/United_States_dollar)40,095, the new version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first generation Challenger, despite being significantly longer and taller. The chassis is a modified (shortened wheelbase) version of the LX platform that underpins the 2006-Current Dodge Charger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(LX)), 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Magnum), and the 2005-Current Chrysler 300 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_300). All 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission), which outperforms the legendary 1970 Hemi Challenger.[10] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-9) The entire 2008 run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold (many of which for above MSRP), and production commenced on May 8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/May_8), 2008 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/2008). Chrysler Canada is offering the Canada 500 and Chrysler of Mexico is offering only 100 of this car for that country with a 6.1 liter engine and 425 brake horsepower (317 kW) (SAE); the version is SRT/8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with car #1 going for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit organization, and a "B5" Blue #43 car fetching a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp.[11] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-10) Many of the "first delivery" Challengers were either pre-sold, or sold for above MSRP (as is often the case with a highly anticipated vehicle launch).
At the 2008 New York Auto Show (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/New_York_Auto_Show), Chrysler debuted the full Dodge Challenger line for 2009, with three different trims (SE, R/T, and SRT8) to choose from:

The base model Challenger is powered by a 3.5 L (214 cu in) [12] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-214V6-11) SOHC (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_SOHC_V6_engine#3.5) V6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V6) producing 250 brake horsepower (190 kW) (SAE) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) torque which was coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission for the first half of 2009, then was changed to have a 5 speed automatic transmission standard equipment for the second half of the 2009 model year and on.[13] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-2009jbspecs-12) Several different exterior colors, and either cloth or leather interiors are available. Standard features include air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; and 17-inch (430 mm) aluminum wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a premium audio system are available as options, as are ABS, and stability and traction control.[14] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-2009jbreview-13) The Canadian market also sports the SXT trim, similar to the SE, however is even more generous in terms of standard features. Some of these features being ESP, an alarm system, and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels.

Rallye Package

New for 2009 is the Rallye Package for the SE model. Mechanical changes include the 5-speed Autostick automatic transimission that is also found the R/T and the SRT-8 siblings. The new transmission is designed for more aggressive launches when accelerating, and ratioed for top-end speeds which also relaxes the engine. Visual improvements are also another aspect in the Rallye Package. The Challenger SE Rallye Package features design cues including black with red lining dual body stripes on the hood and the trunk, chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels and Micro Carbon in the interior accents.

R/T Classic
The brochure of the 2009 Challenger shows a "classic" version of the Dodge Challenger R/T, with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) HEMI, and retro aspects such as script "Challenger" badges on the front panels and black "R/T" stripes. According to a Chrysler press relase from 01/16/09 it will come with a six-speed-manual transmission (including a pistol-grip-shifter) as standard. It will be available in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and in three "heritage" colors: HEMI-Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue. Prices start at $34,005 (including destination) and production will start in February 2009.

SRT8

The 2009 SRT8, while still equipped with the 6.1L Hemi V8, is virtually identical to its 2008 counterpart, with the main difference being the choice of either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include Brembo brakes, a sport suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, heated leather sport seats, keyless go, Sirius satellite radio, and 20-inch (510 mm) forged aluminum wheels in addition to most amenities offered on the lower R/T and SE models such as air conditioning and cruise control.[14] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-2009jbreview-13) In addition, the 2009 will have a true "limited slip" differential.[15] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-14)



Super Stock Concept

The Super Stock Concept was built to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 392 HEMI engine, as well as showcase Mopar's new available 392 (6.4L) HEMI crate engine. The body was based on the 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept. The vehicle was unveiled at SEMA show.[16] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-15)

SRT10 Concept

A concept vehicle using Dodge Viper SRT-10 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Viper_SRT-10) engine and Bilstein (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Bilstein) shocks appeared in 2008 SEMA show.[17] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-16)

Drag Race Package

A race model designed for NHRA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/NHRA) competition, based on Dodge Challenger SRT-8. The car is 1,000 pounds (454 kg) lighter than the street vehicle by eliminating major production components and systems. To accentuate the weight savings, they also feature added composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program. The engine was repositioned to improve driveline angle and weight distribution. The 116-inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase was shortened by ½ inch. They also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts.
At least 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars were built to meet NHRA requirements. Engine options include 6.1L HEMI, 5.7-L HEMI, 5.9L Magnum Wedge. Manual or automatic transmissions are available. "Big Daddy" Don Garlits bought the first drag race package car and plans to race it in NHRA competition.

Engines

Engine choices included the following:

C: 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant 6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant_6_engine#225_CID) I6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Straight-6): 145 bhp (108 kW) 1970–1972
G: 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#318_V8) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8_engine): 230 bhp (172 kW) 1970-1974
H: 340 cu in (5.6 L) LA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#340_V8) V8: 275 bhp (205 kW) 1970-1973
J: 340 cu in (5.6 L) LA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#340_V8) V8 Six-Pack: 290 bhp (216 kW) 1970 *T/A
J: 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#360_V8) V8: 245 bhp (183 kW) 1974
L: 383 cu in (6.3 L) B (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_B_engine#383) V8: 290 bhp (216 kW) and 330 bhp (246 kW) 1970-1971
N: 383 cu in (6.3 L) B (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_B_engine#383) V8: 335 bhp (250 kW) 1970-1971
U: 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_RB_engine#440) V8: Available in Magnum 4-barrel carbureted (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Carburetor) form 375 bhp (280 kW) 1970-1971
V: 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_RB_engine#440) V8 Six-Pack: (3 × 2-barrel carburetors) 390 bhp (291 kW)/490 lb·ft (664 N·m)) 1970-1971
R: 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#426) V8: 425 bhp (317 kW)/490 lb·ft (664 N·m), costing an extra US$1,228 and very few sold. 1970-1971

Performance 1/4 mile


340: 14.8 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
340 T/A: 13.99 @ 97 mph (156 km/h)
383 2-barrel: 15.1 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
383 Magnum R/T: 14.3 @ 99 mph (159 km/h)
440 Magnum R/T: 13.8 @ 102 mph (164 km/h)
440 Six-Pack: 13.4 @ 107 mph (172 km/h)
426 Hemi: 13.0 @ 108 mph (174 km/h)

The Dodge Dart is an automobile built by the Dodge (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge) division of the Chrysler Corporation (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Corporation) from 1960 to 1976 in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets. The Dart was introduced as a lower-priced, shorter wheelbase, full-size (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Full-size) Dodge in 1960 and 1961, became a mid-size car (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Mid-size_car) for 1962, and finally was a compact (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Compact_car) between 1963 and 1976. Chrysler had previously applied the "Dart" name to a Ghia (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ghia)-built show car in 1956.

1960
The first Dodge Darts, introduced for the 1960 model year, were reduced-size large cars developed to replace the Plymouth as the low-priced car for the Dodge dealer network; Dodge dealers had been selling Plymouths (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_(automobile)) since 1930, but divisional restructuring in 1960 took Plymouth away from the Dodge dealer network. The Dart had a shorter wheelbase than the standard-size Dodge line, and was based on the Plymouth platform. The Dart line was divided into three trim levels: the basic Seneca, the mid-range Pioneer, and the premium Phoenix. The all-new Dart came with an all-new engine as standard equipment: the 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant_6_engine). 318 cu in (5.2 L) and 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8s (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8) were also available with 2bbl or 4bbl carburetors (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Carburetor), and with single or dual exhaust.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2)
The Dart was instantly and highly popular.[4] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Newhouse-3)[5] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-4) Sales of the Dart outstripped those of the full-size Dodge Matador (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Matador) and Dodge Polara (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Polara), but it also created an in-house competitor for Plymouth[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2). Even advertising from 1960 and 1961 compared the Dart to the "C" car (Chevrolet (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet)), the "F" car (Ford (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Motor_Company)) and the "P" car (Plymouth). Darts equipped with the 225 cu in slant-6 were extremely popular as taxicabs (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Taxicab).[citation needed (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)]
As Dart sales climbed, Plymouth's sales dropped and Chrysler's corporate heads did nothing to stop the infighting between the divisions. Dart sales were so strong in 1960 that Dodge had to cut back its medium-priced model lineup. The full-size, mid-priced Matador was discontinued after the 1960 model year as buyers flocked to the better-appointed and less expensive Dart Pioneer. The premium Polara was left alone to wage battle in the medium-price segment.

