I lived through the 1960s and 1970s muscle car years. Finding a T/A Challenger or an AAR Cuda on the street wasn't easy. You saw a bit of everything else but thses were rare even back then on a Friday night in muscle car towns..
I turned my 72 318 into a faux 340. If memory serves me right, the 340 was just a worked over 318. Mine needed a valve job and at the same time, I found a 4 barrel intake manifold in a flea market, so I decided to make a fake 340. I had them open up the heads a bit (which was an option), put on the 4 barrel intake and a Holly 650 and stuck in forged high lift cam with better lifters. The thing screamed. Man, that was fun to drive. I eventually sold it but had the pleasure to see the new owner driving around my neighborhood for years.
This video is about the most desirable configuration for a '70 Mopar ponycar. a challenger with 340 6-pack. Leave the Hemi to the Charger -- the Challenger likes to corner and that Hemi weighed a ton. Plus its power overwhelmed the Challenger. The 340 was the ideal powerplant for this chassis. And the 'Cuda version was no slouch either. When I was a teenager the local Chrysler dealer gave my Dad a 340 'Cuda for a week just to try out. (They were hunting and drinking buddies.) My Dad let me "take it to the car wash" a couple times. I can still recall how strong that 340 4-barrel was, even with a Torqueflight. My Dad was more into Euro cars and didn't buy it. Years before when I was a tyke our Chrysler dealer tried to entice my Dad with was a '62 Chrysler 300 letter car. It was supercharged I believe. I was just a little kid but loved cars already and still remember our dealer flooring it as he went past our house -- that thing got up and roared. But, no sale.
In 1992 I bought a Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger T/A from the parking lot of 7-Eleven in Detroit for $2000. I still have it stored in my mom's garage and Never thought it would be worth this much. I don't forsee myself ever selling it , it has too many memories for me now. I drive it once a month and it still pures like a kitten😊
I bought a new 'Cuda back in 1972. But if I still owned that car or this one, I'd take them to the Woodward Cruise every August in the northern Detroit suburb of Royal Oak Michigan...the largest car show in the world! And even with thousands of other muscle cars, this would still be a standout!!
@Sidney Celeste I had to sell it 1 year after I bought it! I was 20 years old. Even though it was completely stock from the factory, it had a thirsty Carter Thermoquad carburetor (gigantic 2.5 inch secondaries) and only got 6 miles per gallon. I lived on my own, attended college, and I couldn't afford the gas!
I owned on of these T/A Challengers in 86/87. Mine was Hemi Orange (orange-red), with black stripes and black interior. It was an original 727 Automatic car. It was also used as a drag car for most of its life prior to me obtaining it. Unfortunately, for its drag duty, the original 727 had been removed and replaced with an 833 4-Speed with Pistol Grip shifter. The original 340 engine block was gone, along with the megaphone exhaust tips. Since the drivetrain was no longer numbers matching, I was able to afford to buy the car, as an 18 year old, fresh out of high school.. Being an ex-drag car, the body was straight as an arrow! Which was extremely unusual for an unrestored car, even back then. Mine had the two piece chin spoilers on the front, that the car in the video lacks.
The job of auto to 4 sp nightmare. floor pan not the same. Friend and I beat the hell for room. Two dumb kids it worked, at the time we in our on mines it was the only pistol 4 sp se rt in the world. Later 4 to auto in AAR cuda.kids they know it all. If we knew then what know now. Mopar Memorys
My favorite pony cars are the Challenger T/A and AAR Cuda. This one looks particularly awesome in black with the black steelies and dog dish caps. One of my favorite cars in the Brothers Collection so far
If I had one of these T/A Challengers, I'd drive it about 2,000 miles per summer, never in the rain. If it was ever on a trailer, it would be because something was broken. These cars can be enjoyed best by driving them, not looking at them in a museum.
I currently own a modern Challenger SRT. So the first day would take 100 pictures of the T/A @ the SRT together:) then I would put the SRT up for a week & take the T/A on a week long road Trip & let that 340 sing
When it comes to looks, there's nothing that comes close to these challenger TAs! I had 3, and loved owning, driving far better than my RRs and Cuda's. Not the fastest but definitely the baddest look
If I owned that, it would be my "dying" car. Meaning someone would have to die in order to get it next. My current "dying" car is my 2012 HEMI R/T somewhat T/A car from the factory. It came with a non-functional T/A hood, (which I made fully-functional with a MoPar cold air-intake and MoPar hood pins) a basic stick looking 6-speed stick, (which I changed into a MoPar pistol grip shifter) 20" chrome wheels (which I changed into 20" black rims to match my pitch black clear coat paint) a chin spoiler, a go-wing rear spoiler, and satin strobe decals on both sides of my Challenger R/T. You can see why I considerate a somewhat T/A. It may not have a 340cu.in. but, it sure has a less torque-y HEMI 345cu.in fuel injector!
