MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant 1960-1980

Book excerpt: At the dawn of the 1960s, Chrysler Corp introduced a new kind of sophisticated family car called the Valiant. The Plymouth Valiant, and its cousin the Dodge Dart, travelled Detroit’s path from economy car to high-performance machine in style. Snazzier still, were the subsequent Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger relations that took on all comers in the pony and muscle car wars. By the mid ’70s a change of pace saw Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volaré meet the blend of economy, sports and luxury that buyers wanted. All through the years, and underpinning all models, was Chrysler Corp’s engineering excellence. Such excellence was apparent on racetracks and drag strips across the country, so too were the exploits of racing heroes that became Mopar legends. Through hard times and corporate change, Chrysler returned with the modern Hemi V8 motorvated 300s, Chargers and Challengers. The Demon still lives at Highland Park. Marc Cranswick’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject shine through in another unique homage to some of America’s most iconic cars in MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant 1960-1980.