1961
For 1961, the Dart remained the smallest full-size Dodge. It retained 1960's 118 inches (3,000 mm) wheelbase, and was restyled to emulate the larger Polara (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Polara). The same three trim levels were available as in 1960: the premium Phoenix, mid-range Pioneer, and base Seneca.
Engine choices included the 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6, and the 318 cu in (5.2 L) and 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8s were also available in various configurations. Phoenix convertibles were all equipped with V8 engines. Beginning in mid-year, some Darts ordered with the 225 engine were equipped with the die-cast aluminum block. Darts in all series were equipped as standard with three-speed, column-shifted manual transmissions (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Manual_transmission). Chrysler's pushbutton-shifted TorqueFlite (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/TorqueFlite) automatic (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission) was available at extra cost. The alternator (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Alternator_(auto)), introduced as standard equipment in 1960 on the Valiant (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Valiant), was installed rather than the previous DC generator on all 1961 Chrysler products, including the Dart. Canadian-built 1961 Darts were identical to U.S. models on the outside, but the interior trim, controls, and displays were those used on the U.S. Plymouth.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2)
Virgil Exner (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Virgil_Exner)'s 1961 styling with its reverse fins, rear fender scalloping and concave grille was highly unpopular with consumers.[6] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-5) There was also an adverse reaction to the low positioning and small size of the Dart's tail lights (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automotive_lighting) positioned just above the corners of the bumper; drivers in other cars complained that they couldn't see them. The wraparound taillights were designed to provide side visibility at night[citation needed (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)], but the majority of the light was projected sideward, not rearward[citation needed (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)]. By mid-year, Dodge was forced to make auxiliary taillights available at extra cost through its dealer network. However, these large round lights were mounted near the inboard side of the reverse fins, and aggravated the already awkward styling.[7] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-6)
As a result, Dodge saw Dart sales drop by 53% to 142,000 units. And that was just the beginning of the bad news for Dodge in 1961. Of the total number of Darts sold, almost half — 66,100 — were sold in the Dart's least expensive model, the Seneca. Combined sales of the Dart and the Polara were lower than Plymouth's sales for 1961. Dodge ranked ninth in sales in the American market in 1961, down from sixth place in 1960. Sales of the compact Dodge Lancer (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Lancer) were 74,773 units compared to its Plymouth twin, the Valiant (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Valiant), which sold 143,078 units for the same year.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2)
The Lancer aside, production of the 1961 model year saw Dodge's total production drop below that of the slow selling 1959 model year and dangerously close to the disastrous Eisenhower recession (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dwight_D._Eisenhower) year of 1958.

1962
For 1962, the Dart was downsized as part of Chrysler's hastily planned effort to compete with what company leaders thought would be downsized large cars from Chevrolet, but turned out to be the compact-sized Chevy II Nova (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet_Nova), which was introduced as a basic front-engined compact to better compete with the Ford Falcon (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(North_America)), Rambler American (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Rambler_American) and Plymouth Valiant (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Valiant) than the rear-engined Corvair (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvair) could. Chevrolet continued to field the Impala (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet_Impala) as a genuinely full-size car, and the Dart was perceived more as an intermediate like the newly-introduced Ford Fairlane (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Fairlane_(North_America)) than as a true full-size car. The Polara shared the body change with the Dart, but was offered in higher trim. Dodge dealers voiced their displeasure at being unable to offer consumers a true "full-size" car. To placate its dealer network, Chrysler hastily created the Dodge Custom 880 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Custom_880) by mating its 1961 Dodge Polara front clip to its 1962 Chrysler Newport (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Newport)'s de-finned body. Debuting in January 1962, the Custom 880 helped to remind customers that Dodge indeed offered a full-size car.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2)
Styling aside, the new Dart was on an all-new lightweight unibody (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Monocoque) platform (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_B_platform), featuring Chrysler's well-received torsion-bar front suspension and asymmetric leaf springs. The rigidity gained through the nearly-pure unibody platform combined with the suspension's low unsprung weight and near-ideal geometry provided sound handling, braking, and acceleration; the latter especially with the mid-year 415 hp (309 kW) "Ramcharger" 413 cu in (6.8 L) V8 which was aimed primarily at sanctioned drag racing, where it quickly broke performance records.
The Seneca, Pioneer and Phoenix trim levels were dropped in 1962. Dart trim levels became Dart 330, Dart 440, and Dodge Polara 500, the latter being offered in 2-door hardtop and convertible styles only with a 4-door hardtop added in December. The Polara 500 was not built or sold in Canada, and the Dart series were the same as in the U.S. except that a lower-specification Dart 220 model was offered to Canadians.

1963-1966
For 1963, Dodge dropped the Lancer nameplate and applied the Dart name to Dodge's newly-designed "senior compact", a marketing term referring to the wheelbase having grown to 111 in (2819 mm) from the Lancer's 106.5 in (2,705 mm). This longer wheelbase would underpin all Darts from 1963 to 1976. The early exception was the 1963-1966 Dart station wagon, which used the Valiant's shorter 106 in (2692 mm) wheelbase. The Dart was available as a 2- or 4-door sedan (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Sedan_(car)), a 2-door hardtop coupe, a station wagon (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Station_wagon), and a convertible. Three trim levels were offered: the low-spec 170, the high-spec 270, and the premium GT, which was available only as a 2-door hardtop (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hardtop) coupe (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coupe) or convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible). The Dart was an instant market success, with 1963 sales up sharply compared to those of the 1962 Lancer, and the Dart remained extremely popular through the end of the Dart's production run in 1976.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2)

Initial engine offerings were two sizes of the slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant-6_engine) — a 170 cu in (2.8 L), 101 hp (75 kW) version was fitted as standard equipment, and a 225 cu in (3.7 L), 145 hp (108 kW) version was available for less than $50 extra. The aluminum engine block for the 225 was discontinued early in the 1963 model year. After the start of the 1964 model year, an all-new, compact, lightweight 273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine) producing 180 bhp (134 kW) with a 2-barrel carburetor (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Carburetor) was introduced as the top engine option. 1964 was the last year for pushbutton control of the optional Torqueflite (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Torqueflite) automatic transmission, so 1963 and 1964 models were the only compact Darts so equipped.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2)
In 1965, the 2-barrel 273 remained available, but a new Commando version of the 273 engine was released with a 4-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, a more aggressive camshaft with solid tappets, and other upgrades which increased output to 235 bhp (175 kW). At the same time, the Dodge Dart Charger was offered. The Dart Chargers were yellow Dart GT hardtops with black interiors, Commando 273 engine, premium mechanical and trim specifications, and special "Charger" badging. They were the first Dodge models to bear the "Charger" name. The following year the larger B-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_B_platform) Dodge Charger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger) was introduced, and the "Charger" name was thenceforth associated with Dart models only in the "Charger 225" marketing name for the optional larger 6-cylinder engine.
Other new options for 1965 included upgraded suspension components and larger 14-inch (360 mm) wheels and tires. Factory-installed air conditioning became available after the start of the 1965 model year, as well as disc brakes (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Disc_brake), which required the 14-inch (360 mm) wheels to clear the calipers.

1967-1969
The Dart and its sister model, the Plymouth Valiant, were significantly redesigned for the 1967 model year. In addition to new styling, the cars received revised steering systems, wider front track (and wider spaced rails) and redesigned K-members capable of accepting physically larger engines. The Dart would keep this basic form, with a facelift consisting of revised front and rear end styling and interior trim, until the end of A-body production in 1976 (U.S./Canada (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Canada)/Mexico) and 1981 (South America). Over the course of U.S. production, the Dart/Valiant line would go from two distinct models based on the same platform, to parallel badge-engineered models.
The restyled Dart for 1967 featured a rear window with compound inverse curves. This created a unique appearance at the rear of the greenhouse, but tended to collect snow and created thick C-pillars that looked formal but created blindspots for drivers. Curved side glass was used for the first time on a Chrysler compact. Up front, there was a new dual-plane front end contour: the center section of the grille, bumper and leading edge of the hood were recessed from the front plane of the car. The single headlamps were placed forward of the recessed center section, defining the front plane. Park/turn lamps were set into the grille, in the corners formed by the transition area between the recessed and forward sections. This same front end treatment, with minor cosmetic changes to the grille and the park/turn lamps relocated to the front bumper, was also used by Chrysler Australia for their 1967 VE-model Valiant.[10] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-9)
With the new design, changes were made to the Dart line-up, beginning with the elimination of its station wagons and the base model's "170" designation. The only body styles were the 2 and 4-door sedans, the hardtop, and the convertible. The base 170 model was now badged simply as Dart. The 270 and GT versions carried on unchanged for the most part. In late 1967, the GTS model debuted but was built in limited quantities due to its lateness in the model year; the 1968 GTS would be, arguably, improved by fitting the new high-output 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 engine as standard equipment.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2)
The 2-door sedan was dropped at the end of 1968 and replaced with the Swinger 2-door hardtop for 1969. Also added was the Swinger 340.

Engines
The 170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-6 engine remained standard equipment, though its power rating rose from 101 bhp (75 kW) to 115 bhp (86 kW) for 1967, owing to the installation of the 225 engine's larger carburetor and the revised camshaft the bigger engine had received in 1965. For North American domestic-market vehicles, the base 170 engine was replaced for 1970 with a stronger new 198 cu in (3.2 L) version of the slant-6. This new base engine was also less costly to make, for unlike the previous 170 engine, the 198 used the same block as the 225. The smaller displacement was achieved with a new crankshaft (3.64" stroke vs. the 4.125" stroke of the 225 crank) and connecting rods (7.006" long vs. the 6.670" rods in the 225).[11] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-10) Nevertheless, the 225 remained a very popular and inexpensive upgrade option. The 2bbl 273 cu in (4.5 L) small-block V8 was replaced on the option list in 1968 by a 318 cu in (5.2 L) 2bbl engine. The 318 was rated at 230 bhp (170 kW) versus the 2-barrel carbureted 273's 180 bhp (130 kW). at the same time the 4-barrel carbureted 273 235 bhp (175 kW) was replaced on the options list by the 275 bhp (205 kW) 4-barrel carbureted 340 cu in (5.6 L) available only in the hottest Dart, the performance-oriented GTS model. The Dart GTS came standard with the 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8. A 300 horsepower (220 kW) 383 cu in (6.3 L) big-block was optional. The light weight and high power ratio of the 340-equipped cars, together with the excellent handling for which the Dart had become renowned, made them a favorite of drag racers. The big-block Darts were difficult to steer and stop, due to the very heavy engines and unavailability of power brakes or steering—the large engine left no room for a brake booster or power steering equipment. So the functional use of the relatively rare big block equipped cars was effectively limited to straight-line drag races. Furthermore, the large engines scarcely left space for even the small, restrictive exhaust manifolds fitted to the big-block Darts. Road tests of the day generally recommended the 340 over the 383 or the 1969-only 440 cu in (7.2 L) engines.

