1970-1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Cotton T-Shirt

The 1970-1971 Dodge Challenger R/T achieved fame by offering the widest range of high-performance powertrain options in the pony car segment. Built on Chrysler's E-body platform, it was engineered specifically to house massive big-block V8 engines, dominating drag strips and stoplight acceleration runs.

Engine options peaked with the high-performance 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8, designated under option code E74. This naturally aspirated overhead-valve powerplant utilized a 90-degree layout and dual four-barrel Carter carburetors. It produced an official 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 490 lb-ft of torque.

The R/T utilized a unibody chassis equipped with heavy-duty longitudinal front torsion bars and rear leaf springs, a setup optimized for straight-line stability. Power was sent through a standard three-speed manual, a TorqueFlite automatic, or a heavy-duty A833 four-speed manual to a Dana 60 rear axle.

Dodge produced 18,512 Challenger R/T models in 1970 and 4,892 in 1971, making them highly prized by modern collectors. Replacing the Dart GTS as Dodge's premier performance model, this first-generation platform was ultimately succeeded by the personal-luxury Charger SE after 1974.