Rare and Stunning: Brazilian-Made 1975 Dodge Charger R/T Spotted in the US
Dodge originally introduced the Charger for the 1966 model year. The nameplate remained in continuous production until 1978, spawning four generations. And needless to say, most of us think about the 1966-to-1971 golden-era versions whenever we hear the name Charger. But this badge extends beyond the US-built intermediate.
Chrysler also offered a Charger model in Australia. However, this muscle car had nothing in common with the American B-body rig. It was based on the Chrysler Valiant, a locally produced version of the Plymouth compact wearing the same badge. It didn't have a Dodge emblem either; it was sold as the Chrysler Valiant Charger.
The nameplate was also offered in South America. In 1969, Dodge of Brazil introduced the Charger as a replacement for the Simca-derived Chrysler Esplanada. This version also had nothing in common with the Charger we all know and love. It was a restyled fourth-generation Dodge Dart.
Brazil wasn't the only South American country that produced and sold A-body Darts. The compact was also built in Colombia through 1977 and Argentina through 1979. Chrysler used various names in these markets, including the Valiant, Polara, and Coronado. The Charger nameplate, however, was exclusive to the Brazilian market.
Initially available only in a four-door sedan body style, the Brazilian Dart gained a two-door hardtop version in 1970. The latter was so popular that Chrysler decided to produce a sportier iteration with Charger-inspired features. Highlights included a full-width front grille, stretched C-pillars that mimicked flying buttresses, and rear fender stripes. Additionally, the range-topping model also got the iconic "R/T" badge.
Output-wise, the Brazilian-made Dart wasn't much of a powerhouse compared to the US-made Dart. While the latter got an optional big-block V8 during the golden era, the Brazilian hardtop version came with a 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8 rated at 198 horsepower. The Charger got a slightly more potent version of the LA-type small-block engine, good for 215 horses.
The Brazilian-made Charger was discontinued in 1978, and it's a rare sight almost 50 years later. Some examples have since been imported to the United States, but they're so scarce that you may not see one in the metal. And that's precisely why this yellow Charger R/T spotted at a local US car show is a big deal.
A range-topping R/T model from the 1975 model year, this South American Charger is one of only a few units spending their retirement years on US soil. It's also one of the finest examples out there because it looks flawless inside and out. Most likely the result of a comprehensive restoration, this Charger sports the correct Montego Yellow paint (similar to the more iconic Top Banana). The front grille, black stripes, and vinyl top also appear to be authentic.
It's unclear if the 318 V8 engine is entirely stock and numbers-matching, but this Charger is definitely an impressive sight. And while it may not be unique on the US car show circuit (a silver example was spotted in 2023), it's an intriguing piece of Mopar history.
Chrysler also offered a Charger model in Australia. However, this muscle car had nothing in common with the American B-body rig. It was based on the Chrysler Valiant, a locally produced version of the Plymouth compact wearing the same badge. It didn't have a Dodge emblem either; it was sold as the Chrysler Valiant Charger.
The nameplate was also offered in South America. In 1969, Dodge of Brazil introduced the Charger as a replacement for the Simca-derived Chrysler Esplanada. This version also had nothing in common with the Charger we all know and love. It was a restyled fourth-generation Dodge Dart.
Brazil wasn't the only South American country that produced and sold A-body Darts. The compact was also built in Colombia through 1977 and Argentina through 1979. Chrysler used various names in these markets, including the Valiant, Polara, and Coronado. The Charger nameplate, however, was exclusive to the Brazilian market.
Initially available only in a four-door sedan body style, the Brazilian Dart gained a two-door hardtop version in 1970. The latter was so popular that Chrysler decided to produce a sportier iteration with Charger-inspired features. Highlights included a full-width front grille, stretched C-pillars that mimicked flying buttresses, and rear fender stripes. Additionally, the range-topping model also got the iconic "R/T" badge.
Output-wise, the Brazilian-made Dart wasn't much of a powerhouse compared to the US-made Dart. While the latter got an optional big-block V8 during the golden era, the Brazilian hardtop version came with a 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8 rated at 198 horsepower. The Charger got a slightly more potent version of the LA-type small-block engine, good for 215 horses.
The Brazilian-made Charger was discontinued in 1978, and it's a rare sight almost 50 years later. Some examples have since been imported to the United States, but they're so scarce that you may not see one in the metal. And that's precisely why this yellow Charger R/T spotted at a local US car show is a big deal.
A range-topping R/T model from the 1975 model year, this South American Charger is one of only a few units spending their retirement years on US soil. It's also one of the finest examples out there because it looks flawless inside and out. Most likely the result of a comprehensive restoration, this Charger sports the correct Montego Yellow paint (similar to the more iconic Top Banana). The front grille, black stripes, and vinyl top also appear to be authentic.
It's unclear if the 318 V8 engine is entirely stock and numbers-matching, but this Charger is definitely an impressive sight. And while it may not be unique on the US car show circuit (a silver example was spotted in 2023), it's an intriguing piece of Mopar history.