1970
The Dart was refreshed for 1970 with front and rear changes designed to bring the car closer to the design themes found in Dodge’s full-size vehicles through grille and contour changes. In the rear, the Dart’s new rectangular tail lights were set into a wedge-shaped rear bumper design continuing the angled trailing edge of the new deck lid and quarter panels. The revised rear styling cut trunk space almost in half compared to the 1969 model. 14-inch wheels became standard equipment, and the 170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-6 was replaced by a larger 198 cu in (3.2 L) version for improved base-model performance and greater manufacturing economy (since the 198 shared a block with the 225, while the 170 had used its own block). Changes to the fuel system improved drivability, economy and emission control. Part-throttle downshift was added to the 8-cylinder automatic transmissions. In compliance with FMVSS 108 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/FMVSS_108), sidemarker lights and reflectors were installed at all four corners.
The Swinger name was applied to all the Dart two-door hardtops except in the high-line Custom series. A number of other changes were made to the Dart line to avoid internal competition with Dodge's new Challenger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Challenger): the Dart convertible was discontinued along with the optional 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8, leaving the 275 bhp (205.1 kW) 340 four-barrel V8 as the top Dart engine.[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Dodge_Story-2) The sole performance model in the Dart line for 1970 was the Swinger 340 two-door hardtop. The 1970 Swinger 340 came with non-functional hood scoops with 340 on their sides. These scoops were the same as used on the Super Bee when the "Ramcharger" fresh-air performance hood was ordered, but the Ramcharger was not optional on the Swinger 340. Front disc brakes were standard. Other standard items were Rallye suspension, a 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, fiberglass-belted bias-ply tires mounted to steel wheels, a bumble bee stripe and bright chrome tip exhaust. The list of options for the Swinger 340 was extensive: all-vinyl bucket seats could replace the standard bench seat, and this permitted one to order a center console. A performance hood upgrade with scoops was painted flat black with hood tie-down pins. One could add power brakes, steering and windows. Rallye wheels and wire wheelcovers were also optional, as was a 6000 rpm tachometer and a vinyl roof in either black or white.

1971

The 1970 Dart's dual taillamps were given over to the badge-engineered (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Badge_engineering) Plymouth Valiant Scamp (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Valiant#1967.E2.80.9373), while the 1971 Dart received new smaller quad taillamps that would be used through 1973. The Custom 2-door hardtop became the Swinger, and the standard Swinger became the Swinger Special. Dodge gained a version of Plymouth's popular Valiant-based fastback Duster (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Duster). Management considered naming it the Beaver,[17] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-16) but it was instead marketed as the Dart Demon. As was the case with previous Dodge rebadges of Plymouth Valiants, such as the 1961-1962 Dodge Lancer (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Lancer), sales of the Demon lagged behind those of the Duster. With optional hood scoops and blackout hood treatment, the car was advertised that it meant trouble. The Demon's Dart-type front fender wheel lips and Duster-type rear wheel fender lips reveal that the car was essentially a Duster with Dart front sheetmetal and other minor styling changes.
The Swinger 340, Dart's performance model, was replaced by the Demon 340 with optional hood scoops and blackout hood treatment. Chrysler Canada, though, did build a small number of 1971 Swinger 340 hardtops based on the Swinger Special for two dealers in Western Canada.[citation needed (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)] In 1971, Chrysler abandoned their longstanding corporate practice of installing left-hand threaded wheel studs on the left side of the vehicle; all wheel studs on the Dart thenceforth used conventional right-hand threads.[18] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-17)

1972

Changes for 1972 included a revised grille without the central divider of the 1970 and 1971 items, new surface-mounted sidemarker lights (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automotive_lighting) rather than the previous flush-mount units, a new instrument cluster featuring a large rectangular speedometer and several small round gauges, and the Demon had new fender-mounted metal "Demon" badges without the small devil character on the 1971 decals. The "Demon" decal on the rear of the car was replaced by DODGE and DART emblems on the lower right edge of the deck lid. Some Demons with the side and rear panel tape stripes retained the tape devil character. A new optional single hood scoop replaced 1971's dual scoops, and was coupled with a hood paint blackout that had been standard on the 1971 high-trim/high-value Demon Sizzler model. Cars equipped with the optional rallye wheels now came with newly restyled center caps finished in a light argent (silver) paint.

1973

1973 Darts got new front styling with revised fenders, grille, header panel, and a hood new to the Dart but interchangeable with that of the 1967-69 Plymouth Barracuda (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Barracuda). Massive front bumpers were installed to comply with new federal regulations, as well as side-impact guard beams in the doors and new emission control devices. New single-piston disc brakes replaced the more complex 4-piston units offered from 1965 to 1972, though Chrysler did not address the premature rear-wheel lockup that continued to plague disc brake equipped Darts. Chrysler's robust new electronic ignition system was standard equipment with all engines, and starter motors were revised for faster engine cranking. The K-frame was modified to accommodate a new spool-type engine mount that limited engine roll to 3 degrees. The upper ball joints were upgraded to the larger B-body units. Along with these chassis changes, the wheel bolt pattern on Darts with disc brakes was enlarged from 4 inches (100 mm) to the 4.5-inch (110 mm) pattern common to the larger B- and C-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_C_platform) Chrysler-built passenger cars. Darts with 4-wheel drum brakes continued with the 4-inch (100 mm) bolt pattern.
The Demon fastback was renamed Dart Sport, in response to Christian (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Evangelicalism) groups' complaints about the "Demon" name and devil-with-pitchfork logo. The high-performance models thus became Dart Sport 340 in 1973, and Dart Sport 360 for 1974 when the 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 replaced the 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8. 1973 saw styling changes to go along with the name change on the Duster-bodied car. The Dart Sport received the same new front end as the other Darts, and its taillights (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automotive_lighting) were changed to two lights per side, each with a chrome trim ring. These would remain unchanged through the 1976 model year.

1974

In 1974, the US federal 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumper impact standards were expanded to cover rear bumpers as well as front ones, and as a result the Swinger and Dart sedan's rear bumpers grew much more massive. Taillights larger than the previous year's items were set above the rear bumper, rather than within it. Shoulder and lap belts were finally combined in all Chrysler products into a retractable, inertia-sensitive, single-buckle design Chrysler called "Unibelt", replacing the difficult-to-use separate lap and shoulder belts that had been installed through 1973.
The Dart and its Plymouth Valiant/Duster clone led the American compact car market during the early 1970s. Their already-strong popularity was bolstered by the Arab oil embargo (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/1973_oil_crisis) of 1973, which caused gasoline shortages with long lines at stations and dramatic price increases at the pump. To capitalize on an emerging trend toward luxurious compact cars, Dodge introduced the Dart SE (Special Edition) in mid-1974 as a four-door sedan and two-door hardtop. The SE included velour high back bucket seats with folding armrest, carpeted door panels, woodgrain instrument panel and deluxe wheel covers along with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission as standard equipment. The air conditioning system available on all Darts had increased capacity, quicker cooldown and lower minimum temperatures.[23] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-DartAdds-22) An evaporator pressure regulator valve, long used on larger Chrysler products, varied the compressor's capacity without cycling the clutch.

1975

Aside from a new grille, the 1975 models were virtually identical to the 1974s, except that California and certain high-altitude models were equipped with catalytic converters (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Catalytic_converter) and so required unleaded gasoline (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Gasoline). All 1975 models were required to pass a roof crush test and to meet this stringent requirement, and additional reinforcements were added to all Dart two-door hardtops. [23] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-DartAdds-22) Heavy gauge steel in the windshield pillar area had been incorporated into the windshield, pillar and roof design. Darts were also equipped with an improved energy absorbing steering column which used multiple slots in the column jacket to replace prior used convoluted mesh design. At impact, force applied to the steering wheel curled the column jacket back over a mandrel (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Mandrel) mounted on the floor. Federal Motor Safety Standards briefly required that the front seat belts include a starter interlock system that prevented the engine from starting unless the front seat outboard occupant and the driver fastened their belts.
A 4-speed manual transmission was offered with the 6-cylinder (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant-6_engine) engine for the first time in the North American market since 1965, and with a new 30% overdrive (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Overdrive) 4th gear ratio. It was Chrysler's first application of an overdrive system since 1959. The final drive ratio in fourth gear was 2.36:1 on the Slant Six cars equipped with 3.23:1 rear axle, and 2.15:1 on the V8s equipped with 2.94:1 rear axle. The result was less engine noise and wear and greater fuel economy.
Also for 1975, heaters had 14% more heating capacity than in the previous year's models. The added capacity was the result of adding a third speed to the blower system, which provided 20% greater air flow at maximum setting. The electrically heated backglass defogger grid timer cycle was doubled to 10 minutes.

