This interesting image captures the spirit of the musclecars in a wonderful way.
The Dodge Charger
was a model of car produced by Dodge. The 1966 to 1974 Chargers were sporty
models based on the Chrysler B platform that could be ordered with
high-performance options. The 1975 to 1978 Chargers were based on the Chrysler
Cordoba. The Dodge Charger R/T was one of the largest muscle cars available in
the 1970s. In 1964, when the Pontiac GTO started the American muscle car era
with strong sales, the rest of GM's divisions were quick to jump on the muscle
car bandwagon. Buick followed with the Gran Sport and even Oldsmobile brought
out the 442. Dodge, despite putting out cars that could meet or beat these cars
on the street or strip, didn't have a performance image muscle car of their
own. Even with available performance engines, the Coronet's styling and image
was considered by most to be "conservative." Burt Bouwkamp, Chief
Engineer for Dodge during the 1960s and one of the men behind the Dodge
Charger, related his experience during a speech in July 2004. "Lynn
Townsend was at odds with the Dodge Dealers and wanted to do something to
please them. So in 1965 he asked me to come to his office - for the second
time. He noted that one of the Dodge Dealer Council requests was for a Barracuda
type vehicle. The overall dealer product recommendation theme was the same - we
want what
Total production in 1966 came to 37,344 units, which was
successful for the mid-year introduction. In 1966 Dodge took the Charger into
NASCAR in hopes that the fastback would make their car a winner on the
high-banks. But the car proved to have rear end lift around corners which made
it very slippery on the faster tracks. The lift was because the air actually
traveled faster over the top of the car than under it, causing the car to act
like a giant airplane wing. Drivers would later claim that "it was like
driving on ice." In order to solve this problem Dodge installed a small
lip spoiler on the trunk lid which improved traction at speeds above
As for engine options, the 440 "Magnum" was added and the 361 in³ engine was replaced by a 383 in³ engine. The 440 was conservatively rated at 375 hp (280 kW) with a single 4-barrel carburetor. The 318 two-barrel engine remained, although it was now the modern Chrysler LA engine with wedge-shaped combustion chambers, unlike the outdated 1966 polyspherical (or "poly") design. The 383 4-barrel and the 426 Street Hemi remained as options. Despite the Chargers' NASCAR racing success of 1966, sales slipped by half. In 1967 only 15,788 Chargers were sold. The Chargers faced competition from the Trans-Am Series, the Ford Mustang and the just introduced Chevrolet Camaro. Dodge decided that a major redesign was in order, rather than a minor face-lift.
This is a very nice and very rare non original photo that reflects a wonderful era of Dodge ‘s automotive history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10" (ca. 20 x 26 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Contact us for more Dodge and other automotive and musclecar photos!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected.
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.