in

DODGE CHALLENGER 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION IS GOLD SCHOOL COOL

The Mopar Muscle Car Was Introduced In 1970

Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition
2020 Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition

Okay, Boomer. We told you that Dodge would have something in store for the 50th birthday of the Challenger, and now it’s official. The 2020 Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition is spec’d out like a muscle car greatest hits album, and is ready for fifty-candle burnout party at a Los Angeles auto show where talking points are otherwise electric cars and crossover SUVs. Or in the case of the Mustang Mach-E, both of those things.

The Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition package will be available on GT RWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and R/T Scat Pack Widebody models. Pricing for the package starts at $4,995 for the GT model, $5,495 for the R/T, and $5,995 for the Scat Pack as well as the Widebody. Dealer orders will open in December, with arrivals happening in early spring of 2020. Meanwhile, the 2020 Challenger SRT Hellcat and 2020 Challenger Hellcat Redeye models will feature a 50th Anniversary grille badge to celebrate the occasion.

Here’s a breakdown of the 50th Anniversary Package: High-impact paint (HIP) exterior colors, hand-painted satin black hood, special lights, a body-colored Shaker hood scoop, special “Gold School” wheels and unique interior details.

Like the original 1970 Challenger R/T with the Shaker hood, the 50th Anniversary Edition features an engine-mounted Hemi V8 hood scoop that grabs fresh air, and “shakes” with the movement of the powertrain. A body-color Shaker hood scoop is standard on all R/T, R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody models for the 50th Anniversary Edition. What’s more, this is the first time a Shaker hood scoop is featured on a Challenger Widebody model. The body color scoop will contrast nicely with the blacked-out hood.

The Shaker hood is complete with a modern Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box for improved airflow and performance. A “SHAKER” decal under the hood is yet another throwback to the original 1970 Challenger, and completes the look.

There are several small exterior details, as well. Air Catcher headlamps on the 2020 Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition feature LED-illuminated “50” logos, while all of the exterior logo badges appear on the grille and spoiler in new “Gold School” finish. Additionally, the fender badges are also finished in Gold School. The standard Satin Black fuel-filler door with heritage “FUEL” lettering is also present and accounted for.

Keeping with the retro theme, Gold School wheels are featured on the 50th Anniversary Edition, and vary on size based on trim level. Here’s the breakdown:
• 20-inch-by-9-inch on Challenger GT RWD and R/T Shaker models
• 20-inch-by-9.5-inch on Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker models; optional on R/T Shaker
models with Performance Plus Group
• 20-inch-by-11-inch on the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody model
The 50th Anniversary Edition also features Gunmetal brake color when fitted with Brembo brakes,
optional on GT and R/T, standard on R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody.

You may have thought up to this point that the exterior paint was also called “Gold School.” Plot twist: it’s called Gold Rush, and it joins the limited exterior paint palette of six other high impact colors that are available with the 50th Anniversary Edition, including Frostbite, Hellraisin, Sinamon Stick, TorRed, F8 Green and Go Mango.

Commemorating the original model year of the Challenger, 1970, there will be 70 numbered units of the following four models in each HIP color. See the chart below for details:

The celebration continues on the inside. Heated and ventilated black Nappa leather and Alcantara suede performance seats feature Sepia accent stitching and embroidered “50” logo seat backs. The stitch pattern continues around the instrument panel, door panels, armrest, center console lid, seat faces, and flat-bottom sueded steering wheel. More unique interior content for the Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition includes a carbon fiber IP and console bezels with a copper weave, Alcantara door bolsters featuring stitchwork, premium Berber floor mats feature an embroidered “50” logo, while a passenger-side badge displays a Challenger 50th Anniversary logo that matches the exterior color, and is individually numbered out of 70.

Finally, the 2020 Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition features a startup animation on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) screen that showcases the 1970 Challenger and unique white-faced gauges with yellow accents.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

One Comment

Leave a Reply
  1. i have the only 1 known to exist —real 1971 challenger r/t that is gold on black with the 440-6 pack and shaker with 4 speed. original owner car with the factory window sticker !………. should have displayed this car side by side at all the shows……………..

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Chevrolet Silverado

SUPERCHARGED CHEVROLET SILVERADO, GMC SIERRA ANNOUNCED FROM HENNESSEY

Electric Ford Mustang

ELECTRIC FORD MUSTANG COUPE HINTED BY BILL FORD JR.