1976

For the Dart's final year of 1976, the inside rear-view mirror was mounted on the windshield rather than from the ceiling. Front disc brakes became standard equipment on 1 January 1976 in accord with more stringent U.S. Federal brake performance requirements, and a new foot-operated parking brake replaced the under-dash T-handle used since the Dart's 1963 introduction as a compact car.
Over its 13-year production run, the Dart earned a reputation as a sturdy, dependable car. "The Dart was one of the most successful compact cars ever introduced in the American automobile marketplace," according to R.D. McLaughlin, then vice president of Chrysler's Automotive sales division, "It enjoys a strong owner loyalty and is a car that has established a reputation for reliability and value…these are [some] reasons why we wil continue to market the Dart while introducing the new compact Aspen."[26] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-DartLite-25) Ultimately, the A-body Dart was replaced by the F-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_F_platform) Dodge Aspen (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Aspen) beginning in late spring of 1976—a replacement Chrysler President Lee Iacocca (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Lee_Iacocca) would later lament due to the Aspen's many early quality problems.

1969

With the failure of the 1969 Dodge Charger 500, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was a high performance, limited edition version of the Dodge Charger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(B-body)) produced in the summer of 1969 for the sole purpose of winning NASCAR (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/NASCAR) races. And win it did: it won its first race out, the inaugural Talladega 500 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Talladega_500) in the fall, and helped Bobby Isaac (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Bobby_Isaac), capture the 1970 Grand National championship, although he didn't win any races in the Daytona in 1970. Buddy Baker in the #88 Chrysler Engineering Dodge Charger Daytona was the first driver in NASCAR history to break the 200 mph mark on March 24. 1970 at Talladega.
One of the famous aero-cars (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Aero_Warriors), its special body modifications included a 23 in (584 mm) tall stabilizer wing on the rear deck, a special sheetmetal "nose cone" that replaced the traditional upright front grille (both designed specially for Chrysler by NASA), a flush rear backlight (rear window area), specific front fenders and hood that were modeled after the upcoming 1970 Charger, stainless steel A-pillar covers and fender mounted tire clearance/brake cooling scoops. The Daytona was built on the 1969 Charger's 500 trim specifications, meaning that it carried a heavy-duty suspension and brake setup and was equipped with a 440 CID Magnum engine as standard. Of special note to collectors is the optional 426 CID Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine) V8 engine (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8_engine), which only 70 of the 503 Daytonas carried. It had a corporate cousin in the "one year only" 1970 Plymouth Superbird (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Superbird).
Both are now rare and valuable collectibles, with 440-powered Daytonas reaching into six-figure territory and 426-engined cars passing the $300,000 mark. The "Super Charger IV EL", looked like a roadster prototype spin-off of the Charger Daytona minus the roof and spoiler, is seen as a pimp-mobile in the 1974 film Truck Turner (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Truck_Turner). Actually, it was just an older Charger show car updated with a SuperBird nose.

The Dodge Charger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(LX)) was reintroduced for 2006 with a limited production Dodge Charger Daytona package that included a sportier interior, classic high impact exterior colors, a rear spoiler, a front chin spoiler, a blacked out grille surround, rear quarter panel striping reading "DAYTONA" on either side, a blackout decal between the taillights on the decklid, and a blackout on the hood with the word "HEMI" cut out twice. Heritage R/T badges replaced the Stock R/T's chrome badges. A performance suspension with load-leveling rear shocks was also standard, as well as unique wheels. 2006 wheels were the stock R/T 18" wheels with charcoal grey painted pockets, and lower profile wider tires. 2007 to current wheels are 20" chrome clad wheels. In 2008, the rear quarter panel stripes were removed, and replaced with a strobe stripe on the lower portions of the doors that reads "DAYTONA" towards the front of the stripe. The hood decal was also modified. The 2006-2008 Daytona gains 10 hp (7 kW) over the standard Charger R/T via engine management tuning, and a larger stock air cleaner. A unique single-pass muffler was also standard. The 2009 features the new Variable Camshaft Timing HEMI, producing 368 hp (274 kW).

AAR'Cuda-A 1970-only mid year introduction special model built so Plymouth could compete in the SCCA Trans-Am race series. AAR stands for All American Racers,which was the name of Dan Gurney's race teams. Gurney fielded an AAR 'Cuda team.The cars were powered by a special 340-ci V-8 with tri-power.
Total AAR production was 2,724 units

A-Body- The designation for rear-wheel-drive compacts such as Dart,valiant,Duster,Demon, and first generation Barracudas.


A/FX:The NHRA class Known as A/Factory Experimental. This is the class where altered wheelbase Mopars competed in the sixties.

A100: The model designation for compact, cab-forward Dodge half-ton vans and pickups built between 1964 and 1970.

Airflow: The revolutionary streamlined body style used from 1934 through 1937 on Chrysler,De Soto,and imperial sedans and coupes. The look was too far ahead of it's time and didn't sell well.

Air Grabber: The pop-up,driver-activated hood scoop introduced on the 1970 plymouth Road Runner and GTX. Dodge called their version the Ram Charger.


Altered Wheelbase: Dick Landy pioneered the forward placement of the front and rear wheels for better weight transfer and greater traction. These non-stock changes led to A/FX Mopars.

The Plymouth Barracuda is a 2-door car that was manufactured by the Plymouth (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_automobile) division of the Chrysler Corporation (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Corporation) from 1964 through 1974.
The first-generation Barracuda, a fastback (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Fastback) A-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_A_platform) coupé (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coup%C3%A9) based on the Plymouth Valiant (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Valiant), had a distinctive wraparound back glass and was available from 1964 to 1966.
The second-generation 1967 – 1969 Barracuda, though still Valiant-based, was heavily redesigned. Second-generation A-body cars were available in fastback, notchback (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Notchback), and convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible) versions.
The 1970 – 1974 E-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_E_platform) Barracuda, no longer Valiant-based, was available as a coupé and a convertible, both of which were very different from the previous models.

1964-1966
Automotive trends in the early-mid 1960s had all the US manufacturers looking at making sporty compact cars. Chrysler's A-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_A_platform) Plymouth Valiant (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Valiant) was chosen for the company's efforts in this direction.[1] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-Mighty-0)
Ford's Mustang (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Mustang), which significantly outsold the Barracuda, gave to this type of vehicle its colloquial name "pony car (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Pony_car)", but the Barracuda fastback's release on 1 April (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/April_1) 1964 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/1964) beat the Mustang by two weeks.
Plymouth's executives had wanted to name the car Panda, an idea that was unpopular with the car's designers. In the end, John Samsen (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/John_Samsen)'s suggestion of Barracuda was selected.
The Barracuda used the Valiant's 106 in wheelbase and the Valiant hood, headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows, quarter panels and bumpers; all other sheet metal and glass was new. This hybrid design approach significantly reduced the development and tooling cost and time for the new model.

The fastback body shape was achieved primarily with a giant backlight, which wrapped down to the fender line. Pittsburgh Plate Glass (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Pittsburgh_Plate_Glass) (PPG) collaborated with Chrysler designers to produce this 14.4 ft² (1,33 m²) rear window, the largest ever installed on a standard production car up to that time[4] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-3).
The Barracuda was able to return the Valiant's favor the next year, when the fenders and tail lamps that had been introduced on the 1964 Barracuda were used on the whole 1965 Valiant range except for the wagon.
Powertrains were identical to the Valiant's, including two versions of Chrysler's slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant-6_engine) engine. The standard-equipment engine had a piston displacement of 170 cu in (2.8 L) and an output of 101 bhp (75.3 kW); the 225 cu in (3.7 L) option raised the power output to 145 bhp (108.1 kW).
The highest power option for 1964 was Chrysler's all-new 273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine). A compact and relatively light engine equipped with a 2-barrel carburetor (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Carburetor), it produced 180 bhp (134.2 kW).[5] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-4) The Barracuda sold for a base price of $2,512 (USD).
1964 was not only the first year for the Barracuda, but also the last year for push-button control of the optional Torqueflite (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Torqueflite) automatic transmission, so 1964 models were the only Barracudas so equipped.

In 1965, the 225 slant-6 became the base engine in the US market, though the 170 remained the base engine in Canada.
New options were introduced for the Barracuda as the competition between pony cars intensified. The 273 engine was made available as an upgraded Commando version with a 4-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, a more aggressive camshaft with solid tappets. These and other upgrades increased the engine's output to 235 bhp (175.2 kW).
Also in 1965 the Formula 'S' package was introduced. It included the Commando V8 engine, suspension upgrades, larger wheels and tires, special emblems and a tachometer. Disc brakes and factory-installed air conditioning became available after the start of the 1965 model year.
For 1966, the Barracuda received new taillights (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Taillight), new front sheet metal, and a new dashboard. The latter had room for oil pressure and tachometer gauges on models so equipped. The 1966 front sheet metal, which except for the grille was shared with the Valiant, gave a more rectilinear contour to the fenders. Deluxe models featured fender-top turn signal indicators with a stylized fin motif. The bumpers were larger, and the grille featured a strong grid theme. A center console was optional for the first time.
Although the first Barracudas were heavily based on the contemporary Valiants, Plymouth wanted them perceived as distinct models. Consequently, the "Valiant" chrome script that appeared on the 1964 model's trunk lid was phased out on the 1965 model in the US market. For 1966, a Barracuda-specific stylized fish logo was introduced[3] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-samsen-2), though in markets such as Canada (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Canada) and South Africa (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/South_Africa), where Valiant was a marque in its own right, the car remained badged as Valiant Barracuda until the A-body Barracuda was discontinued.
In profile, the 1967 Hillman Hunter (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hillman_Hunter)-based Sunbeam Rapier Fastback coupé (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Sunbeam_Rapier#Sunbeam_Rapier_Fastback_coup.C3.A9) from Chrysler's United Kingdom company (the former Rootes (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Rootes) Group), resembles the 1964–66 Barracuda. However the Rapier's designer, Roy Axe (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Roy_Axe), said that there was no direct connection.

