One-of-None 1973 Dodge Challenger T/A Is a Stroked Trickster

Naturally, Dodge released all the cool Challenger versions in 1970 and 1971, right before Chrysler discontinued nearly all of its high-performance engines. The R/T is arguably the most iconic. A performance-oriented version loaded with exclusive goodies, the R/T also came with big-block power under the hood.

Dodge offered the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8 as a base unit, while the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) was optional. The latter came in four- and six-barrel configurations. The R/T was also available with the mighty 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8, of which fewer than 400 were built through 1971.

Then there's the Challenger T/A. Developed as a homologation special, the T/A arrived for the 1970 model and enabled the Challenger to compete in the then-popular SCCA Trans Am series. Launched alongside the Plymouth AAR 'Cuda, the T/A wasn't successful on the race track but spawned a limited-edition production model.

Unlike the R/T, which was a no-nonsense muscle car with big V8 power, the T/A was more like a track-ready sports car. It featured a smaller 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) engine and a series of lightweight components. And also unlike the R/T, which remained on offer in 1971, the T/A was discontinued after the 1970 model year.

Not only a one-year gem, but the T/A is also a rare classic thanks to a production run that included just 2,399 examples. Dodge reportedly planned a 1971 version, too, but canceled the project as soon as the Challenger ended its SCCA campaign.

Come 2023, the Challenger T/A is a sought-after Mopar that fetched six-figure sums at public auctions. And because it's rare and relatively expensive, it's among the most replicated versions of the first-gen pony. The green example you see here is one of those tribute cars, and what's really cool about it is that it's based on a 1973 Challenger.

Granted, it will never be mistaken for a true-blue T/A, and it may not become popular with the hardcore Challenger crowd, but it's a unique build that looks the part. And it sure looks like no expenses were spared regarding accurate T/A goodies, paint, and period-correct parts. It has the unique scoop, the T/A stripes on the sides, and the T/A badge on the rear spoiler.

The Challenger also sports the T/A-specific "340" lettering on the front fenders, but the owner went with a "four-barrel" script to hint that this Mopar is not a true T/A. The original cars have "Six-Pack" scripts because they pack 340 V8 engines with three two-barrel carburetors.

Speaking of which, this 1973 Challenger also left the factory with a 340 lump, but the unit was stroked and now displaces 418 cubic inches (6.8 liters). It's also packed with high-performance features that increase output to nearly 500 horsepower. So, the mill is almost as big as HEMI and delivers notably more oomph. It doesn't get better than this, folks!

The fact that it also sports a High-Impact color that was no longer available in 1973 is the icing on the cake. Oh, it also sounds quite dramatic when the pedal hits the metal. Check it out in the video below.