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  Dodge Challenger Story - Page 10

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Read the German Version

 


 
 

Western Sport Special Edition
 

The "Western Sport Special" option was first introduced with the 1969 Dodge Dart. In 1970, it was offered for the base Challenger. The WSS package included various special features at a discounted price. It became available in mid-December 1969 for the regions of Los Angeles and San Francisco, with all units being produced in Los Angeles.
 



383er Dodge Challenger WSS Survivor


The code for the WSS (Western Sport Special) option is A91. The price for this package was $199.50. According to some sources, it appears that initially WSS Challengers were delivered with the code JH21, but this was soon discontinued. However, this is unclear.


Das WWS
includes the following

  • Western Sport Special decals on the rear fenders (usually?)
  • Vinyl roof
  • Woodgrain instrument panel
  • Remote control mirror
  • Bumper guards with ruber inserts
  • Rim Blow steering wheel
  • Sill mouldings
  • Belt mouldings
  • Front splash pan scoop
  • Cowl moulding
  • Rear taillight Astrotone applique
  • Pedal dress-up kit
  • F78x14 inch white side wall tires
  • 14’’ Rallye wheels
     



WSS - Decal on the rear fenders



Interieur - Rimblow steering wheel und wood grain
instrument panel


 

This package was only available for the base Challenger. There are no known examples for the R/T version or the T/A version. The engine options ranged from the 6-cylinder to the 383 Magnum, with the 318 being the most commonly used engine.

There are reports of a WSS Challenger equipped with the A66 340 Performance Package. There have been rumors that the T/A version of the Challenger was also equipped with the WSS option, but this seems unrealistic. All Challenger T/As were produced in Hamtramck, while the WSS Challengers were manufactured in the LA production facility.

This is not a contradiction because all T/A Challengers were produced in a single run in Hamtramck. The LA plant would not have been able to produce a T/A, and it would have been too much effort.

Galen Govier mentioned in MCG (Mopar Collector's Guide) from November 1992 that he had seen a T/A WSS, a B5 blue one with all options. However, the A91 code was not present on the fender tag. It's likely that the options were added by the owner or installed by the Dodge dealer to enhance the sale of the T/A.

Since Govier's statement, who went from being a Mopar super-guru to having his reputation diminished in the scene due to unprofessional vehicle analyses, there isn't much to rely on.

Based on the latest information, it is a widely held belief that all WSS Challengers were exclusively built in LA. However, this has been disproven, and at least two documented WSS Challengers have been found to be built in Hamtramck. So, it's not far-fetched to consider that a special WSS Challenger T/A might have been produced as well.



Hier are some very impressive pictures of the WSS Challenger T/A ...
 

Found and cleared of snow
 
       
Western Special "Decal" has likely been affixes to the Duck Tail Spoiler for many years
 
 
Typical WSS Options ...
 



The approximate production figures:

Engine

WSS Production Figures

225 slant six

145

318 cui

1066

383 cui

381

340 T/A

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