The second-generation Barracuda, now a 108 inches (2,743 mm) wheelbase A-body still sharing many components with the Valiant, was fully redesigned with Barracuda-specific sheet metal styling and its own range of models including convertibles as well as fastback and notchback (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Notchback) hardtops.

The new Barracuda was styled chiefly by John E. Herlitz (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/John_E._Herlitz) and John Samsen (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/John_Samsen). It was less rectilinear than the Valiant, with coke-bottle side contours and heavily revised front and rear end styling.
Design cues included a concave rear deck panel, wider wheel openings, curved side glass, and S-curved roof pillars on the notchback.
The rear portion of the roof on the fastback coupe (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coupe) was more streamlined, and the back glass, raked at a substantially horizontal angle, was much smaller compared with that of the previous model. Also, the use of chrome trim on the external sheet metal was more restrained.
During this time frame the first U.S. Federal auto safety standards (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Federal_Motor_Vehicle_Safety_Standard_108) were phased in, and Chrysler's response to the introduction of each phase distinguishes each model year of the second-generation Barracuda:

1967: no sidemarker lights or reflectors (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automotive_lighting).
1968: round sidemarker lights without reflectors.
1969: rectangular sidemarker reflectors without lights.
As the pony-car class became established and competition increased, Plymouth began to revise the Barracuda's engine options.

In 1967, while the 225 slant-6 was still the base engine, the V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8) options ranged from the 2-barrel and 4-barrel versions of the 273 to a seldom-ordered 383 cu in (6.3 L) "B" big-block (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_B_engine#383), the latter available only with the Formula S package.
In 1968 the 273 was replaced by the 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA engine as the smallest V8 available, and the new 340 cu in (5.6 L) LA 4bbl was released. The 383 Super Commando engine was upgraded with the intake manifold, camshaft, and cylinder heads from the Road Runner and Super bee, but the more restrictive exhaust manifolds specific to the A-body cars limited its output to 300 bhp (224 kW).
Also in 1968, Chrysler made approximately 50 fastback Barracudas equipped with the 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine) for Super Stock drag racing. These cars were assembled by Hurst Performance and featured lightweight items such as lightweight Chemcor side glass, fiberglass front fenders, and hood with scoop, lightweight seats, and sound deadener and other street equipment such as rear seats omitted. An included sticker indicated that the car was not for use on public roads; it could run the quarter in the mid 10s in 1968.


Today, original Hemi super stock Barracudas (and similarly configured Dodge Darts) are highly prized collector vehicles, with original unaltered cars commanding high prices.
For the South African export market, a 190 bhp (140 kW) high-performance version of the 225 slant-6 called Charger Power was offered with 9.3:1 compression, 2-barrel carburetor, more aggressive camshaft (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Camshaft), and low-restriction exhaust system.
A handful of Savage GTs (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Savage_gt) were also built from the second-generation Barracuda.
In 1969 Plymouth placed increased emphasis on providing and marketing performance. A new option was the Mod Top, a vinyl roof covering with a floral motif, available 1969 and 1970. Plymouth sold it as a package with seat and door panel inserts done in the same pattern. [8] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-7)
The 1969 version of the 383 engine was upgraded to increase power output to 330 bhp (246.1 kW), and a new trim package (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Trim_package) called 'Cuda was released. The 'Cuda, based on the Formula S option, was available with either the 340, 383 and new for 1969 the 440 Super Commando V8.

The redesign for the 1970 Barracuda removed all its previous commonality with the Valiant. The original fastback design was deleted from the line and the Barracuda now consisted of coupe and convertible models. The all-new model, styled by John E. Herlitz (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/John_E._Herlitz), was built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler's existing B platform (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_B_platform), called the E-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_E_platform). Sharing this platform was also the newly launched Dodge Challenger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Challenger); however, no sheet metal interchanged between the two cars, and the Challenger had a 2-inch (51 mm) longer wheelbase.
The E-body Barracuda was now "able to shake the stigma of 'economy car'."[9] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-8) Three versions were offered: the base Barracuda (BH), the luxury oriented Gran Coupe (BP), and the sport model 'Cuda (BS). The high-performance models were marketed as 'Cuda deriving from the 1969 option. The E-body's engine bay was larger than that of the previous A-body, facilitating the release of Chrysler's 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#426) for the regular retail market.
Two six-cylinder engines were available — a new 198 cu in (3.2 L) version of the slant-6, and the 225 — as well as six different V8s: the 318, 340, 383, 440-4bbl, 440-6bbl, and the 426 Hemi.[10] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-9). The 440- and Hemi-equipped cars received upgraded suspension components and structural reinforcements to help transfer the power to the road.
Other Barracuda options included decal sets, hood modifications, and some unusual "high impact" colors such as "Vitamin C", "In-Violet", and "Moulin Rouge".
Swede Savage (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Swede_Savage) and Dan Gurney (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dan_Gurney) raced identical factory-sponsored AAR (All American Racers) 'Cudas in the 1970 Trans-Am Series (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Trans-Am_Series). The cars qualified for three pole positions (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Pole_position) but did not win any Trans-Am races; the highest finish was 2nd at Road America.
A street version of the AAR 'Cuda was produced, powered by the 340 cu in (5.6 L) "six pack" (three two-barrel carburetors) engine.
The Barracuda was changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille and taillights, seat, and trim differences. This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Headlight), and also the only year of the fender "gills" on the 'Cuda model.
The 1971 Barracuda engine options would remain the same as that of the 1970 model, except the 4-barrel carbureted 440 engine was not available; all 440-powered Barracudas had a six-barrel carburetor setup instead. The 426 Hemi remained available, and the Hemi-powered 1971 Barracuda convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible) is now considered one of the most valuable collectible muscle cars. Only eleven were built, seven of which were sold domestically, and examples of these cars have sold for US$ (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/United_States_dollar)2 million.
In 1970 and 1971, the shaker hood (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Shaker_hood) and the Spicer-built Dana 60 rear axle were available. The shaker hood was available with 340, 383, 440-4bbl and 440-6bbl, and 426 Hemi engines. The heavy-duty (and heavy) Dana 60, with a 9¾ in ring gear, was standard equipment with manual transmissions (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Manual_transmission) and 440-6bbl and 426 Hemi engines, and was optional on those with the automatic transmission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission).
After another grille and taillight redesign in 1972, the Barracuda would remain unchanged through 1974, with dual headlights and four circular taillights. Big Block engines (383, 440, & 426 Hemi) were no longer offered; and the 318 was added to the 'Cuda (BS) as the base engine. This continued through 1974 with the 340 being dropped in lieu of the HP 360.
As with other American vehicles of the time, there was a progressive decrease in the Barracuda's performance. To meet increasingly stringent safety and exhaust emission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automobile_emissions_control) regulations, big-block engine options were discontinued. The remaining engines were detuned year by year to reduce exhaust emissions, which also reduced their power output. There was also an increase in weight as bumpers became larger, and starting in 1970, all E body doors were equipped with heavy steel side-impact protection beams. By 1974, only the 318 and 360 engines were available. Higher fuel prices and performance-car insurance surcharges deterred many buyers as the interest in high performance cars waned. Sales had dropped dramatically after 1970, and Barracuda production ended April 1 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/April_1), 1974 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/1974), ten years to the day after it had begun.

1973 Dodge Dart Swinger
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1970-1979/1973-Dodge-Dart-Swinger-lime.jpg

1969 Plymouth Barracuda
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Plymouth_barracuda_440_1969_front.jpg/800px-Plymouth_barracuda_440_1969_front.jpg (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/Plymouth_barracuda_440_1969_front.jpg)

1968 Dodge Cahrger
http://www.2dayblog.com/images/2006_november/dodge_charger.jpg

1962 Chrysler 300
http://kustoms.pp.fi/classics/chrysler/chrysler300'62acs99.jpg

1972 Dodge Challenger
http://www.musclecarsociety.com/files/dodge/Challenger/andreavernon/1972-dodge-challenger.jpg

European version of Chrysler 300 wagon
http://www.dab.hi-ho.ne.jp/silvercat/300wagon02.jpg

1962 Chrysler 300
http://kustoms.pp.fi/classics/chrysler/chrysler300'62acs99.jpg

1972 Dodge Challenger
http://www.musclecarsociety.com/files/dodge/Challenger/andreavernon/1972-dodge-challenger.jpg

European version of Chrysler 300 wagon
http://www.dab.hi-ho.ne.jp/silvercat/300wagon02.jpg

That Challenger is my favorite but I find that maggie very interesting!

i've never seen or new there was a 300 wagon cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i've never seen or new there was a 300 wagon cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess you would call it a hybrid!:D

I guess you would call it a hybrid!:D

i guerss so

see! u can learn something new every day, just check the posts!

that is true

The Dodge Polara is an automobile introduced in the United States (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/United_States) for the 1960 model year (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Model_year) as Dodge (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge)'s top-of-the-line full-size car (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Full-size_car); after the introduction of the Dodge Custom 880 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Custom_880) in 1962, the Polara nameplate designated a step below the best trimmed Dodge model. In its various forms, the Polara name was used by Dodge until 1973, when its position in Dodge's line-up was replaced by the Dodge Monaco (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Monaco).
1960 marked the first year that all Chrysler (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler) models, save the Imperial (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Imperial_(automobile)), used unibody (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Unibody) construction.

