Timing is everything. Unfortunately, Chrysler had terrible timing with its Dodge Challenger. Stricter environmental regulations and increasing gas prices pretty much marked the end of the muscle car segment in the early 1970s, the exact time that Chrysler introduced its Challenger. After five years of so-so and then miserable sales, 1974 was the last year for the Dodge Challenger.

The 1974 models were virtually unchanged since 1972 and its sad face grille. The 360 V8 engine replaced the 340 mid-year 1973 and was the only model that exhibited any power, at 245 bhp. The standard model was still the 318, 150 bhp. Only 16,000 Challengers were made this year, more than half of what was produced in 1973.

The Challenger would reappear as a Japanese-made coupe in 1978. Today, the rarity of the 1970-74 models has increased its value in nostalgic collectors' eyes. The old cliche rings true -- they just don't make 'em like that anymore.