The Ups And Downs Of Owning A Classic Dodge Challenger

The classic Dodge Challenger is one of the world’s most beloved and iconic cars. Nothing has ever looked quite like it before or since, making it one of the most collectible classics in the world. People just love these vehicles. 

But it’s not all good news. While these vehicles have unmistakable appeal, they also come with substantial downsides too – just like marriage. 

In this post, we take a look at some of the pros and cons of becoming an owner of this exclusive vehicle. 

Pro: Everyone Will Stare At You

Even though the original Dodge Challenger came out more than fifty years ago, that doesn’t stop people from staring at you as you drive past. Just the sight of this vehicle is enough to make people’s jaws hit the floor. Nobody can ever get used to its lines and whale-like front end. 

Con: The Cost

But, of course, if you want to own one of these puppies, you’ll have to pay a high price for the privilege. Refurbished originals sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars – sometimes more than brand new supercars from the likes of Lamborghini and Ferrari. 

Then there’s the cost of running these machines. Back in the 1970s, gas was cheap. So manufacturers didn’t invest any money in making the vehicles frugal. So the Challenger will probably only do around twenty miles to the gallon on an economic run – even less if you push it. So expect your fuel prices to be high too. 

And then there are the insurance issues. Not only are Challengers fast, but they’re also extremely valuable, pushing them up into the highest premium categories. If you decide to become an owner, you may wind up paying double the costs of the average motorist. 

Pro: They Look Great

It’s hard to argue that there is a better-looking car than the original Dodge Challenger. It’s a rare example from automotive history where a brand nailed an aesthetic. 

Keeping your Challenger looking great, however, can be a little tricky without classic car covers. The vehicle is prone to rust, particularly if you leave it outdoors unprotected.

As long as you have a strategy, though, these vehicles should look great indefinitely. 

Con: The Noise

Dodge didn’t make these cars to be quiet. In fact, when you start it up, the whole street will know that you’re setting off somewhere for the day – not ideal for people who value their privacy. 

Pro: The Performance

The base version of the original Challenger came with the Slant-6 engine. You could also then upgrade to various higher-performance engines, including the 340 V8 and the Magnum V8. The range-topping cars all came with the giant 426 Hemi engine which positively roared when you put the foot down, and eventually became the engine that Dodge used in NASCAR. 

Suffice to say, the performance of the Challenger was epic and certainly matched the car’s looks. Even fifty years ago, the vehicle would easily go 150 mph. And with a few modifications, some owners even pushed them over 180 mph. As for cornering – well, that’s a different story.