1960–62

First generationProduction1960-1961AssemblyWindsor, Ontario (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Windsor,_Ontario), Canada (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Canada)Body style(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Car_body_style)4-door sedan (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Sedan_(car))
2-door coupe (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coupe)
2-door convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible)
4-door station wagon (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Station_wagon)Wheelbase (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wheelbase)3099 mm (122 in)RelatedDodge Dart (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Dart)
Dodge Matador (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Matador)
The 1960 Polara and other full-sized Dodges featured styling cues carried over from 1959 models, itself an evolution of Virgil Exner (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Virgil_Exner)'s "Forward Look" cars introduced in 1957. The top-of-the line Polara and Dodge Matador (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Matador) continued to ride on the 122-inch (3,099 mm) wheelbase of their predecessors, while a new line-up of still full-sized Dodge Darts (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Dart) rode on a shorter 118-inch (2,997 mm) wheelbase. The Polara was available as a 2-door convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible), 2-door hardtop (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hardtop) coupe (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coupe), 4-door hardtop sedan (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Sedan_(car)), 4-door hardtop station wagon (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Station_wagon), and conventional (pillared) 4-door sedan.
Like these cars, both 1960 full-sized Dodges continued with the make's styling hallmarks of stacked "jet pod" tail lights, however, the size of the lights was greatly increased compared to the previous year's lamps, with the lower lights set into the rear bumper. The design also incorporated Dodge’s trademark shortened tail fins, which included small vertical tail light lenses placed on the vertical surface at the back of the fin; again, the purpose of the shortened fin was meant to exaggerate the length of the "jet pods" holding the tail lights (The fins on Darts appeared to be longer.) Up front, the car featured a small grille comprised of eight stacks of chromed rectangles nested in a massive (and complex) front bumper assembly. As the top model in the line-up, the Polara featured better interior fabrics and trim treatments. Polaras also received more trim on the outside of the car, most notably a chrome stone guard aft of the rear wheel housings, a full-length chrome spear, and a wide chrome base to the chrome spear atop the headlight housings.
For 1961, Dodge dropped the Matador, leaving the Polara as the sole "senior" Dodge model. Darts on the shorter wheelbase continued. For 1961, Exner’s styling department reversed the car’s fins, making them taller as they flowed toward the rear window. As the fins sloped towards the rear of the car, they cut slightly towards the center (to allow the single tail light housing on each side) of the rear of the vehicle, wrapping downward and then back along the side fender to form a C-shaped line accentuated in chrome. The overall effect made the rear of the car seem to "pucker" from the angles the design created. Up front, the massive bumper treatments that had been a Dodge hallmark since 1957 were replaced with a simple bar design, above which was a massive concave grille shared with the Dodge Dart.
The 1961 styling overhaul of the Dodge line-up was different from anything else on the US market at that time (save the 1961 Plymouth (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_(automobile)), which was equally unique in its styling) and consumers voted on the 1961 restyle with their car-shopping dollars. Sales of fullsize Dodges plunged to their lowest levels since the firms founding in 1914, with only 14,032 units produced in the United States. For the second straight year, the make was carried by the Dart which saw sales of 142,000 units for the year. Total Dodge sales for 1961 were down 53% compared to 1960, dropping the make from sixth in the American market to ninth place.

1962–64Second generationhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/1964_Dodge_Polara_500_conv_front.jpg/250px-1964_Dodge_Polara_500_conv_front.jpg (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:1964_Dodge_Polara_500_conv_front.jpg) 1964 Dodge Polara 500 convertibleProduction1962-1964AssemblyDetroit, Michigan (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Detroit,_Michigan), United States (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/United_States)Body style(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Car_body_style)4-door sedan (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Sedan_(car))
2-door coupe (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coupe)
2-door convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible)
4-door station wagon (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Station_wagon)Wheelbase (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wheelbase)1962: 2946 mm (116 in)
1963-64: 3023 mm (119 in)
All Dodge models were given a smaller, lighter, sculpted body with a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase for 1962. This move came after Chrysler's president overheard and misunderstood Chevrolet (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet) chief Ed Cole (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ed_Cole) to have said Chevrolet's largest cars would be downsized for 1962. Chrysler designers were forced to take the planned 1962 Dodge full-size line and shorten the design to fit a more compact (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Compact_car) wheelbase in a last-minute effort to compete with what was supposed to be a smaller new Chevrolet. However, Chevrolet in fact offered a range of truly full-size cars for 1962, and Dodge and Plymouth alike were stuck with smaller cars the public and motoring press found stylistically awkward. The new Dodge models were sized closer to Ford (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Motor_Company)'s new intermediate Fairlane than to Ford's or GM's full-size models.
Quickly realizing the critical mistake they had made, Dodge hurriedly put together a new full-size car using the front end from the 1961 Dodge Polara and the body from the 1962 Chrysler. This new full-size model was known as the Custom 880 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Custom_880), and became Dodge's top-of-the-line model when it was introduced on January 21 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/January_21), 1962 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/1962). In 1963 a lower specification version was offered, known simply the Dodge 880.
Among the "sized in the middle of the big and little"[who? (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Avoid_weasel_words)] 1962 Dodges was a bucket-seated sporty 2-door hardtop (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Hardtop) called the Polara 500. It was also available as a convertible, and a 4-door hardtop was added in December. Positioned beneath the Polara 500 in descending order were the Dart 440 and the Dart 330. These models were marketed in Canada as the Dodge 440 and Dodge 330, and a Canada-only basic-spec Dodge 220 model was offered as well.
This model[vague (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#Unnecessary_vagueness)] proved somewhat popular, but Dodge failed to capitalize on its success and never developed it to its full potential[who? (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Avoid_weasel_words)]. The Dodges were available with optional V8 engines (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8_engine) of up to 413 cu in (6.8 L). These mid-sized Dodges (and similar models from Plymouth) competed successfully as stock cars in NASCAR (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/NASCAR) races, where their smaller size and lighter weight gave them an advantage over the larger competitive cars from Ford and General Motors.
The basic body of the 1962 model continued until 1964, revised and lengthened by the new Chrysler Vice President of styling Elwood Engel (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Elwood_Engel). The Polara range eventually grew to include a 4-door sedan. The Polara 500 was available only as a convertible or hardtop coupé (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coup%C3%A9).
For the 1963 model year, the wheelbase was increased to 119 inches (3,023 mm) and the car received new sheet metal. The Dart name was reassigned to Dodge's line of compact cars that had previously been known as the Dodge Lancer (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Lancer). Positioned below the Polara were the plain 440 and 330. The 1964 models received a revised front end and new tail lamps (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automotive_lighting) to distinguish them from the 1963 cars.


1965–68

Third generationhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/DodgePolaraMagazine34-crop.jpg/250px-DodgePolaraMagazine34-crop.jpg (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:DodgePolaraMagazine34-crop.jpg)Production1965-1968AssemblyDetroit, Michigan (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Detroit,_Michigan), United States (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/United_States)Body style(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Car_body_style)4-door sedan (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Sedan_(car))
2-door coupe (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Coupe)
2-door convertible (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Convertible)
4-door station wagon (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Station_wagon)Platform (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automobile_platform)C-body (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_C_platform)Engine(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine)383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8)
318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8)Wheelbase (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Wheelbase)121.0 in (3073 mm)Length213.3 in (5418 mm)Width80.0 in (2032 mm)Height62.0 in (1575 mm)
For 1965, Chrysler moved the Polara back to a Chrysler "C" fullsize platform (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_C_platform) that was shared with Chrysler and Plymouth models. Once again offered in a full range of bodies (sedans, hardtops, station wagons, etc.), the Polara, in effect, replaced the 880 and remained a step below the Custom 880, and the new Monaco (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Monaco) hardtop coupe was now Dodge's top model. The previous mid-sized Dodges that were sold under the names Polara 500, Polara, 440, and 330 continued in production under the name Dodge Coronet (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Coronet), their wheelbase shrinking to 117 inches (2,972 mm). These Polaras were criticized for low fuel economy, with some configurations going only 12 miles on a gallon of gasoline (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Gasoline).[1] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-0) In the 1966 model year, the Monaco would replace the Custom 880 as the mid-level model while a new Monaco 500 would replace the previous 1965 Monaco. 1967 models received a facelift and the hardtop coupe adopted a semi-fastback roof style with a reverse-slant rear quarter window.
One constant of the 1965 to 1968 models was taut, square-edged styling, which was updated each year (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Planned_obsolescence). From 1965 to 1970, the Polara would be the only full-sized Dodge available in the U.S. as a convertible.

