“Led by their iconic engines, raw power and distinctive styling, MoPar helped ignite a muscle car war in the 1960s that’s still part of the DNA in cars rolling off Stellantis production lines today,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “From restored classics and customs featuring modern performance upgrades to a concept vehicle inspired by the past, our docket of collectible MoPars reflects the legendary status these vehicles cemented into our culture.”

Featured in the lineup of MoPars crossing the block during the Scottsdale Fall Auction is the custom 1970 Plymouth Barracuda built by BBT Fabrications, a previous Barrett-Jackson Cup winner. This one-off, custom Barracuda is powered by 528ci Gen II HEMI V8 engine rated at 630hp and 660 ft/lbs of torque. The HEMI is equipped with a Holley carburetor, Shaker air cleaner, ceramic-coated long-tube headers and a 3-inch ceramic-coated exhaust system with X-pipe and Flowmaster mufflers. Power is sent through an A&A Transmissions Chrysler 3-speed automatic transmission to a Moser 9-inch rear end with 31-spline axles and Eaton 4.11 gears with posi-traction. The body features new AMD quarter-panels, custom-fabricated floor pans, wheel tubs, firewall and engine bay, shaved marker lights, billet hood hinges and a lift-off decklid.

A custom 1970 Plymouth Barracuda on the docket is powered by a modern fuel-injected HEMI V8 mated to a high-performance 4-speed automatic transmission. The interior includes a custom leather setup with a custom center console, eight-ball shifter, Sharp steering wheel on a custom column, custom Barracuda digital gauges and a neon blue-illuminated custom start panel with push start, ignition, fuel pump, fan and auxiliary switches. It has approximately 880 miles since the build’s completion.

“MoPar’s HEMI V8 became an icon of the 1960s American muscle car era,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The powerful engine combined with their iconic designs created a new opportunity to put race-inspired vehicles on the road. Bidders will have the chance to own a MoPar, like a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T or the ‘BBP Project ’Cuda’ concept car that’s faithful to its 1970-74 E-Body ancestors.”

For fans of modern muscle, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 with the Hellcat Redeye Widebody option is powered by a supercharged V8 engine producing 1,025 horsepower and has 48 actual miles. The interior includes Demonic Red 170 Laguna seats, the Premium Group with black Alcantara and Laguna materials, vented seats, suede headliner, premium-stitched dash panel, memory seating, carbon-fiber interior accents and an SRT Alcantara steering wheel with red LED logo.

A custom 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is powered by a supercharged HEMI V8 upgraded with the Hennessey Performance H1000 kit delivering 1,000hp. This Widebody Jailbreak Last Call Edition has factory equipment that includes adaptive damping suspension, Brembo 6-piston brakes, line lock, launch control and the exclusive Jailbreak Package featuring widebody fender flares.

Known as the “BBP Project ’Cuda,” the custom 2008 Plymouth ’Cuda concept car was designed and built to encourage Chrysler Corporation to bring back the ’Cuda model and the Plymouth brand. Painted in Lambo Pearl Orange, it features an all carbon-fiber body with functional Shaker hood and rides on 22-inch Zenetti wheels and Pirelli tires. This concept ’Cuda was shown at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where it made its official debut.

Rotisserie-restored to its factory Bright Red paint, the custom 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T features a new vinyl top and black interior with every component upgraded. It is powered by a HEMI engine mated to the rebuilt matching-numbers 4-speed manual transmission. The interior is complemented with air conditioning, Rallye instrument gauge cluster, pistol-grip shifter and an Out of Sight Bluetooth stereo system.

Those interested in consigning their vehicles with confidence for the Scottsdale Fall Auction are welcome to submit their application online. In addition, bidder registration is open, with three packages to choose from, upgrades for Muscle Lounge access and Hammer High Tops. Throughout the four-day Scottsdale Fall Auction, children ages 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students ages 13 through college-age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $28.  

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company: Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson is a leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of private collections. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of attendees per year, Barrett-Jackson hosts live collector car auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, where thousands of the most sought-after, unique and valuable vehicles cross the block in front of a global audience. With broadcast partner A+E Networks, Barrett-Jackson features live television coverage of their events on FYI and The HISTORY Channel, as well as all the cars, all the time via their produced livestream on Barrett-Jackson.com. Also based in Scottsdale, the Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom offers a rotating selection of premium vehicles that meet the high standards for which the company is known. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com, or call 480-421-6694.

