As someone who loves to go out and experience the open road, the idea of taking a beautiful car on a scenic tour seems like the perfect day. Driving on long, windy roads that mimic a European countryside, along with long stretches of straight-line highways, make for the ideal place to test said cars limits, too.
However, not every type of vehicle is great for that sort of occasion. No. In fact, we'd wager that few are capable of providing the three key elements of a good GT (Grand Touring) car: (1) Speed, (2) comfort, and (3) looks that'll stun anyone wherever it goes.
Thankfully, after years of studying all types of cars, we know just what sort of vehicles to pick! Today, though, we want to narrow our scope a little bit. Instead of any ol' sports car, let's go through the 'muscle car cruiser' category.
With a search like that, we already know what we would pilot on any sort of long journey. None other than a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T - And here's why!
An Unparalleled Appearance
As we alluded to in the introduction, no good grand tourer is without an equally stunning exterior. It may not impact drivability or performance, per se, but it's crucial to many car enthusiasts all the same. After all, nobody wants to take a junker on a cross-country trip.
Needless to say, an authentic 1970 Dodge Challenger couldn't be further from a rust bucket. In fact, we'd go so far as to say that - among the many muscle cars from the same era - the Challenger's were the coolest! So long as it's well maintained, the '70s Challenger will never go out of style.
To illustrate just how beloved the Challenger is, observe its ever-increasing value over the past few decades. At release, a Dodge like the ones pictured here would set you back ~$3,900. Nowadays, you'll be lucky to find one for less than $80,000. Heck, some will top $200K!
For fifty-years, car enthusiasts have drooled over such a beautiful car. If that's not an indication of a good design, then we don't know what is.
Comfort And Power In Every Corner
As important as a good-looking appearance is in a muscle car/cruiser, you must remember that it's only a fraction of the formula. To be as highly regarded as the Dodge Challenger R/T, one must not only win beauty pageants but win races, as well.
With a 426 HEMI V8 underneath the hood of every Challenger R/T, it's safe to say that there'll be no problems with speed. On average, its V8 will pump out around 390-hp at 4,700 RPM and 490 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM. All of that culminates in a quarter-mile time of 13.7-second (hitting 105 MPH by the end). Along with those figures, the Challenger was estimated to exceed 146 MPH. It may not be much nowadays, but it was a beast back in the day.
"Can it get any better than that?!" Well, yes actually. While cruising down the long highways enjoying the sound of your roaring HEMI V8, you'll also be comfortable as can be.
As with what happened with the Ferrari F50, an otherwise outstanding sports car can be ruined with poor ride quality. Fortunately for us, the Challenger is no F50. Instead of what feels like a washing machine strapped to your spin, you'll be able to relax in relative comfort - Even if you're pushing its limits.
Top Up Or Down?
Since we've gone through the rest of the key elements that make the 1970 Dodge Challenger such a good muscle cruiser, let's (now) go over some of the smaller aspects of the R/T's that add a little extra; a 'cherry on top', if you will.
For one, the Challenger is a car that'll always be desired by the general motoring populous. Whether it be due to its speed, looks, or ride, we know its value will only increase. However, as expensive as the baseline Challenger R/T has become, it's not nearly as sought-after or costly as a convertible version of the same model.
In total, Dodge only ever commissioned five convertible versions of the classic Challenger R/T. The result was an increased demand for a special-edition vehicle, but with a supply so limited as to drive its value and prestige through the roof.
If, though, by some miracle, you find yourself behind the wheel of (or in possession of) an actual Dodge Challenger convertible, then consider yourself very lucky. Not only will you have one of the nicest muscle cars ever made, but you'll also have the privilege of being the few who can share such an experience.
So, rev up your engines, put the top down, and blare some Saturday Night Fever while you coast down the road. Now that's a true 1970's adventure.