The Dodge Charger is a legendary American muscle car that first hit the market in the 1960s. The miniature shown in the photos is based on the second-generation Dodge Charger that was produced from 1968 to 1970. This generation was particularly known for its distinctive design and impressive performance. The Charger was positioned as a direct competitor to other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro and quickly became a symbol of power and speed. A notable feature of the Dodge Charger was its "Coke-Bottle" look characterized by its curved lines and wide rear fenders.
Under the hood of the Dodge Charger were various powerful engines, from a 5.2-liter V8 to the famous 7.0-liter Hemi V8. These engines offered impressive horsepower numbers, with the 7.0-liter Hemi V8 delivering up to 425 horsepower. The development of the Charger was led by engineers Harold Sparrow and Irvin Ritchie, who emphasized an aerodynamic body to ensure both speed and stability at high speeds. The vehicle featured innovative technical features such as hidden headlights and a driver cockpit heavily inspired by an aircraft cockpit.
The miniature shown in the photos is a modeled Dodge Charger in a 1/18 scale, manufactured by Ertl. It's important to note that this model car has been modified and does not represent the original Ertl product in its original form. Noteworthy in the miniature are the detailed replicas of vehicle components like the engine, which in this version is equipped with a striking tuning kit. The model's paint job is in a striking green with black accents, giving the car an aggressive yet elegant appearance. In addition to the exterior design, the model impresses with a detailed recreated interior visible through open doors.
To better understand the historical context of the Dodge Charger, it's worth looking at significant events of 1968, when the second generation was first produced. In that year, pivotal political and social changes occurred, including the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. In the music scene, the song "Hey Jude" by the Beatles was a big hit. These examples illustrate the era in which the Charger was created and how long this classic has been around. The Dodge Charger model in a 1/18 scale, belonging to the collection of Modelly member "Duster," impressively captures this era and provides collectors with a detailed representation of one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history.