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Old Cars hits the road and celebrates the classics while bringing the sights and sounds to you.

We spotted this beautiful example of MoPar muscle at the  2021 Iola Car Show. This striking Dodge is an impressive display of muscle car awesomeness.

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Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Dodge brand announced “Operation 25//8,” giving its fans the opportunity to take home one of 25 Dodge dream cars. Operation 25//8 enlists a team of 25 ambassadors across automotive, music, sports, fashion, media entities and companies, including Amazon, to each give away a new Dodge dream car during the last eight weeks of 2021. Go to Dodge.com for more details.

“To recognize the Dodge spirit, the belief that 24 hours a day, seven days a week simply isn’t enough effort, Operation 25//8 will enlist a team of 25 people and companies that are all superstars in their fields, including Amazon, Travis Barker, Jay Leno, Cain Velasquez, Supercar Blondie and Draft Kings, to give away 25 Dodge dream cars during the last eight weeks of 2021,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand CEO. “Operation 25//8 adds 20,000 horsepower to the Brotherhood of Muscle and is the first step in building awareness for our two-year transition plan to redefine the future of American muscle.”

To play, fans can follow their favorite influencers and media entities across their social media platform(s), including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, to watch entertaining content and videos promoting Operation 25//8. Each influencer will ask fans to tell them, in 250 words or less, why they should be the recipient of a Dodge dream car, which they can build and can include a new Dodge Charger, Challenger or Durango.

Amazon will be giving away a Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Customers can visit this Amazon page and sign-in for a chance to build and take one home.

Ambassadors:

1. Amazon
2. Jay Leno (@jaylenosgarage)
3. Supercar Blondie (@supercarblondie)
4. Francis Ngannou (@francisngannou)
5. Draft Kings/Dan Le Batard (@LeBatardShow)
6. Motor Trend-Road Kill (@roadkillshow)
7. Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg95)
8. Travis Barker (@travisbarker)
9. Ben Baller (@benballer)
10. Tim Kennedy (@timkennedymma)
11. Imaray Uluoa (@imarayulloa)
12. David Hoffmann (@davidsbeenhere)
13. Radford Racing School (@radfordracingschool)
14. Richard Rawlings (@rrrawlings)
15. Chiqui Delgado (@chiqui_delgado)
16. Cain Velasquez (@officialcainvelasquez)
17. Kenny Wayne Shepard (@kennywayneshepherd)
18. Parris Goebel (@parrisgoebel)
19. Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650)
20. Chanel Iman (@chaneliman)
21. Swae Lee (@swaelee)
22. BarStool Sports (@barstoolsports)
23. Westen Champlin (@westengw)
24. Omar Raja (@omar)
25. Doug Marcaida (@dougmarcaida)

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Old Cars is turning 50. In honor of 50 years of the privilege of bringing the old cars hobby to our valued and faithful readers, Old Cars will revisit 50 of our past featured cars in 50 days, to commemorate the half-century of Old Cars. Here’s to fifty more years of Old Cars!

 DAY TWELVE: 1972 Dodge Challenger

Mustang lover Dan Nicewander showed up at an auction in 2013 looking for garage decorations and wound up having a 1972 Dodge Challenger follow him home. The Shakopee, Minn., resident wouldn’t have been overly shocked if he had stumbled onto anther Mustang that he decided he had to have, but a Challenger was certainly not in the plans.

“We went to an auction to buy a neon light, and the guy with the neon lights didn’t show up, but there were a half dozen or so cars there. I was not looking for another car, but the guy with this one was very talkative,” laughs Nicewander. 

Even though he was impressed with the low-mileage Dodge, Nicewander still didn’t have any plans to buy it.

But then he made the mistake of giving his bidder’s card to his daughter and letting her sit ringside during the auction proceedings. One thing led to another, and at the end of the day the Nicewanders had a beautiful 45,000-mile Challenger that has turned out to be a welcome addition to the fleet.

