E49 Charger Limelight E49 'Small Tank'

Released in June 1972, the E49 was the ultimate Charger. The E49 was the most powerful six-cylinder production car in the world at the time of its release, incorporating a 302 horsepower Hemi 6 engine with a newly developed four-speed Borg Warner gearbox.

Chrysler built 149 E49 R/T Chargers making them the most collectible Chrysler R/T (Road and Track) vehicle produced. Determining whether a vehicle is an original E49 is a relatively simple process. E49 Chargers could only be ordered with Charger R/T, the A95 ‘interior pack’, the Sure Grip axle and either the A84 or A87 ‘Track Pack’. A ‘4’ on the black fender stripe distinguished the E49 from the E38.

The six-cylinder Chrysler ‘Hemi’ engine was conceived in the US as a truck engine, before significant improvements were made prior to production in Australia. The E49 ‘six-pack’ engine has triple 45DCOE Weber carburettors, a special camshaft, valve springs and tuned length exhaust extractors. For durability, a special shot-peened crankshaft, conrods, competition pistons and rings, a baffled sump and twin plate heavy-duty clutch, completed the package. With its 265 cubic inch capacity, 10:1 compression ratio and 302 brake horsepower, it was an awesome engine.

Chargers accounted for more than 50% of Valiant sales. A new Borg Warner designed four-speed manual gearbox was made available in June 1972 for Chargers. With the arrival of the four-speed, the E48 replaced the E37 as the road going version and the E49 replaced the E38 as the competition model. This new four-speed gearbox was well suited to the high power output of the Hemi.

Item includes certificate with individual production number.