The Dodge Challenger is a real movie star. Its major role was in the epic 1971 “Vanishing Point”, made by the so called “auteurs” working for the Warner Brothers`s corporate overlords.

“Vanishing Point” dwells on issues encompassing society vs. man. It is pastiche of “Charlotte`s Web”, “1984”, and “Fahrenheit 451”. Barry Newman plays the promiscuous Kowalski, a dishonorably discharged former cop who was given a medal of honor in Vietnam. Now, Kowalski`s main occupation is driving. He has set on a mission of transporting a supercharged Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco. Thus, Kowalski`s life centers on speed. “Everybody is after Kowalski; everybody wants a piece of his high.” Furthermore, Wal-Mart describes the action as “the ultimate chase movie”.

Another starring of the Challenger in the Audioslave`s music video for “Show Me How to Live”, a pastiche of “Vanishing Point”. What Audioslave managed to do is condensed masterfully the whole matter of “Vanishing Point” in just 4 minutes and 58 seconds. Plus, the entire audience of rock enthusiasts and fans got introduced to the Challenger.

“Vanishing Point” would definitely not be that original without the Challenger, the naked girl on the Honda CL350 Scrambler, the basket of snakes and the Delaney, Bonnie & Friends mumbo-jumbo.
Let`s talk a little bit further about this Dodge. An ideal combination would be a Jamaica blue metallic running on a 440 Six-Pak engine. Its lidded headlights, short deck, long hood gives a special allure to the Challenger.

engine Hemi V8
displacement 6981 cc / 426.0 cu in
compression 10.25:1
power 316.9 kw / 425.0 bhp @ 5000 rpm
hp per litre 60.88 bhp per litre
torque 555.89 nm / 410.0 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
drive wheels Front Engine / RWd
body / frame Unit Steel
front brakes Vented Discs
rear brakes Drums
r brake size 254 mm / 10.0 in
front wheels F 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in
rear wheels R 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in
front tire size E60x15
rear tire size E60x15
weight 1724 kg / 3801 lbs
length 4864 mm / 191.5 in
width 1943 mm / 76.5 in
height 1295 mm / 51.0 in
transmission Pistol Grip 4-Speed Manual
final drive 3.54:1
top speed 235.0 kph / 146.0 mph
0 – 1/4 mile 14.1 seconds