 To learn more about Nicewander’s Challenger <CLICK HERE>

CHECK OUT DAY ELEVEN OF 50 CARS IN 50 DAYS, CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF OLD CARS HERE

– 50 days of cars celebrating 50 years of Old Cars is brought to you by our friends over at Camaro Central, Modine and sonicbidder.com.  If you are looking for parts for your classic Camaro, HVAC for your garage or a place to sell your classic car, check out these trustworthy establishments.

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With over 100 years of experience, Modine is one of the most trusted names in the HVAC manufacturing industry. No matter what your heating and air conditioning need is, their mission is to ensure that they provide you with the right solution.

Modine serves a variety of markets, providing residential unit and patio heaters, commercial rooftop HVAC systems, classroom HVAC, and more. Along with these heating and cooling systems, their Hot Dawg® unit heater remains one of the top-selling unit heaters in the world. The Hot Dawg® unit heater is the perfect solution for keeping your garage or shop warm and comfortable. Visit www.modinehvac.com to find out more.

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SonicBidder.com brings proven buying power to a world stage. The unique action experience consolidates the thrill of live auctions with an exhilarating 4-D sensory experience that keeps customers delighted as they participate in sales.

SonicBidder.com’s global automotive auctions bring thousands of bidders and millions of dollars in buying power to your event, internationally. Your sell will reach an audience at home and all over the world!

Visit www.sonicbidder.com to find your buyer today!

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On paper, this 1970 Challenger starts to sound like the proverbial muscle car. R/T package? Check. Wild color? Code EV2 Hemi Orange paint. Engine? 440 Six Pack. Sure Grip differential? Check. Shaker hood? Check.

Those features would certainly be at the top for anyone buying one of Ma MoPar’s finest in-your-face boulevard bruisers during the peak of the performance era. However, a deeper look at the car’s broadcast sheet tells the rest of the story: Stripes? Deleted. Rallye wheels and raised white letter tires? Nope — deluxe wheel covers and whitewalls. Console and floor shifter? How about a column-shifted automatic instead?

Seeing as this Challenger R/T was built with whitewalls and deluxe wheel covers and without even the standard R/T stripes, one might guess this car was built to be a sleeper. But there’s nothing stealthy about High Impact Hemi Orange paint, and the Shaker hood scoop with its “440 Six Pack” call-outs advertise that this Challenger R/T is anything but asleep. So what gives?

The answer may come from the period in which this oddly equipped Challenger R/T was built. In July 1970, the assembly lines at Chrysler Corp. were winding down production of the 1970 models and transitioning to the 1971 models. Just prior to the changeover at Dodge’s Hamtramck, Mich., plant, this sedate-looking 440 Six Pack Challenger R/T was birthed. It was the very last 440 Six Pack Challenger R/T to be built for the 1970 model year.

Back in the day, automobile manufactures built what they called “sales bank cars” using leftover components as a model year was concluding. The factory would ship these oddballs to unsuspecting dealers and charge them with the task of selling the unusually equipped vehicles. It was common to see these oddballs sitting on dealer lots for extended periods of time. Usually, their selling price would drop and, in most cases, the eventual buyer would get an exceptional deal for a one-year-old automobile.

A salesperson at the Dodge dealership in downtown Philadelphia, Pa., vividly recalled when this ’70 Challenger R/T arrived at the dealership. He remembers his fellow employees questioning why Chrysler built and shipped the dealership such a stripped-down Challenger R/T, yet optioned it with the 440 Six Pack engine plus the Shaker hood. They never got an answer.

One might expect a young enthusiast to have taken advantage of such a cheap muscle car as this 1970 Challenger R/T’s price dropped on the dealer’s lot while the months of 1971 passed by. History also shows muscle cars were often modified while being driven into the ground. That was not to be the fate of this 1970 Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack.

In July 1971, nearly a year after this unusual Dodge arrived at the dealership, a salesperson was offered a sweet deal on the car. By this time, there were incentives to sell the 1971 models, which meant the price of the leftover 1970 Challenger was driven down even farther. The salesman agreed to take the Challenger R/T off the dealership’s hands before the new ’72 models arrived. Not long after, he put it up for sale in the local newspaper’s “automobiles for sale” section.