Kevin I got a question for you you do great information and all the cars you showed but today's cars the fuel is for what's made today but back in the muscle car are you straight gas can you use today's fuel in these cars
What would i do if I had one? What kind of question is that? I would keep it and cherish it. I also think I would have to drive it some times. Its not a painting, though it is beautiful. This car is more like a stallion that has something only appreciated from it's back at a full gallop, when it leans forward into it's strongest run. I would drive it gently of course!..
Challenger T/A was a great car, but isn't underpowered with a 340 small block? Should have been built with the 383 that was the standard Roadrunner block, it would be a monster at the track. The 1969 Mach 1 Mustang power plant was a 351 cu. in.Cleveland V8. I would say the Mach 1 would have the Mach 1 would have outrun the Challenger T/A in the quarter mile.
With a T/A Challenger and a AAR Cuda in the garage, I'd annoy and harass all the Porsches etc., etc., plus the boy racers in town....wouldn't you? 😉😆😂😎
Having driven one I can attest that even for the 4-barrel, its horsepower rating was low. This baby likes to rev and puts out well over 300 hp at the crank.
I cloned my 2012 challenger RT to appear and handle like the TA from the 70s To me one of the best looking muscle cars around. I'm always having to explain about the trans am races from the past. would to see that type of racing make a come back
I lived through the 1960s and 1970s muscle car years. Finding a T/A Challenger or an AAR Cuda on the street wasn't easy. You saw a bit of everything else but thses were rare even back then on a Friday night in muscle car towns..
One of the nicest and most efficient Hood Scoops of all time!
I would park this beauty right beside my '17 GoMango TA392!
Thanks for the history! Loved the video.
Baddest looking muscle car ever manufactured Period! Nothing compared, Ever!
I turned my 72 318 into a faux 340. If memory serves me right, the 340 was just a worked over 318. Mine needed a valve job and at the same time, I found a 4 barrel intake manifold in a flea market, so I decided to make a fake 340. I had them open up the heads a bit (which was an option), put on the 4 barrel intake and a Holly 650 and stuck in forged high lift cam with better lifters. The thing screamed. Man, that was fun to drive. I eventually sold it but had the pleasure to see the new owner driving around my neighborhood for years.
You always show cars I would love to own
This video is about the most desirable configuration for a '70 Mopar ponycar. a challenger with 340 6-pack. Leave the Hemi to the Charger -- the Challenger likes to corner and that Hemi weighed a ton. Plus its power overwhelmed the Challenger. The 340 was the ideal powerplant for this chassis.
And the 'Cuda version was no slouch either. When I was a teenager the local Chrysler dealer gave my Dad a 340 'Cuda for a week just to try out. (They were hunting and drinking buddies.) My Dad let me "take it to the car wash" a couple times. I can still recall how strong that 340 4-barrel was, even with a Torqueflight. My Dad was more into Euro cars and didn't buy it. Years before when I was a tyke our Chrysler dealer tried to entice my Dad with was a '62 Chrysler 300 letter car. It was supercharged I believe. I was just a little kid but loved cars already and still remember our dealer flooring it as he went past our house -- that thing got up and roared. But, no sale.
The first one I have seen in triple black and it looks sweet!!!
ture said the same!
In 1992 I bought a Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger T/A from the parking lot of 7-Eleven in Detroit for $2000. I still have it stored in my mom's garage and Never thought it would be worth this much. I don't forsee myself ever selling it , it has too many memories for me now. I drive it once a month and it still pures like a kitten😊
I bought a new 'Cuda back in 1972. But if I still owned that car or this one, I'd take them to the Woodward Cruise every August in the northern Detroit suburb of Royal Oak Michigan...the largest car show in the world! And even with thousands of other muscle cars, this would still be a standout!!
@Sidney Celeste I had to sell it 1 year after I bought it! I was 20 years old. Even though it was completely stock from the factory, it had a thirsty Carter Thermoquad carburetor (gigantic 2.5 inch secondaries) and only got 6 miles per gallon. I lived on my own, attended college, and I couldn't afford the gas!
I guess I would sit at home detailing it all day. What a beautiful stance this car has.
Another great video and wealth of information Kevin. Thanks!
I owned on of these T/A Challengers in 86/87. Mine was Hemi Orange (orange-red), with black stripes and black interior. It was an original 727 Automatic car. It was also used as a drag car for most of its life prior to me obtaining it. Unfortunately, for its drag duty, the original 727 had been removed and replaced with an 833 4-Speed with Pistol Grip shifter. The original 340 engine block was gone, along with the megaphone exhaust tips. Since the drivetrain was no longer numbers matching, I was able to afford to buy the car, as an 18 year old, fresh out of high school.. Being an ex-drag car, the body was straight as an arrow! Which was extremely unusual for an unrestored car, even back then. Mine had the two piece chin spoilers on the front, that the car in the video lacks.
The job of auto to 4 sp nightmare. floor pan not the same. Friend and I beat the hell for room. Two dumb kids it worked, at the time we in our on mines it was the only pistol 4 sp se rt in the world. Later 4 to auto in AAR cuda.kids they know it all. If we knew then what know now. Mopar Memorys
I'd drive it like I stole it. Hop on the freeway and put the hammer down.
