Today's Challenger is a great reproduction by Johnny Lightning. It is officially authorized by both Dodge and Cragar. It features real rubber tires with treads mounted on classic chrome Cragar five spoke mag rims. The 1971 RT was available with a number of engines including a 425 horsepower Hemi. There were only 486 of those bad boys made. Although not a Hemi, this smaller and lighter engine put out 290 horsepower. Enough to spin this thing around in donut after donut with the stock 3-speed manual transmission. Dig the Shaker hood too. There was also an option for a 4-speed manual and a newer type of automatic transmission.

The real story today is how far Johnny Lightning came along since the 1996 version posted yesterday. The new body casting and attention to detail on this one is excellent. From the realistic tread on the real rubber tires to the Cragar authorized replica rims. The Challenger and R/T decals clear and prominent. The Chrome trim around the wheel wells, windows and front & rear side markers. Even the engine and engine compartment are more detailed as are the chrome quad exhaust pipes sticking out the rear end. The end most people see of this car on the road! No special number on the bottom but it does come with a collector card showing a picture of the real car. They are all special to me. Too special to leave cooped up in a plastic and cardboard cage. Looks better in pictures after I free it anyway, don't you think?

Please click on Pictures to get a closer view. I hope today's Challenger brings you Rainbows like it did me.