What years is the E-body available in?
The E-body was available in model years 1970 through 1974. This article explains which models used the platform and the historical context for its limited run.
What is the E-body platform?
The E-body was Chrysler's two-door pony/muscle car platform introduced for early 1970s performance cars. It underpinned two well-known Mopar models in that era: the Dodge Challenger and the Plymouth Barracuda. Built to accommodate bold styling and high-performance engines while meeting evolving safety and emissions standards, the E-body is a defining example of late-1960s into early-1970s American muscle.
Model years and vehicles
Which models used the E-body and during which years? The primary two-model lineup on this platform was as follows:
- Dodge Challenger — 1970 through 1974
- Plymouth Barracuda — 1970 through 1974
Both vehicles shared the same basic architecture, with various trims such as base models, R/T/SE options for Challenger, and the 'Cuda variants for Barracuda.
End of production and historical context
Production of the E-body ended in 1974. The end of the 1970s muscle car era, regulatory changes, and shifting market demands led Chrysler to discontinue the platform after the 1974 model year.
Why did the window close?
Contributing factors included the 1973 oil crisis, tightening emission standards, rising insurance costs, and consumer preference shifts away from two-door performance cars toward more practical layouts and smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Summary
The E-body was available for model years 1970–1974, exclusively powering the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda. Its brief but influential run is marked by iconic designs and powerful performance options that remain highly sought after by collectors today.
