Tuesday, August 2, 2011

1975 -1978 Dodge Charger - Fourth Generation - Muscle Car

1977 Dodge Charger Picture - Front Open Engine Cap View

The Dodge Charger was based on the Chrysler Cordoba that was beginning in 1975. The only model offered at that time is the Charger SE (Special Edition). It came with a wide variety of engines 318 cu in (5.2 L) "LA" series small block V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) big block V8. The 360 cu in (5.9 L) small block as the standard engine. It was totaled sales 30,812 in 1975.  

1977 Dodge Charger - Front Right Logo and Wheel View

NASCAR teams were forced to rely on the previous year (1974) sheetmetal for the race-spec car, due to the extreme squareness of the bodystyle. NASCAR allowed to be used sheetmetal 1974 until January 1978 when the new Dodge Magnum was ready to use race, in order for Dodge to be represented. A Dodge Charger was one of two NASCAR stock cars to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, tail-lamps and windshield wipers, having been modified with the head-lamps in 1976. It was directed by Doug and Herschel McGriff and sponsored by Olympia Beer, earning the nickname "Oly Express."

1977 Dodge Charger Interior Wheel Drive Picture
1977 Dodge Charger Picture - Front Right Open Engine Cap View

The model range was expanded to four models, Charger Sport Charger SE, base and Charger Daytona in 1976. The Sport and base models use a different body than the SE and Daytona, and were essentially a rebadging of what had been the 1975 Dodge Coronet 2 door models - and is available with a 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant Six, which was not offered on the Daytona and SE. The Charger Daytona was introduced as one package with the appearance or 400 or 360 engine. Then in 1976 sales increased slightly to 65,900 units.
 
1977 Dodge Charger Picture - Front Right View
 
1975 - 1988 Dodge V8, 5.9 L, 360 CID Rebuilt Engine

The base Charger and Charger Sport were dropped as this body style became part of the newly named B-body Monaco line, and only the Charger SE and Charger Daytona were offered in 1977. After that, sales dropped to 36,204. There were only about 2,800 Chargers were produced in 1978, after which was replaced by the similar 1978 Dodge Magnum.

1977 Dodge Charger Picture - Rear Right View

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