My favorite pony cars are the Challenger T/A and AAR Cuda. This one looks particularly awesome in black with the black steelies and dog dish caps. One of my favorite cars in the Brothers Collection so far
The love for this car is so strong that there are CURRENTLY zero dislikes :}
If I had one of these T/A Challengers, I'd drive it about 2,000 miles per summer, never in the rain. If it was ever on a trailer, it would be because something was broken. These cars can be enjoyed best by driving them, not looking at them in a museum.
I currently own a modern Challenger SRT. So the first day would take 100 pictures of the T/A @ the SRT together:) then I would put the SRT up for a week & take the T/A on a week long road Trip & let that 340 sing
this is an amazing challenger one of my favorite muscle car just looks so amazing i would daily drive this thing
these guys have some amazing cars. how many do they have in their collection??
Outstanding car!!!!!!!!
Love the braille stripes
When it comes to looks, there's nothing that comes close to these challenger TAs! I had 3, and loved owning, driving far better than my RRs and Cuda's. Not the fastest but definitely the baddest look
Damn sweet rides.
old memories
What would I do with a car like that how many times and ways can you say happy....... wow
where's the split front spoiler??
If I owned that, it would be my "dying" car. Meaning someone would have to die in order to get it next. My current "dying" car is my 2012 HEMI R/T somewhat T/A car from the factory. It came with a non-functional T/A hood, (which I made fully-functional with a MoPar cold air-intake and MoPar hood pins) a basic stick looking 6-speed stick, (which I changed into a MoPar pistol grip shifter) 20" chrome wheels (which I changed into 20" black rims to match my pitch black clear coat paint) a chin spoiler, a go-wing rear spoiler, and satin strobe decals on both sides of my Challenger R/T. You can see why I considerate a somewhat T/A. It may not have a 340cu.in. but, it sure has a less torque-y HEMI 345cu.in fuel injector!
Kevin I got a question for you you do great information and all the cars you showed but today's cars the fuel is for what's made today but back in the muscle car are you straight gas can you use today's fuel in these cars
No you'll burn up the valves with today's pump gas. It will run but not very well and not for too long
God I love Mopars!!!
What would i do if I had one? What kind of question is that? I would keep it and cherish it. I also think I would have to drive it some times. Its not a painting, though it is beautiful. This car is more like a stallion that has something only appreciated from it's back at a full gallop, when it leans forward into it's strongest run. I would drive it gently of course!..
Thanks for the info Jeremy I figure is today's gas sucks muscle cars run on high octane my Duster 340 was 103 octane otherwise it wouldn't run
Awesome!
I grew up a Mustang mach 1 guy, but this car is bad to the bone !!!!!!
Challenger T/A was a great car, but isn't underpowered with a 340 small block? Should have been built with the 383 that was the standard Roadrunner block, it would be a monster at the track. The 1969 Mach 1 Mustang power plant was a 351 cu. in.Cleveland V8. I would say the Mach 1 would have the Mach 1 would have outrun the Challenger T/A in the quarter mile.
With a T/A Challenger and a AAR Cuda in the garage, I'd annoy and harass all the Porsches etc., etc., plus the boy racers in town....wouldn't you? 😉😆😂😎
I would not recommend annoying the Porsches in the twisties.
The torque rating at the 3.43 time is wrong. It was not 290. The regular 340 4 barrel was 340 lb/ft, so this was a bit more.
Having driven one I can attest that even for the 4-barrel, its horsepower rating was low. This baby likes to rev and puts out well over 300 hp at the crank.
According to Mighty Mopars, 345 lb ft at 3,400 rpm.
Do donuts in a sideshow is what I'd do with that challenger.
I' d Repl.the Heads W/ 360's, If That Would Work ,& Oversize the Valves & Presto, A Bigger Beast SB.
The Challenger was always a nicer design than the 'Cuda, but never had the name recognition
Talk about murdered out. Lol way before it was even a thing
I'd burn them tire stickers off then fix that center left side taillight bulb that's burnt out.
👍❤️🔥
should do a video of the cosworth vega..
I also would drive it and enjoy owning it all the way to the grave.
I will race it!!!!!!!!!!
I would drive the shit out of that car !!!
It's not a story....you pay for using a copy right...gm likewise paid Beretta the gun company a royalty for each Beretta car produced.
these cars were slugs,made a lot of noise,but didnt move
Mopar 340 was as fast or faster than Chevy ,Buick , Olds 350 or Ford 351. Some of these small blocks could shame a big block.
John Dillinger,U Didn't Read Enough CAR MAGS,While Incarcerated :Intake Valves on Heads Were Almost As Big As BB'S, HP Was very Underated
They ran a 14 second quarter mile bone stock on bias ply tires. Not what I'd call a slug. Faster than some big blocks and much better handling too
Love the car but I hear they handled curves poorly due to mismatched tires sizes.
I cloned my 2012 challenger RT to appear and handle like the TA from the 70s To me one of the best looking muscle cars around. I'm always having to explain about the trans am races from the past. would to see that type of racing make a come back
Oh and I would drive it till my last days MOPAR
Fat Rat your loss man