In October 1971, a Merchant Marine came across the advertisement, called the seller, showed up at his residence, took an immediate interest in the “dare to be different” MoPar and agreed to buy it. He was looking to own a muscle car that would be available for fun during his port-side leaves. It was primarily driven in nice weather on weekends, as reflected by the car’s incredible survivor condition today.

In 2007, the Manny Collection discovered the uniquely equipped and unassuming ’70 Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack in the car corral of the Mopar Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, with a “for sale” sign on the windshield. After having the car thoroughly researched and verified by a well-respected MoPar expert, the ’70 Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack was added to the Ontario-based Manny Collection’s assemblage of rare, unrestored muscle cars.

Challenging Mustang and Camaro

With the all-new 1970 Challenger and restyled Plymouth Barracuda, Chrysler Corp. had perfected the established pony car formula. Like their competitors, a wide array of engine choices were offered, from MoPar’s meek Slant Six to its teeth-rattling 426 Hemi; between these engines were the 318, 340, 383 and 440 V-8 engines. Often, a Challenger with a performance engine was additionally optioned in a dizzying array of graphics packages and go-fast goodies. With a rumbling V-8, a High-Impact paint color and a stripe kit, it was impossible to miss a well-optioned Challenger R/T.

The new Dodge Challenger used the same unibody platform as Plymouth’s redesigned Barracuda, but the Challenger wheelbase was 2 inches longer (a fact appreciated by its rear-seat passengers). Both utilized the long hood/short deck styling that had become a hallmark of pony cars. Buyers of a Challenger or Barracuda were able to select from only coupe or convertible body styles. Most versions of performance Challengers were dressed in Dodge’s now-familiar “R/T” label (the 340 Six Pack Challenger T/A was Dodge’s other hot pony car, but sold in fewer numbers). Standard R/T power for the 1970 Challenger came from the 335-bhp 383. Optional for R/T was one of two 440s — the four-barrel Magnum with 375 bhp or the tri-carb Six Pack with 390 hp — or the 426-cid Hemi V-8 with 425 hp. It cost $1,228 more to hop into the Hemi, which also required additional heavy-duty equipment. Meanwhile, the 440 Six Pack package added $249.55 to the sticker price, and even adding $227.05 for the heavy-duty 727 TorqueFlite, the Six Pack was a more budget-friendly alternative. On top of that, Six Pack owners saw comparable performance from the Challenger R/T.

For R/T owners who liked to row through the gears themselves, a four-speed was optional and came with the bonus of a Pistol Grip Hurst shifter. Gear ratios in the Dana 60 rear axle ranged from 3.23:1 to 4.10:1 with the limited-slip Sure Grip axle available at extra cost. All Challenger R/Ts received a beefier suspension, a Rallye instrument cluster (with tachometer, oil pressure gauge and 150-mph speedometer), intermittent wipers, heavy-duty brakes and a buyer’s choice of three stripe kits (or the deletion of striping altogether).

The standard Challenger R/T hood featured two open hood scoops with air directed indiscriminately throughout the engine compartment. For $97 extra, Challenger R/T owners could opt for the air cleaner-mounted Shaker setup that protruded through a hole in the hood and directed air right into the air cleaner; a bonus effect of the Shaker hood was that it allowed owners to watch a running MoPar V-8 rock and rumble.

Enjoying a 440 Six Pack R/T

The owner of the Manny Collection chooses to remain anonymous, which is understandable given the desirability of MoPar pony cars with muscle. However, we asked him whether he has spent much time behind the wheel of the car.

“Yes, I have driven it on occasion to the gas station and local Dairy Queen,” he said. “It’s one of the best-running muscle cars from our collection. The carburetors are known to have issues. We’ve owned it for nearly 15 years with no issues. This car was well maintained and taken care of by the prior owners. When I pull up to a traffic light, people recognize the Challenger emblem on the fender and give me a ‘thumbs up’ when they see the Shaker hood scoop and realize it’s a 440 Six Pack.”

