Moparts

Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers

Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/10/15 10:06 PM

I am looking for more information on the Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers. Like the Challenger T/A & Challenger Deputy, these cars were a mid-model year introduction.

Some background;

Supposedly as the story goes, they were the brainchild of a view dealerships in California to be built at the LA plant for California sale. The option code for the WSS package is A91 & it was available on JH hardtop cars only. (no R/Ts, convertibles or SE models)

The A91 package is supposed to include;

Western Sport Special decals on the rear quarter panels.
A63 molding package.
Front & rear bumper guards.
Pedal dress up.
Rallye wheels with 14" white wall tires.
Remote control driver side mirror.
Rim Blow steering wheel.
Wood grain instrument panel.
Vinyl roof.

Some basic facts;

All examples known to me are coded N95 which was required for a California sale.

While the intent evidently was to have all of the WSS cars built at the LA plant, at some point, likely in May of 1970 LA stopped producing E-bodies & started producing A-bodies instead. After that point, the WSS orders were built at Hamtramck.

The earliest Scheduled Production Date (SPD) from the LA plant I have seen for these cars so far is 107 (Jan 7, 1970) & the latest one I have seen is 504. (May 4, 1970)

The earliest SPD I have seen so far from the Hamtramck plant is 603. (June 3, 1970)

I am currently aware of 69 WSS Challengers from LA & another 18 from Hamtramck.

There was an article written somewhere long ago that said no 340 WSS Challengers were built, but I am aware of four of them so far, 3 from LA & one from Hamtramck.

Does anyone have a WSS Challenger before or after the SPDs mentioned at either plant?

Does anyone have any vintage ads for these cars or dealership paperwork?

If so, I would love to hear from you.

Barry
Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:19 AM

I have a WSS sold new in California but built in hamtramck.
Original paint, interior, drivetrain, build sheet, etc, have documentation from original owner,,,,
Didn't realize what it was until after I bought it and decoded it.
Car is currently under restoration.
Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:20 AM

Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:22 AM

Signed by "Rock"
Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:27 AM

Sticker on back of carpeting,,,,,

Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:29 AM

Under restoration

Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:39 AM

Wood grain, standard dash

Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:42 AM

Rim blow wheel
Posted By: 6bblgt

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 04:55 AM

Interesting that the gauge cluster has speedo & fuel gauges that would be typically found in a Barracuda not a '70 Challenger. Is this typical of WSSs?

What's the printed part numbers & dates on the back of the cluster?
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 05:28 AM

Quote:

Interesting that the gauge cluster has speedo & fuel gauges that would be typically found in a Barracuda not a '70 Challenger. Is this typical of WSSs?

What's the printed part numbers & dates on the back of the cluster?




Absolutely typical.

1970 Challengers with the standard cluster when optioned with J64 used the Barracuda Gran Coupe cluster because it was the only unit that had the mounting holes for the wood grain applique.
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 05:33 AM

Doug,
Were the WSS decals still on the car when you bought it?

For the few original examples I have seen so far, LA seems to have put them near the rear of the rear quarter while Hamtramck seems to have put them closer to the door.

If anyone has photos of their car with the original decals in place, please post them?
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 08:49 AM

Click on the attachment for some old WSS ads.

Attached File
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 08:49 AM

...

Attached File
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 08:50 AM

And some WSS Darts....

Attached File
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 08:51 AM

......

Attached File
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 08:51 AM

..........

Attached File
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 08:51 AM

..

Attached File
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 08:52 AM

.....

Attached File
Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/11/15 09:28 AM

Barry,
Unfortunately no decals on the quarters,,,I looked really hard for hints of them,,,couldn't find any.
Posted By: rarefish

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/12/15 02:03 AM

Here is a 68 WSS Dart that was on ebay last month.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Dodge-Dart-...=true&rt=nc
Posted By: mccannix

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/12/15 05:59 AM

Although you are looking for Challenger here is a 69 Dart original paint, original decals.
I can get closer shots if you like.
Not sure but I was told the decal was the same as used on Challenger

Attached picture 8457214-m4.JPG
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/13/15 04:32 PM

Thanks for the Challenger ads Diego!

I am only looking for more info on the Challengers myself, but the Dart stuff is cool too.
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/13/15 06:55 PM

Yeah, I know I went overboard. Wasn't aware it came about earlier than '69.

