SerpApi.Org
It must be said: any pony car nameplate that made it from the 1960s to the 1980s has a particular rough patch that most enthusiasts are loathe to admit. Dodge fans might have the best argument to make. With memories of the E-body Challenger fresh in memory and the sound of hot small-blocks, big-blocks and the Hemi still ringing in their ears and a modern interpretation that paid true homage to the original, cars like this 1980 Dodge Challenger that is currently available for sale on Hemmings left buyers with sour feelings. One of the many joint-venture products Chrysler and Mitsubishi came together to create, the second-generation Challenger has often been derided for being a pretender to the throne, if not flat-out ignored. But with many buyers starting to turn away from newer cars for a more analog driving experience, a small four-cylinder coupe may seem more attractive.
The Mitsubishi Galant Lambda debuted in 1976 and was positioned in Mitsubishi’s lineup in what American markets would consider a personal luxury coupe. If this doesn’t seem correct for a car originally sold in the States as the Dodge Colt Challenger, then you might have forgotten the Plymouth Arrow and Fire Arrow (Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste). Chrysler had bought a 15% stake in Mitsubishi in 1971 and leaned on their Japanese counterparts to help them with smaller, fuel-efficient cars for the American market. The company had tried using some of the vehicles the Rootes Group produced in Europe (namely the Hillman Avenger, sold as the Plymouth Cricket), but Mitsubishi wanted in on the North American market and had product ready, and Chrysler was in desperate need of anything small and thrifty. A match made in heaven, it seems.
While those who were present when these cars were new certainly will have their opinions, how does the 1980 Challenger stack up in today’s market? Weighing in at 2,800 pounds at the heavier end, the second-gen Challenger is a lightweight, a critique the modern Challenger has had since it arrived in 2008. The 2.6-liter Astron engine (also known as the 4G54 and G54B) is a well-known unit, appearing in many vehicles from the late 1970s through the late 1990s. 105 horsepower and 139 ft-lb of torque certainly pales compared to both modern and original Challengers, but compared to heavier Chevrolet Camaros and a 4.2-liter V8 Mustang pushing 118 horsepower, the Mitsu-Challenger could put up a fight in its own time.
It’s a captive import from 1980 named after muscle car royalty. We understand why people have strong opinions on this car, but this is where we think the second-generation Challenger deserves a second look: the chassis would also go on to underpin the Mitsubishi Starion and the engine would continue on as well, ultimately pushing 176 horsepower in the widebody ESI-R trim). The only thing we could ask for that this car does not have is the five-speed manual transmission, but that’s a personal choice.
So, let’s recap: early 1980s looks, a four-cylinder that is fairly easy on fuel, an interior that is comfortable and well-appointed (did you notice the twin remote mirrors below the radio?) and a believed-to-be-accurate 37,309 miles on the odometer. Paperwork included. Remember what we said about the pony cars having rough patches through the 1970s? The Mustang II sold big numbers when it debuted in 1974. The Camaro got the Z28 back after a two-year hiatus, with a suspension that was better than ever. The 1980 Dodge Challenger came from a trying time when the words “fuel crisis” were steeped in reality, yet still gave small and sporting a fair shot.
The post The 1980 Dodge Challenger: A Good Car Left Behind Because Of Its Name? appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.