Chrysler produced 13,796 Dodge Challenger R/T hardtop coupes during the 1970 model year. It’s possible this is the only one in this color and with this odd combination of factory equipment. When the employees at the Hamtramck plant built this anomaly in July 1970, little did they know how unique and appreciated it would be 50 years later. There is an old saying in the muscle car community: “Less is more.” 

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Challenger may have been late to the pony car party, but it did so fashionably. 50 years later, that entrance remains memorable.

Ironically, it was the Dodge’s sister division, Plymouth, was actually first to the party with its Barracuda. Released just a couple weeks before the Ford Mustang in April 1964, the Barracuda shared with Mustang the formula that would make this sporty, youthful segment such a huge seller during the 1960s: long hood, short deck and compact proportions in a sporty front-engine, rear-drive package. While the Mustang was based on the Ford Falcon platform, its styling was entirely new; conversely, the spendier Barracuda was more clearly a fastback version of the existing Plymouth Valiant. The Mustang was a runaway success with 121,538 sold for 1964 while the Barracuda and its trick curved-glass backlight could only be considered a moderate success with 22,443 sold that abbreviated season. Had the first Barracuda been at least as popular as the Mustang, perhaps we’d be calling cars in its class “fish cars” instead of “pony cars.”

Through the rest of the 1960s, the Barracuda heavily trailed the Mustang in sales. In 1967, Plymouth completely restyled the Barracuda and added coupe and convertible models, but that year Chevrolet and Pontiac launched their respective Camaro and Firebird pony cars. That year, Ford Motor Co. added a Mercury pony car with the Cougar. The strong competition in the youth-oriented pony car field left the Barracuda swimming against the current. For the 1970 model year, Chrysler Corp. started fishing in a whole different body of water — one that would have room for Dodge.

Under legendary Chrysler Corp. Vice-President of Design Elwood Engle, designers Bill Brownlie and Carl Cameron came up with new pony cars for Plymouth and Dodge to sell beginning in the 1970 model year. Realizing the huge potential in the pony car category, Chrysler management hoped it could carve out a portion and sell in excess of 200,000 of its new Dodge and Plymouth pony cars even though Plymouth struggled to sell even 50,000 Barracudas annually during the 1960s.

Enter the E body

Like the 1960s Barracuda, the new MoPar pony car would be based on the compact A body, at least initially. After Chrysler Corp. planning was underway on the 1970 pony car, Ford and General Motors started stuffing big-block V-8 engines in their pony cars. The biggest engine Chrysler planned to put in its new-for-’70 pony cars was the 383-cid V-8, so engineers and designers tweaked the A body platform in order to add width for a larger engine. The result used the firewall-to-radiator support of the mid-size B body (Charger/Satellite), which could be had with the 440- and 426-cid engines.

This new pony car species was named “E body,” and setting it apart was a stunning low and wide stance, a close-coupled passenger compartment and the long hood and short rear deck expected of a pony car. The Barracuda and Challenger designs also featured a handsome kick up after the door and into the quarter panel in the “Darrin dip” fashion popular decades earlier. Dodge emphasized this dip with a body character line that paralleled the car’s beltline, including the dip. Aggressive grille designs of both Challenger and Barracuda were channeled deep into the front, and taillamps looked like red hot exhaust vents that were likewise channeled into the body. Coupe and convertibles were offered in both the Barracuda and Challenger lines.

Although The new Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda cut similar profiles for 1970, they were subtly different cars on the outside. The Challenger had a wheelbase 2 in. longer than the Barracuda (110 in. versus 108 in.) and the Challenger was more than 5 in. longer than the Barracuda. These differences were aimed toward the mid-price Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird pony cars that Dodge intended to challenge.

Challenger’s interior featured very mod three-dimensional plastic door panels and a smooth, uncluttered instrument panel of matching plastic material. Instruments were laid out horizontally in four large, round pods. The Challenger featured an energy-absorbing steering column and advertised the featured with an exaggerated accordion-like cover over the column.

The Challenger was offered in several lines: a highline, a lowline, an upscale SE model and a performance R/T version with an R/T-SE version available. The SE, for Special Edition, featured a vinyl roof that covered a fiberglass shell that made the rear window smaller for a more formal effect. The SE interior was also more luxurious with an overhead console and available leather interior. Challenger could also be built as a SCCA-inspired Trans Am version with the 340-cid V-8.