So it seems like it was a trim package coupled with AC? All the cars you know of have AC?
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/13/15 06:58 PM

AC was an option, it did not come on WSS Challengers as part of the package.
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/13/15 07:02 PM

OK maybe only the Dart.
Posted By: KISSAlien

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/13/15 07:39 PM

Google says Challenger WSS package contained:
- Western Sport Special decal on the rear fenders
- Vinyl roof
- Woodgrain instrument panel applique
- Remote control mirror
- Rim blow steering wheel
- Sill moldings
- Belt moldings
- Front splash pan scoop
- Rear taillight Astrotone applique
- Pedals dress-up kit
- Bumper guards w/rubber inserts
- F78x14 inch white side wall tires
- 14" Rallye wheels.
Posted By: ACR2000

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/17/15 01:33 AM

There is one: original paint,B-5 Blue, 318 auto, white top and interior,

Attached picture 8462264-20140214_163038.jpg
Posted By: ACR2000

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/17/15 01:37 AM

More

Attached picture 8462268-20140214_163108.jpg
Posted By: Quicksmopars

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/18/15 01:44 AM

My brother's a91 Challenger is a Hamtrack built car with a 701 SPD.
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/21/15 07:00 PM

I know of four so far with a 701 SPD. Three of the VINs are within 33 of each other, so there may have been a group of them ordered all at once.

One of them is also a broadcast sheet that has not been claimed yet.

Hopefully more folks register their cars to help fill in the gaps.
Posted By: Quicksmopars

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/22/15 12:30 AM

The VIN for my brother's car is JH23G0B403696. There was a buildsheet for another 318 challenger in the front seat.

The wrong one had a VIN of JH23GOB403686, may have been an a91 car as well, I will check for you Barry.

Please let me know if you find anything on my brother's car. Thanks.
Posted By: Quicksmopars

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/22/15 05:48 AM

I just checked and JH23GOB403686 is also a Western Sport Special with a SPD of 701. It has a91 and a63 in the packages box on the sheet. Hope that helps your research.

Sheet is free to owner of the car if it still exists.
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/22/15 04:53 PM

I had heard of 403686 before since you posted the broadcast sheet in the found section here back in 2007. I did not know it was a WSS though.

403696 is completely new to me, I'll send you an email, thanks!
Posted By: ahy

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/22/15 05:05 PM

Here is mine. While it had been (sort of) restored when I got it, description of options sounds correct. Mine has factory AC. Originally 318. Re-pop decals were applied based on looking at adds posted above and what looked right. I can PM VIN.

PS: this pic was taken on return from a visit to its original state of sale, CA. I ran it IL to San Diego and back.

Attached picture 8467546-DSC00983(800x327).jpg
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/22/15 05:11 PM

I have PMs disabled, so I will send you an email.

-edit-

My email to you bounced back, so can you click on my user name & then click on my email address please?
Posted By: CornDogsCharger

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 03/24/15 03:59 AM

There was one here local (Jackson, MS) a few years back, but I haven't seen it in probably 10 years. I'm not sure if it is still around or not. I will ask a few mopar guys and try to find out who owns/owned it, and if they have fender tag info.

Justin
"CornDog'







Posted By: Quapman

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 09/05/15 04:04 AM

Barry, have you seen any WSS without A/C? I was under the impression it was part of the package. I'll try to dig out my b/c sheet for you. Mine is in deep hibernation, hoping to be restored before my demise.
Posted By: wss340

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 09/09/15 10:20 PM

hello WSS fans , I own a wss 340 challenger ,I love learning as much as I can about these cars
Posted By: Rick P

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 11/13/16 05:33 AM

I have a 70 challenger, I thought it was 340 4spd Dana 60 R/T. Turns out maybe the one of one A66 A91 WSS. Loaded with stacked fender tags. Been trying to get info from Govier and Worman. I have owned it over forty years and store for many, 60k original on it. Any information? Rick
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 11/13/16 07:06 AM

Quote:
There was an article written somewhere long ago that said no 340 WSS Challengers were built, but I am aware of four of them so far, 3 from LA & one from Hamtramck.


Quoting myself from the start of this thread, there is more than one & the 'four known so far' is out of date now.

Always hoping to hear about more of course.
Posted By: Morty426

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 11/14/16 09:53 AM

I'll post the details on the one I had.
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 11/14/16 06:32 PM

Quote:
There was an article written somewhere long ago that said no 340 WSS Challengers were built, but I am aware of four of them so far


Quote above from just over a year ago, 3 more 340 WSS Challengers have surfaced since then, for a total of 7 known to me so far.

(since no one knows how many were made, all I can do it track known examples)
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 11/15/16 01:07 AM

Thanks again for all of your hard work Barry. You're a real asset to the hobby!

Tav
Posted By: mopar_muscle

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 08/24/17 01:40 AM

Barry,

I have a WSS 340, 4 speed car with factory AC. Galen has just documented the car this last May (2017). According to Galen, only 37 cars were produced with a 340 and only 7 are known to exist today that he is aware of. Mine is the most highly optioned car with 2 fender tags.

