Dodge Charger (B-body)
There have been a number of vehicles to carry the charger plate, but in general the name denotes a role model in the range of Dodge. From 1966 to 1974 were the Chargers high-performance B-body models. From 1975 to 1978 Chargers were based on the Chrysler Cordoba.
1966
Carl "CAM" Cameron is the designer of the exterior of the new flagship of Dodge vehicle, and January 1, 1966, viewers of the Rose Bowl were first introduced to the new "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion", 1966 charger. The shipper of the introduction coincided with the introduction of the new version of the 426 Street Hemi. Finally, Dodge would have the performance image to agree with this engine performance.
Charger 1966 as the features go, the "electric shaver" grille used fully rotating headlights that when opened or closed made the grille look like a single piece. Inside, the Charger used four individual seats with a full length console from front to back. The console and the rear seats folded forward also pad and the trunk divider dropped, allowing for lots of cargo room inside. Many other things were exclusive to the shipper and the door panels, courtesy lights and instrument panel.
The instrument panel was especially interesting as regular bulbs are not used to light the gauges. Instead four electroluminescent dash pods housed the tachometer, speedometer, alternator, fuel and tempature gauges. At the back the whole length of tail CARGADOR read.
The V8 engine selection was all. A six-cylinder does not make the list of options until 1968. In 1966 four engines were offered: the base model 318 in ³ 2-barrel V8, the truck home at 361 ³ 2-barrel, the 383 4-barrel, and the new 426 Street Hemi. Most chargers 1966 ordered the 325-hp 383.
Total production in 1966 reached 37,344 units, which was a success for introduction in mid-year.
In 1966 Dodge took the Charger into NASCAR in hopes that the fastback would make their car a winner in the high banks. But the car has proven 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 under it, causing the car to act like a giant airplane wing. Later, the drivers say "it was like driving on ice." To solve this problem Dodge installed a small lip spoiler on the trunk lid which improved traction at speeds exceeding 150 mph. They also had to make a dealer-installed option in late 1966 and through 1967 because of NASCAR rules (with small quarter panel extensions in 1967). 1966 Charger was the first production vehicle in the U.S. to have a spoiler. David Pearson, driving a # 6 Cotten Owens-prepared Charger, went on to win the NASCAR Grand National championship in 1966 with 14 first-place finishes.
There have been a number of vehicles to carry the charger plate, but in general the name denotes a role model in the range of Dodge. From 1966 to 1974 were the Chargers high-performance B-body models. From 1975 to 1978 Chargers were based on the Chrysler Cordoba.
1966
Carl "CAM" Cameron is the designer of the exterior of the new flagship of Dodge vehicle, and January 1, 1966, viewers of the Rose Bowl were first introduced to the new "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion", 1966 charger. The shipper of the introduction coincided with the introduction of the new version of the 426 Street Hemi. Finally, Dodge would have the performance image to agree with this engine performance.
Charger 1966 as the features go, the "electric shaver" grille used fully rotating headlights that when opened or closed made the grille look like a single piece. Inside, the Charger used four individual seats with a full length console from front to back. The console and the rear seats folded forward also pad and the trunk divider dropped, allowing for lots of cargo room inside. Many other things were exclusive to the shipper and the door panels, courtesy lights and instrument panel.
The instrument panel was especially interesting as regular bulbs are not used to light the gauges. Instead four electroluminescent dash pods housed the tachometer, speedometer, alternator, fuel and tempature gauges. At the back the whole length of tail CARGADOR read.
The V8 engine selection was all. A six-cylinder does not make the list of options until 1968. In 1966 four engines were offered: the base model 318 in ³ 2-barrel V8, the truck home at 361 ³ 2-barrel, the 383 4-barrel, and the new 426 Street Hemi. Most chargers 1966 ordered the 325-hp 383.
Total production in 1966 reached 37,344 units, which was a success for introduction in mid-year.
In 1966 Dodge took the Charger into NASCAR in hopes that the fastback would make their car a winner in the high banks. But the car has proven 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 under it, causing the car to act like a giant airplane wing. Later, the drivers say "it was like driving on ice." To solve this problem Dodge installed a small lip spoiler on the trunk lid which improved traction at speeds exceeding 150 mph. They also had to make a dealer-installed option in late 1966 and through 1967 because of NASCAR rules (with small quarter panel extensions in 1967). 1966 Charger was the first production vehicle in the U.S. to have a spoiler. David Pearson, driving a # 6 Cotten Owens-prepared Charger, went on to win the NASCAR Grand National championship in 1966 with 14 first-place finishes.