Right out of the gate, available Challenger engines included Chrysler’s full line, from the 225-cid “Slant Six” to the 426 Hemi with the 340, 383 and 440 (four- or six-barrel carburetion) also choices. The base engine in the Challenger R/T was the 383-cid V-8. A Challenger could be mild or wild, with the wildest Hemi and 440 Six Pack versions among the fastest street cars of the entire muscle car era.

Challenger combinations could be downright dizzying as on top of the model and engine choices, there were luxury options and performance options: Go Wing spoiler, headlamp time delay, stripes, numerous wheel and wheel cover choices, Shaker hood scoop and more. Colors ranged from subtle green and brown earth tones to High-Impact Panther Pink and Plum Crazy. Shifting could be done on the column or through a Slap-Stick wood-handled shifter in the console. Despite building a Challenger for every person — from pastor and grandparent to teenage troublemaker — Dodge lost money on the Challenger program. Only 83,032 were sold in 1970 and with just 55,499 Barracuda sales added in for the model year, production was well beneath Chrysler Corp.’s expectation of 200,000 E-body cars per model year. Sales were worse in 1971 and then in 1972, Challenger’s grille and tail panel were restyled and the result was unflattering compared to the original. Performance dropped dramatically after 1971 when the triple-carbureted Six Pack 440 and 426 Hemi were dropped.

Challenger sales were curbed by internal competition from the restyled and cheaper 1970 Dart and then the Dart-based Demon fastback of 1971. Sales of the new 1970 Barracuda and its performance derivative, the ’Cuda, were also beat up internally by the new fastback Plymouth Valiant Duster and restyled Valiant Scamp. Some quality control woes further hampered sales of the E-bodies. The end came for the original Challenger, as well as the Barracuda, in 1974.

Rise to the top

As used cars and into the 1980s, the Challenger was a bit of an underappreciated stepchild in the muscle car world with values and interest lagging behind GM and Ford pony cars of the era. After the turn of the century, interest in these fast, powerful and handsome and aggressively styled pony cars flipped and they became among the most valuable muscle cars. Hemi Challengers began to sell for six figures and it took seven figures to buy a Hemi Challenger convertible.

The Challenger may not have lived up to Chrysler’s production expectations 50 years ago, but it’s undoubtably a winner today.

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich./PRNewswire/ — Dodge is celebrating the golden anniversary of its iconic Challenger with the new limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition, shown for the first time at the 2019 AutoMobility LA.

“2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Challenger, one of the most storied muscle cars in history,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “That history was built on a few key things: big attitude and big muscle, loud colors and loud exhausts, and an enthusiast community that is as unique and diverse as our special editions. So, to commemorate the 50th, we’re celebrating with a cool new special edition that checks all of these boxes.”

Dodge is offering the limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition on Challenger GT RWD, R/T Shaker, R/T Scat Pack Shaker and R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody models. The already heavily equipped Challenger SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye models will feature a 50th Anniversary grille badge for the 2020 model year as standard equipment.

The 50th Anniversary Edition package starts at a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,995. Dealer orders for 2020 Dodge Challenger models, including the 50th Anniversary Edition, open in December. Vehicles will start arriving in Dodge//SRT dealerships in early spring of 2020.

To celebrate Challenger’s colorful history, the Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition sticks to its roots, focusing on the details big and small, that have made Challenger what it is today: high-impact paint (HIP) exterior colors, Shaker hood scoop, hot wheels and custom touches on the inside.

A body-color Shaker hood scoop is standard on all HEMI V-8 engine powered R/T, R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody models for the 50th Anniversary Edition. This is the first time the Shaker hood scoop is featured on a Challenger Widebody model.

The functional Shaker hood comes with a MoPar cold-air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box for improved airflow and performance. Lift the hood and enthusiasts will also be treated to a “SHAKER” underhood decal — reminiscent of the original 1970 Challenger.

Illuminated Air Catcher headlamps feature 50th Anniversary Edition LED-illuminated “50” logos.

