Though concealed among the palm trees and coastal wind, Melbourne, Florida may be recognized for its gorgeous beaches and mild temperature is a real automotive icon – a magnificent 1970 Dodge Challenger.

Introduced in 1970, the second-generation Challenger is generally considered as one of the most recognizable and appealing muscle vehicles ever made. The Challenger rapidly established itself in American automotive history with its bold appearance, strong engine choices, and renowned performance capabilities.

This specific example relates to local resident Sarah Hawkins, who has owned the car for more than ten years. “I’ve always been a Mopar fanatic, but there’s just something about the 1970 Challenger that speaks to me,” Hawkins adds grinningly. “The styling is merely unmatched – it’s pure automotive art.”

Finished in a vivid shade of Plum Crazy purple, a hallmark color of the time, Hawkins’ Challenger is Benevolently under the tall, sculpted hood lurks a powerful 4-speed manual transmission-driven 424 cubic inch “Hemi” V8 engine with astounding 425 horsepower. “This car is absolutely a beast,” Hawkins says. “The way it accelerates, the sound of that Hemi-it’s experience is simply not replicable.”

Always attracting a throng of enthusiasts, the Challenger has been a regular feature at neighbourhood car displays and cruise evenings across Melbourne. “People just can’t believe their eyes when they see this car,” notes Hawkins. “I’m privileged to be the caretaker of this real piece of muscle car excellence.”

Actually, many people agree that the 1970 Dodge Challenger is among the most iconic and appealing muscle vehicles ever made. And in Melbourne, Florida, a city bathed in sunlight, this particular exemplar has found the ideal habitat, a real monument to the ongoing history of American automotive greatness.