The records indicate that the first 66,121 Challengers were delivered as '70 models and that the last 11,354 left the factory as the car died partway through the '74 model year. Total up all the years, and only 157,735 Challengers were built (at least until the name was unceremoniously slapped on Dodge's version of a Mitsubishi four-cylinder coupe in the early '80s). Ironically, right after Dodge killed the car, ponycar sales went up for the rest of the '70s with Camaro and Firebird having some of their best sales years ever.

Timing will be critical to the Copperhead's success if it ever goes into production and, like the Challenger in its day, it may be arriving late for the party-after cars like the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes SLK, and BMW Z3. But Walling points out that the two-seater love-fest began a long time ago. "This is an ongoing party," he says, smiling. "It really started back about 40 or so years ago. This isn't like the next minivan, where you sell a million and a half in the segment. What we're doing is making a whole new recipe to serve fashionably late."

Late arrivals often make the biggest entrance. When the Challenger appeared, it couldn't be ignored. If the Copperhead makes a similar appearance, it will be just as unforgettable. A definite "winner."

TECH DATA
Dodge Copperhead Concept
POWERTRAIN
Engine type	60° V-6, DOHC
Engine type	4 valves/cyl.
Displacement, ci/cc	167/2736
Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net	.220 @ 6000
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net	188 @ 4900
Horsepower/liter	72.6

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase, in./mm	110/2794
Track, f/r, in./mm	60.0/60.4/1524/1534
Length, in./mm	167.0/4242
Height, in./mm	49.7/1262
Base curb weight, lb	3500

PERFORMANCE
Acceleration, sec 0-60 mph	6.8 (est. )
Standing quarter mile, sec/mph	15.4 @ 93.0 (est. )
Top speed	135 (est. )

PRICE
Base price	$29,895 (est. )
Price as tested	$32,575 (est. )

TECH DATA
'70 Dodge Challenger R/T SE 440-6
POWERTRAIN
Engine type	90° V-8, OHV,
	2 valves/cyl.
Displacement, ci/cc	440/7216
Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net	.390 @ 4700
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net	490 @ 3200

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase, in./mm	110/2794
Track, f/r, in./mm	59.7/60.7/1516/1541
Length, in./mm	191.3/4859
Height, in./mm	51.3/1303
Base curb weight, lb	3720 (est. )

PERFORMANCE
Acceleration, sec 0-60 mph	5.9 (est. )
Standing quarter mile, sec/mph	14.4 @ 100
Top speed	110 (est. )

PRICE
Price new	$4200 (est. )
Price as tested	$30,000