Each 50th Anniversary Edition will have a custom look, straight from the factory with a standard Satin Black hand-painted hood and black-wrapped roof and decklid. Challenger 50th Anniversary logo badges appear on the grille and spoiler in new “Gold School” finish. Fender badges are also finished in “Gold School.” The standard Satin Black fuel-filler door with heritage “FUEL” lettering adds a touch of nostalgia.

Unique “Gold School” wheels are featured on the 50th Anniversary Edition.

To celebrate its golden anniversary, the Challenger also introduces an all-new 50th Anniversary color, appropriately named Gold Rush. It joins the limited exterior paint palette of six other HIP colors that are available with the 50th Anniversary Edition, including Frostbite (new), Hellraisin (new), Sinamon Stick (new), TorRed, F8 Green and Go Mango.

70 x 7 x 4
Commemorating the original model year of the Challenger, 1970, there will be 70 numbered units of the following four models in each HIP color:

Interior Features 50th Anniversary Edition
From the steering wheel to the instrument panel, startup screens, gauge faces, seat backs, door bolsters and floor mats, the 50th Anniversary theme extends into the Challenger’s athletic interior. 

Black, heated and ventilated Nappa leather and Alcantara suede performance seats feature Sepia accent stitching and embroidered “50” logo seat backs. The Sepia accent stitch appears throughout the interior on the Instrument Panel (IP), door panels and armrest, center console lid, seat faces and the suede, flat-bottom steering wheel. 

Real carbon fiber IP and console bezels with a copper weave and Alcantara door bolsters featuring a unique accent stitch create a premium cockpit feel that is unique to the 50th Anniversary Edition. Premium Berber floor mats feature an embroidered “50” logo. 

The 50th Anniversary Edition features a startup animation on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) screen that showcases the 1970 Challenger and unique white-faced gauges with yellow accents. 

The passenger-side IP badge displays the Challenger 50th Anniversary logo and is color-matched to the exterior; each vehicle is identified as “x out of 70.” 

*SOURCE FCA

The post Dodge offering a limited-production Challenger 50th Anniversary edition appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

By Brian Earnest

Fast Freddie’s Rod Shop in Eau Claire, Wis., usually has a wide range of old car restoration and resto-mod projects filling the shop at any given time. One of the neatest projects in the works recently involved a 1971 Dodge Challenger the Fast Freddie’s crew was transforming into a vintage SCCA Trans Am road race car.

The Challenger was well worn when it arrived at the shop and received a lot of body work and racing mods to make it mimic an authentic track car, but one of the things that was going to remain stock was the factory-type chrome bumpers. The rear bumper on the Dodge couldn’t be saved. It was just too beat up to go back on the car, but licensed replacements are available through suppliers such as Auto Metal Direct (AMD), which also supplied some body panels and floor pans for the Challenger.

Of course, even the simplest projects aren’t as easy as they seem, and the Fast Freddie’s crew wound up having to test fit the new bumper several times, shim it on both sides and eventually bend the bumper mounting brackets with a little heavy persuasion before the AMD replacement bumper fit just right.

“AMD has Chrysler-licensed reproduction front and rear bumpers, and they are as factory correct as you can get,” noted Fast Freddie’s owner Fred Kappus Jr. “It’s as close as you’re going to get in a reproduction. Every once in a while you have to tweak and bend and shape stuff like this, but AMD has been a really good source for reproduction panels.

“There is quite a bit of adjustment in the bumper brackets. You can see the tail pan is slotted for the bumper bracket so you get some up-and-down adjustment and you get some side-to-side adjustment. It’s a two-man operation to get everything set up the way you want it, but not too difficult.”

The bumpers were being test fitted before the Challenger, which had been painted with primer, could go in for final paint and assembly. The bumpers will come off again, of course, before the body heads to the paint booth, but not before it fits perfectly, gets photographed and then marked so things go smoothly during final assembly.

In this case, the bumper brackets were shimmed with a pair of 1/16-inch spacers on the passenger side, and one spacer on the driver’s side. When the gaps still weren’t perfect, the crew pulled out the “Pogo Stick” pulling tool, which provides plenty of leverage to safely tweak the bumper brackets and bend things slightly to get everything to lined up.

