Pritch asks a collector for some help deciding
The Charger has created a lot of mixed reactions since it came to market. Despite tons of positive press and praise, many die hard fans of the old model complain about its two extra doors. A Charger was never a 4 door car, and the resulting dilemma is whether a pair of extra doors ruins such a timeless American automotive namesake.
Some Charger fans are appalled. Still others say that the new Charger is a fantastic machine, just not one befitting of its name. How do I know this? My review time with one red R/T test car consisted of heavily conversing with often intensely emotional men twice my age and asking them what they thought.
With the SRT8 designated model threatening to take down similarly powered euro-rockets worth twice as much, and the upcoming Challenger to only wear a pair of doors, it's apparent that Dodge is back into the musclecar scene in a really big way. Question is- does the new Charger do its daddy proud?
Well, maybe you've had kids since you last owned a Charger. Now, you can bring them along in the back with you, where they'll be safer and more comfortable than in your old one. You can even drive this one safely in the winter- not so much the case as in the past. The use of technology has created a user friendly, comfortable and dare I say it even economical way to be propelled around by a few hundred horsepower.
Chargers of old were big, heavy, thirsty, noisy machines that embodied American muscle and a time of cheap fuel and weekend drive-in's and drag races. They were radical looking, aggressive, angry cars with a front end that would send lesser vehicles scurrying for the slow lane. Bearing this all in mind, one must ask, what makes a car a legend? Is it power? Performance? The look? Or something deeper?
To answer this question, I needed some help. When I was young, a Dodge Charger was a small, front wheel drive four cylinder powered hatchback. I'm from 1982, so having missed out on the musclecar era by a few years myself, I had to go searching for an expert to help show me the light.
Ken Jones fit the description. Residents of Sudbury Ontario, he and his brother own a few Chargers: his favorites being the 68, 69 and 71 models.
Winning races is an important part of earning legendary status he tells me, and the old Charger had no trouble with this regard: piloted by Richard Petty, the Charger was unstoppable on the NASCAR circuit.
The look is another factor that can clear a space for a car in the history books- the Charger turned heads wherever it was seen, and still does, old or new.
Jones says "When I bought my bright red 71 back in 2000, I was amazed at the reaction the car received. Whether it was a couple of 7 year old boys, who just witnessed a living and breathing Hot Wheels car escape from its packaging or a pair of 60 something ladies, who quickly touch each other on the arm and point excitedly."
There aren't many cars in this price range anymore that can still draw as much attention.
The Charger has created a lot of mixed reactions since it came to market. Despite tons of positive press and praise, many die hard fans of the old model complain about its two extra doors. A Charger was never a 4 door car, and the resulting dilemma is whether a pair of extra doors ruins such a timeless American automotive namesake.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
With the SRT8 designated model threatening to take down similarly powered euro-rockets worth twice as much, and the upcoming Challenger to only wear a pair of doors, it's apparent that Dodge is back into the musclecar scene in a really big way. Question is- does the new Charger do its daddy proud?
Well, maybe you've had kids since you last owned a Charger. Now, you can bring them along in the back with you, where they'll be safer and more comfortable than in your old one. You can even drive this one safely in the winter- not so much the case as in the past. The use of technology has created a user friendly, comfortable and dare I say it even economical way to be propelled around by a few hundred horsepower.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
To answer this question, I needed some help. When I was young, a Dodge Charger was a small, front wheel drive four cylinder powered hatchback. I'm from 1982, so having missed out on the musclecar era by a few years myself, I had to go searching for an expert to help show me the light.
 |
| Ken Jones with old Charger and new Charger. (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Winning races is an important part of earning legendary status he tells me, and the old Charger had no trouble with this regard: piloted by Richard Petty, the Charger was unstoppable on the NASCAR circuit.
The look is another factor that can clear a space for a car in the history books- the Charger turned heads wherever it was seen, and still does, old or new.
Jones says "When I bought my bright red 71 back in 2000, I was amazed at the reaction the car received. Whether it was a couple of 7 year old boys, who just witnessed a living and breathing Hot Wheels car escape from its packaging or a pair of 60 something ladies, who quickly touch each other on the arm and point excitedly."
There aren't many cars in this price range anymore that can still draw as much attention.