1969–1973
Where the previous four years' Dodges had been very straight-lined and lean (thanks to the talents of Elwood Engel), the new 1969 Polara wore a broad-shouldered and far more streamlined look. Called the "Fuselage Look", this style would persist through five model years, with subtle variations. The resulting look made these Polaras and Monacos appear much larger than the 1968 and earlier models.
For 1969 the Polara 500 was reintroduced as a mid-level series between the standard Polara and top-of-the-line Monaco. The Polara 500 was available as either a convertible or hardtop coupe. Available powerplants included 318, 383, and 440 cubic-inch V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8) engines, along with a 225 cubic-inch slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant-6_engine)I6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/I6) engine. The 1969 Dodge Polara models offered the Super-Lite option, which placed a quartz auxiliary "turnpike beam" headlamp (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Headlamp) in the driver side grille[2] (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/#cite_note-1).
In 1970 the Polara would receive new front and rear styling that included a bumper that wrapped around the grill and headlights. The Polara 500 was replaced by the Polara Custom in hardtop coupe, 4-door hardtop sedan, and conventional 4-door sedan body styles. There was also a stripped-down Polara Special available as either a 4-door sedan or station wagon. 1970 was the last year that the Polara would be available in a convertible body style (with a scant 842 produced, making it extremely rare today), and Dodge would never again offer a full-sized convertible. Also exceptionally rare for 1970 was the "medallion" rear bumper. This bumper featured in all of the sales literature was discontinued after late August or early September 1969 production and replaced with a plain bumper lacking the center Fratzog (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Fratzog) medallion. Despite the fanfare, Dodge dropped the "Super-Lite" option at the end of the 1970 model year because of lack of consumer interest and various challenges to its legality in certain states.
The Polara Special disappeared for 1971, but a new sub-series was the Polara Brougham positioned above the Polara Custom, but still a step below the Monaco, the Polara Brougham was available only as a hardtop coupe or 4-door hardtop sedan.
The 1972 model year would see a fairly significant facelift with new sheet metal and the disappearance of the Polara Brougham model. 1973 models received new front-end styling in which they lost the previous wrap-around front bumper.
Sales of the Polara were falling by this time, however. Having been eclipsed by the Monaco, Dodge decided to drop the Polara after 1973. The redesigned 1974 Monaco would only serve for four model years before being replaced by the unsuccessful Dodge St. Regis (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_St._Regis).

The D Series was a line of pickup trucks (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Pickup_truck) sold by the Dodge (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge) division of American (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/United_States) automaker (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automaker) Chrysler Corporation (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Corporation) from 1961 to 1980. After 1980, the trucks were renamed as the Dodge Ram (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Ram) and the same basic design was retained until the 1994 introduction of a completely redesigned Ram. The D Series shared its AD platform (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_AD_platform) with the Dodge Ramcharger (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Ramcharger)/Plymouth Trailduster (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Trailduster) twins.
The body offered the then-traditional step-side bed, with distinct fenders as an option. As default, it introduced the first Virgil Exner (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Virgil_Exner)-inspired "Swept-Line" bed where the bed was the width of the vehicle and the fenders were inboard, as can be seen in virtually all modern pickup trucks.
The D Series used the familiar Chrysler Slant 6 engine (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant_6_engine) in displacements of 170 cu in, 198 cu in and 225 cu in as the base models, depending on the year. (The 198 was relatively rare, available as the base engine only from 1969 to 1973). All of Chrysler's larger engines, with the notable exception of the Chrysler Hemi engine (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine) were available as factory options.
Another innovation was the introduction of an alternator rather than a generator for electrical power. A three-speed automatic transmission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission) was a major advance - the truck used a two-speed automatic less than a decade earlier.
Yet another innovation, a "Crew Cab" (four-door) body style was introduced in 1963, a first for a factory pickup. Prior crew cabs were custom conversion jobs. A "Club Cab" was also available for 1973, providing transverse (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Transverse) seating for either a single third passenger or two small third and fourth passengers (most often, the Club Cab was used as extra cargo space).

Custom Sports Special and High Performance Package
1964 saw the introduction of the sporty Custom Sports Special. The Custom Sports Special included bucket seats, console, carpeting and racing stripes. The optional High Performance Package could be ordered with a CSS truck or by itself on a base model truck complete with Chrysler's big 426 cu in wedge-head (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_RB_engine#426) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8). This engine produced 365 hp (272 kW) and 470 lb·ft (637 Nm) - in-line with the muscle car (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Muscle_car) revolution that was then sweeping Detroit. The High Performance Package also included the LoadFlite automatic transmission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission), a 6000 rpm-rated Sun tachometer with heavy duty gauges, power steering, dual exhaust and rear axle torque rods (traction bars) sourced from 1961 Imperials (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Imperial_(automobile)). Custom Sports Special trucks were produced from 1964 through 1967. The High Performance Package was only offered from 1964 through early 1966

1965Second generationhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/1971_Dodge_D-100.jpg/250px-1971_Dodge_D-100.jpg (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:1971_Dodge_D-100.jpg)Production1965-1971Engine(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine)170 cu in Slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant_6_engine) I6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/I6)
225 cu in Slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant_6_engine) I6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/I6)
318 cu in A (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_A_engine#318) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8)
273 cu in LA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#273) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8)
383 cu in RB (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_RB_engine#383) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8), 258 hp (192 kW) and 375 lb·ft (508 Nm) gross
318 cu in LA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#318) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8), 160 hp (119 kW)Transmission(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Transmission_(mechanics))3-speed dash mounted or column mounted lever shifted automatic (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission)
The D Series was redesigned for 1965. Big news was a wider tailgate and the replacement of the A series (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_A_engine) engines with the updated LA series (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine). In 1967 the D Series trucks received big-block (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Big-block) 383 2 barrel engines as a standard option.

1968-1971
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Dodge-D-Series.jpg/180px-Dodge-D-Series.jpg (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:Dodge-D-Series.jpg) http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:Dodge-D-Series.jpg)
1968-1970 Dodge D-Series


The 1968 models received a new front grille — two rows of four holes each. A new Adventurer trim package replaced the old Custom Sports Special; basically, it included a padded front seat with vinyl trim (either full bench or buckets with console) and carpeting, plus other hallmarks such as extra chrome trim and courtesy lighting.
By 1970, the Adventurer would be expanded into three separate packages: the base Adventurer, the Adventurer Sport and the top-line Adventurer SE. The Adventurer SE included such things as a chrome grille, wood trim on the dashboard, the padded vinyl front seat with color-keyed seatbelts, full courtesy lighting, extra insulation, dual horns, full carpeting, luxury door panel trim, a vinyl-embossed trim strip ran along the sides of the truck, full wheel discs and a woodgrain-insert panel on the tailgate. The 1970 models also featured a new four-section grille (two rows of two holes each).

'The Dude'

In August 1969 the "Dude Sport Trim Package" was released. This was essentially the D100 already in production, with an added black or white body-side ‘C’ stripe decal; a Dodge Dude decal on the box at the rear marker lamps; tail lamp bezel trim; and dog dish hub caps with trim rings. The Dude's tailgate was unique, featuring a Dodge decal on a flat tailgate surface, without the typical tailgate’s embossed logo. The Dudes were only offered in the 1970 and 1971 model years and only 1500 to 2000 Dudes were produced

1972-1980Third generationhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Dodge_Custom_100.jpg/250px-Dodge_Custom_100.jpg (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:Dodge_Custom_100.jpg)Production1972-1980Engine(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine)170 cu in Slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant_6_engine) I6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/I6)
225 cu in Slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant_6_engine) I6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/I6)
383 cu in RB (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_RB_engine#383) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8), 258 hp (192 kW) and 375 lb·ft (508 Nm) gross
360 cu in LA (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#360) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8), 180 hp (134 kW) net
400 cu in RB (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_RB_engine#400) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8), 200 hp (149 kW) net
440 cu in RB (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_RB_engine#440) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8), 235 hp (175 kW) net
243 cu in 6dr50A (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/w/index.php?title=6dr50A&action=edit&redlink=1) I6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/I6) Diesel (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Diesel) 105 hp netTransmission(s) (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Transmission_(mechanics))3-speed column shifted Automatic transmission (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automatic_transmission)
A redesign of the D Series for 1972 that lasted till 1980; introduced a more rounded look (similar to the 1973 to 1987 GM C/K series (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/General_Motors_C/K_Trucks)). This redesign for the third generation, that spanned till 1993 with minor incarnations, included new features such as an independent front suspension (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Independent_front_suspension) and pocketed taillights (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Pocketed_taillights) (the distinctive reverse on top lights were recessed to 1/4 in to avoid damage in loading docks and confined spaces). Styling cues, such as the scalloped hood and rounded fenderwells, were similar to the rounded, smooth look of the 1971 Plymouth Satellite (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Satellite). These trucks were built with a lot of galvanized steel to resist rust and corrosion making them very durable. Because of this, today these trucks make great restoration projects.
1972 also saw the introduction of the 440 cu in engine as a standard option for the light trucks.
The 1972 D Series was made famous in the television show, Emergency! (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Emergency!), where it was the featured paramedic (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Paramedic) rescue squad vehicle for the entire seven seasons of the popular show.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Dodge_Lil_Red_Express.jpg/250px-Dodge_Lil_Red_Express.jpg (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:Dodge_Lil_Red_Express.jpg)http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:Dodge_Lil_Red_Express.jpg)
'78 Li'l Red Express Truck