“The biggest thing is just getting your gaps right and making sure the contours on the quarter panels fit the contours on the bumpers,” Kappus said. “All you need are regular hand tools, and you’re gonna want a buddy over with you, so he can hold one side while you tighten the other and help you eyeball it.”

Their process in pictures:

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESTORATION ARTICLES

The post Bumper Bolt-Up: Challenger gets repro bumper appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

LAS VEGAS – Muscle cars will take the stage when Barrett-Jackson rolls into the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino for its 11th Annual Las Vegas Auction, Sept. 27-29, 2018. The event will auction a wide range of classic and late-model muscle, including a ’68 rotisserie-restored Shelby GT350 custom fastback and the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car, a 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, which is one of 17 built with its specific options. 

“American muscle cars are woven into the fabric of our country and create a special allure with their combination of physical beauty and power,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “From achieving pop culture fame in movies and TV shows to serving as the perfect canvas for weekend projects, vehicles like the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang are among the most coveted cars today. We’re excited that some of the best examples, both classic and new, will star – all at No Reserve – at our 11thAnnual Las Vegas Auction.”

One of the anticipated MoPars crossing the block in Las Vegas is a ’68 Dodge Charger R/T that’s powered by a massive 426ci HEMI engine. Reminiscent of the villain car in the movie “Bullitt,” the ominous black big block has a 4-speed manual transmission and only 500 miles since its meticulous restoration. It will battle for attention with a heroic ’68 Ford Mustang Bullitt re-creation that comes with Steve McQueen’s signature and a certificate of authenticity.

Also up for sale is a ’66 Dodge HEMI Charger from the John Staluppi Jr. Collection, an incredible survivor vehicle that’s been meticulously maintained and kept mostly original for nearly 50 years. Also from the John Staluppi Jr. Collection is a ’70 Chevrolet Chevelle LS5 that features matching numbers and is date-code-correct. It is one of two Mint Green SS 454 cars, and only one of 2,763 with the LS5 engine, M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission and standard SS hood.

“The quality of the muscle cars consigned for our Las Vegas Auction is truly remarkable,” said Steve Davis, Barrett-Jackson president. “From exceptionally well-preserved survivors to professionally restored models from high-profile collections, the breadth of our docket is unmatched. I have no doubt these muscle cars will be among the biggest stars on the Strip this September.”

For Ford performance enthusiasts, Barrett-Jackson will be a Candyland that includes a ’70 Torino Cobra 429 J-Code. One of 1,357, this Calypso Vermillion J-Code had a highly detailed build, down to every bracket, nut and bolt, which is either reconditioned or new. Late-model Mustangs include a ’08 Roush Trak Pak Coupe that is #40 of 100 built and has only 15,000 actual miles. With only 2,825 original miles, a ’07 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is powered by 725hp engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter. It was built at the Shelby American factory in Las Vegas and was documented in the official Shelby Registry as CSM #07SS0066. 

The Barrett-Jackson Auction will also feature these collectible American muscle cars:

• ’69 Dodge Super Bee – One of 826 M Code 4-speed hardtops produced with the 440 Six Pack
• ’70 Buick GSX Stage 1 – #543 of 678, underwent a frame-off nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration
• ’68 Plymouth Road Runner – Restored with 426ci HEMI engine built by Specialty Motorwerkes
• ’06 Ford Shelby GT-H – One of 500 coupes produced and one of a couple owned by Shelby
• ’18 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon – #2,535 of 3,300 built for the U.S. and Canada, 5 actual miles 

The 2018 Las Vegas Auction Docket is now live. Advance tickets and All-Week ticket packages are also available at Barrett-Jackson.com. Consignments are being accepted for the 2018 Las Vegas Auction; to submit an application, click here. For information on becoming a bidder, visit www.Barrett-Jackson.com/bid. Also, follow Barrett-Jackson on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitterfor the latest news and information heading into the 2018 Las Vegas Auction.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson is the leader in collector car and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of high-profile estates and private collections. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut; and Las Vegas, Nevada. With broadcast partners Velocity and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson features extensivelive television coverage, including broadcasts in over 150 countries internationally. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit Barrett-Jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.

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The post Muscle cars to star at Barrett-Jackson 2018 Las Vegas auction appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.