When I was about 18 (in '74) I considered an MGB-GT, but I was too tall for it. Then I looked at the Challenger, because I liked the wide low look of the body lines. I think that the movie "Vanishing Point" with Barry Newman had something to do with it, too.....
I later (circa 1980) learned that those early Challenger type cars were cheap rattle-traps. So, I kept the GT/CS (little did we all know that those cars would be getting six-seven-figure$ now).
I like the new Challenger, but it's too little, too late in the game. The price of gas, and the move towards hybrids and fuel-effeciency will probably limit production to those who can afford the gas, prefer performance, and collect these cars like toys. But--still, you won't see the production numbers like we have with the Mustang.
The Mustang's heritage, and the "great feeling of ownership" is so strong, to this day, that GM and Mopar will never catch up.
It will be interesting to see when there is a car show somewhere, and there is a new Challenger parked next to one of our GT/CSs. Yes, we'll get more attention, I'm sure...
Watch how Ford will make a Mustang GT/H Hybrid, with BIG electric motors, and still outrun the Camaros and Challengers, using 1/3rd the gas.
Now THAT would be a true California Special!! (I've already sent the idea into Ford). The future is now.
Paul N.