Could you please help me understand what the difference is between the two different versions of the WSS decals are? There are two different styles of script for the word "Western" that were placed on the Dart and Challenger. I have one type, but haven't put it on the car yet because I am not sure it is the correct one.

Thanks for your help. - Cody
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 06/03/18 04:54 PM

Just to show how fast numbers for known cars can change....

Answering emails today, I let one guy know that he had the 8th 340 WSS Challenger known to me.

Then just a few emails later, I heard from the owner of number 9!

Very cool. beer
Posted By: Morty426

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 06/04/18 10:02 AM

Originally Posted By Alaskan_TA
Just to show how fast numbers for known cars can change....

Answering emails today, I let one guy know that he had the 8th 340 WSS Challenger known to me.

Then just a few emails later, I heard from the owner of number 9!

Very cool. beer


Funny thing is that a lot of people think either none or only 1 were made.

Glad to see them coming out of the wood work
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 11/30/19 07:23 PM

More WSS Challenger information has come in in just the last two weeks.

I have heard of three more, one of which is the 10th one I have heard of so far with the 340.
Posted By: fastmark

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/01/19 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by Alaskan_TA
More WSS Challenger information has come in in just the last two weeks.

I have heard of three more, one of which is the 10th one I have heard of so far with the 340.


Barry, are you counting the red with red interior WSS 340 that was for sale mid summer from CA? My buddy bought it from Eric.
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/01/19 01:23 PM

Yes.

I am hoping it will be at Carlisle next summer, I would love to see it in person!

Ed B. & I were just talking about that car on Thursday, wondering where it went.....
Posted By: fastmark

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/02/19 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Alaskan_TA
Yes.

I am hoping it will be at Carlisle next summer, I would love to see it in person!

Ed B. & I were just talking about that car on Thursday, wondering where it went.....


Well. It won’t be at Carlisle, sorry. My bud lives in Spring, Texas, north of Houston.
Posted By: Morty426

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/02/19 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by fastmark
Originally Posted by Alaskan_TA
More WSS Challenger information has come in in just the last two weeks.

I have heard of three more, one of which is the 10th one I have heard of so far with the 340.


Barry, are you counting the red with red interior WSS 340 that was for sale mid summer from CA? My buddy bought it from Eric.


Did Eric ever put the WSS decals on it?
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/02/19 06:26 PM

If he did not, has the buyer?

One way or the other I would love to see photos of it with the finishing touch.
Posted By: Morty426

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/02/19 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by Morty426
I'll post the details on the one I had.


Since I never did this I will do it now. Here is the fender tag for the WSS I parted out many years ago.

Y16 END
M21 M25 M31 N95 R11 V1W
V1W A63 A91 C16 C55 G34
EB5 H6B5 000 504 176790
E44 D31 JH23 G0E 142868
Posted By: fastmark

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/03/19 02:00 AM

Eric did not. I’m not sure if my bud will or not. I’m not sure he knows how rare that car is. Or where to put the stickers.
Posted By: Jjs72D

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/03/19 09:20 AM

Did they make any "Deputy" models in this configuration?
Posted By: Jjs72D

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/06/19 05:51 AM

Did I just stump the forum with that question ?
Posted By: Morty426

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/06/19 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Jjs72D
Did I just stump the forum with that question ?


It's a busy time of year.

However I thought Alaskan TA might have said that he had a record on a couple so we need him to chime in.
Posted By: Alaskan_TA

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/06/19 07:57 PM

If someone said that, it was not me...

It would be odd to add an extra cost option package that included frills to a lower price package that had some of those items available separately as options.

Some of the standard items in each package may have had conflicts for pricing an A93 package car with an A91 package car?
Posted By: Jjs72D

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/07/19 03:07 AM

I do agree that it would be odd but this is a topic on the Chrysler Corporation cars, right? laugh
Posted By: Morty426

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/08/19 04:52 AM

Originally Posted by Alaskan_TA
If someone said that, it was not me...

It would be odd to add an extra cost option package that included frills to a lower price package that had some of those items available separately as options.

Some of the standard items in each package may have had conflicts for pricing an A93 package car with an A91 package car?



Yeah I thought about that after I posted that.
Posted By: jeff968

Re: Western Sport Special 1970 Challengers - 12/09/19 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Morty426
Originally Posted by Alaskan_TA
If someone said that, it was not me...

It would be odd to add an extra cost option package that included frills to a lower price package that had some of those items available separately as options.

Some of the standard items in each package may have had conflicts for pricing an A93 package car with an A91 package car?



Yeah I thought about that after I posted that.



That said, they did some crazy stuff. I parted a deputy a few years back that had the 225 6, power steering, automatic, FC7 plum crazy paint with a white interior, and the R22 8 track stereo!!!
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