Notable models produced during this era were the 1978 to 1979 Li'l Red Express, the Warlock, the Macho Power Wagon and the Adventurer (Note: All Li'l Red Express Trucks were Adventurers, though not vice versa). Another rare model is the 1978 Midnite Express. This truck was equipped exactly like a Li'l Red Express. The only difference was that the Midnite Express was painted black instead of red. It had the same engine, exhaust stacks, wheels, and gold pinstriping as the Li'l Red and said "Midnite Express" on the door. It was available for the 1978 model year only. All of these trucks were considered "lifestyle" pickups and were marketed to an audience that wanted specialty, personal use trucks. Dodge also saw a need in the market for a "Club Cab" pickup and released an extended cab version of the D Series with extra space behind the front seat while still having two doors on the cab - not to be confused with the much larger "Crew Cab" that had four doors.
The 1978 saw also the introduction of the first Diesel (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Diesel) powered Dodge pickup truck. Available as an economy choice in the light duty trucks was Mitsubishi 6dr50A (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/w/index.php?title=6dr50A&action=edit&redlink=1) 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder naturally aspirating (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/w/index.php?title=Naturally_aspirating&action=edit&redlink=1) diesel, rated at 105hp @ 3500 rpm, and ~230 Nm (~169 lb·ft) @ 2200 rpm. The diesel used standard Dodge manual and automatic transmissions via specially made adapter plate which had the LA V8 bolt pattern. This rare factory option, VIN code H, was the result of fuel crisis and the collaboration of Chrysler and Mitsubishi. The engine, while being trustworthy and having far better economy than any other engine in the Dodge lineup at the time, suffered from its low power output and was considered to be underpowered by American standards, even though it was previously used in the Japanese 3.5-ton cab-over (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Cab-over) Mitsubishi T44 Jupiter (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/w/index.php?title=T44_Jupiter&action=edit&redlink=1) Truck and in industrial applications. Because of the low sales it was phased out quickly and as a result it became practically a single year specialty.
Thousands of D Series trucks entered military service as the M880 series CUCV (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/CUCV).

1981-1993

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/1983_Dodge_D150_Sweptline.jpg/250px-1983_Dodge_D150_Sweptline.jpg (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:1983_Dodge_D150_Sweptline.jpg)http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/File:1983_Dodge_D150_Sweptline.jpg)
'83 Dodge D150 shortbed

This final generation was facelifted in 1981 when the D Series was rebadged as the Dodge Ram (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Ram) pickup around when Lee Iaccoca (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Lee_Iaccoca) took charge of the ailing Chrysler Corporation. Such things including an embossed "DODGE RAM" name on the tailgate along with other obvious changes like the grille and hood, the taillights, and the entire interior. More subtle was the addition of a "shoulder" line reminiscent of the GM competition. Beginning in 1981, even more corrosion-resistant steel was used in the construction of the trucks. This bodystyle continued until 1993 and needless to say, many of these vehicles are on the road still. Many body panels are interchangeable for all models from 1972 to 1993, so it is not impossible to see a "hybrid" of a 1978 grille mounted with a 1974 hood and a 1991 cab. Sometimes, the bed is swapped with a moving truck style box (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Box_truck) for models like these. In most jurisdictions, the year is dictated by the year of the truck's chassis regardless of the body which has been bolted to it. Also kept was the Utiline step-side model that had the same truck bed that dated well into the 1940s. This was dropped during in this last era of the W/D Dodge trucks.

Also the same engines from Chrysler were available, albeit, in reduced choices: The late 1950s designed 225 slant-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Slant-6_engine): now with a hydraulic valve train along with the 318 and 360 smallblock LA-series V8s (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#360). The venerable and relatively ancient, but extremely dependable, slant-6 soldiered on until 1987 when it replaced by the 3.9L Magnum V6 and the V8s became Magnum engines (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine#Magnum_5.2). Also the sturdy Cummins B Series engine (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Cummins_B_Series_engine#B5.9) (6BT 5.9 L / Cummins "12-Valve" ) with its 150 lb. seven main bearing forged (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Forged) crankshaft, became an option near at the last years of the W/D-series era offering more torque for those who desired and needed it. This started the era where the big three Detroit automakers started offering a diesel engine with trucks beyond the half-ton rating.
Sales were good during the Swept-Line era and into the late 1970s. A combination of tried-and-true but tired styling that was nearly two decades old (1972-1993) plus brand loyalty (primarily Chevrolet (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chevrolet) and Ford (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Ford_Motor_Company)) during the 1980s and 1990s reduced sales volume for the first generation Dodge Ram. A massive and much needed redesign and restyle (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Ram#1994-2001:_BR.2FBE_Trucks) was adopted for the 1994 model year.

Street Racing Technology (commonly called SRT) is a high-performance automobile (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Automobile) group within Chrysler LLC (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_LLC). SRT began as "Team Viper" to develop the Dodge Viper (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Viper). It later merged with "Team Prowler", the developers of the Plymouth Prowler (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Prowler), to become Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE). This was renamed Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO). Since all PVO vehicles used the SRT name, it was decided in 2004 to use that name for the development group as well. SRT has produced vehicles for the Chrysler (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler), Dodge (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge), Jeep (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Jeep), and Plymouth (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_(automobile)) marques (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Marque).
The naming convention used by SRT for its models are indicative of the vehicle's engine type. The number that follows the 'SRT' prefix denotes the number of engine cylinders the vehicle has. For example the Chrysler 300C (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_300C) has an 8 cylinder HEMI (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/HEMI) engine. Therefore the SRT version is known as the Chrysler 300C SRT-8. Similarly, the Dodge Viper SRT-10 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Viper_SRT-10) has a 10 cylinder engine. A minor exception was the Dodge SRT-4, which is based on the Dodge Neon (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Neon) and where the Neon name was deleted while the number "4" just as the other models displayed the number of the cylinders.

Vehicles
SRT, SVE, and PVO have produced the following vehicles:

1997-2002 Plymouth Prowler (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Plymouth_Prowler) ("Team Prowler")
2003-2005 Dodge SRT-4 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_SRT-4) — 2.4 L turbocharged (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Turbocharged) I4 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Straight-4) ("PVO")
2003-present Dodge Viper SRT-10 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Viper) ("Team Viper")
2004-2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Ram_SRT-10) — 8.3 L V10 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V10_engine) ("PVO")
2004-2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Crossfire#SRT-6) — 3.2 L supercharged (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Supercharged) V6 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V6_engine)
2005-2008 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Magnum#SRT-8) — 6.1 L Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#6.1) V8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/V8_engine)
2005-present Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_300#SRT-8) — 6.1 L Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#6.1) V8
2006-present Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee) — 6.1 L Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#6.1) V8
2006-present Dodge Charger SRT-8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Charger_(LX)) — 6.1 L Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#6.1) V8
2008-present Dodge Caliber SRT-4 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Caliber#SRT-4) — 2.4 L turbocharged (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Turbocharged) I4 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Straight-4)
2008-present Dodge Challenger SRT-8 (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Dodge_Challenger#Third_generation_.282008-present.29) 6.1 L Hemi (http://www.deepsouthmopars.com/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#6.1) V8

anything u want to know can be found here
http://www.allpar.com/

anything u want to know can be found here
http://www.allpar.com/

well, you can also find it at wikipedia and many other sites but we try to keep some of the history HERE and not just links... THANKS for your input!

Early in Henry Fords succesfull attempt at Model T Assembly Lines Dodge Brothers supplyed much of the drive line and other parts. Loaned Henry the money for another attempt at Ford. he had gone belly up several attempts. No Dodge Brothers. Would not be a Ford today possibly, Ford Boy's. The following is quote from AllPar.com.

"Dodge manufactured every part of the Ford car except for the buckboard wooden seats and the rubber tires. Dr. E. Pfennig bought the first Ford for $850. At the time of the sale, Ford only had left $223.65 in his bank account, and was almost bankrupt. However, cash flow went only one direction after that first sale, and that direction was up. Dodge received $10,000 in stock dividends the first year. Ford stock would eventually pay out to them millions more, but for the time being the Dodge Brothers profited handsomely twice: once by selling Ford the parts he needed to manufacture his car, and again by owning stock in his prospering company." Ford had a better Idea, Dodge Brothers.

How bout that stuff. :gy:

now thats something!! thats for supporting this thread!

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car, Ram Truck and Mopar brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation — first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 — and Fiat's complementary technology. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
About Mopar
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered by the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles — a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.
More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960's — the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
Source:Chrysler Media Services LLC

That is a good bit of info. I love me some Mopar!!!

Very interesting trival..... I love my 5 Mopars!!! (including my Dodge Neon)

The first ever R/T was the 67 Coronet with the 440 available as a convertible or hardtop.

Also the first Super Bee was a 68 Coronet with the same 440. You could add the six-pack or get the Hemi. It was available only in 2 door coupe or hardtop, no convertible.

ok not so sure thats Mopar history, more Dodge history, but still cool :)