- Striking appearance
- Established performance image
- R/T was not only a badge
Many enthusiasts consider them the best-looking Mopars
The classic design of the 1968-’70 Dodge Charger body style was striking in appearance and featured clean lines, a semi-fastback roof and overall, a very sexy shape. In the day, Chargers were widely accepted by the buying public as being very “cool” cars to own and/or be seen in. Without question, Chargers from this three-year time span were among, if not the best-looking muscle cars ever to roll off a Detroit assembly line. Many enthusiasts consider them the best-looking Mopars ever built.
The late Bill Brownlie brilliantly designed the 1968-'70 Charger body. While the basic B-Body structure is based on the Dodge Coronet platform, the Charger has a look all its own. Styling emphasis was on the rear wheels with the design tapering forward to convey a forward-thrusting look. Full wheel cutouts, bulging rear fenders, racing-style fuel-filler cap mounted high up, and an integral rear lip spoiler built into the deck were among its unique features.
Plenty of clever features and tasteful lines
The Charger featured a longer, lower hood line and crafty hood vent sculpturing. Headlights were set in the grille and concealed by an eyelid type of door that automatically moves up and out of the way when the lights are turned on. The front end had a recessed grille and low-hung, built-in quasi “driving lights” that actually were parking lights/turn signals. With plenty of clever features and tasteful lines, the Charger is one sweet package!
New features for the 1970 Charger included a front bumper, which completely encircled the grille, giving the front end a new, fresh look.
The R/T option on a Charger was not only a badge; it really meant the car was a performance vehicle. Only two engine sizes were available on 1968-’70 Chargers: 440s and a Hemi. R/T versions came with special components including;
- heavy-duty torsion-air suspension as standard equipment. 0.92-inch diameter heavy-duty torsion bars
- 0.94-inch diameter sway bar
- 1.0-inch diameter heavy-duty piston shock absorbers
- heavy-duty rear leaf springs with 5 ½ leafs on left-side, and 6 on right side.
R/T Chargers had Code W21 Rally Wheels, Code W23 Road Wheels, or standard “dog dish” small-diameter hubcaps, plus a number of optional full-size hubcaps. F70x 14” fiberglass belted or F60 x 15” fiberglass belted tires were used depending on which drum or disc brake/suspension packages, and wheel/ tire options were selected.
The standard engine on Charger R/T was the 375-horsepower 440-cid “Magnum” wedge and the 426-cid Hemi was the only option. In 1970 the 440-cid “Six-Pack” 3 x 2 mill was offered to Charger buyers, and it produced 390 horsepower. The Hemi came with;
- dual Carter carbs
- 10.25:1 pistons
- huge valves 2.25-inch intake-1.94-inch exhaust
- free-flowing cast-iron exhaust headers
- fed to a 2 ½-inch dual exhaust system
This Charger painted Code FY1 “Top Banana” high-impact Yellow has had an extensive “paper chase” done on it and it has been established that the car was originally purchased by a 15-year-old kid from San Diego. This vehicle was “special ordered” with a host of desirable options. Right off the bat, the youngster marked the box where it said “E74” which specified the 426-cid Hemi engine. Next, he chose “D21” which called out for the 4-speed gear box complete with Hurst “Pistol Grip” shifter.
Chrysler offered different “Accessory Groups” back then and one was the “A33 Track Pack,” which was only available with 4-speed manual transmissions on 440-cid or Hemi applications. Code A33 included a 26” high-performance radiator with a fan shroud, standard with Hemi, Sure-Grip differential and 3.54:1 gears in the big 9 ¾” Dana rear axle. The kid checked the box.
Also new for the 1970 model year was the annoying federally-mandated ignition switch buzzer, which reminded drivers not to leave their keys in the car.
Today the owner's goal is, if possible, to someday re-unite the Top Banana Hemi with the kid, who’s now in his later years, who “brought the car to life” so to speak. Could you imagine the look on his face—if the time ever comes—when he sees this car, “his car,” some years later? That would be a “Kodak moment” to be sure.
