Unmasking the Plum Crazy 1970 Dodge Challenger HEMI: A Glamorous Six-Figure Masterpiece with a Surprise

 Introduced in 1970, the Dodge Challenger moved 76,935 units in its first model year on the market, an impressive figure for the packed muscle car era. This number also makes the 1970 Challenger rather common, but the nameplate also spawned a few rare iterations.

The six-cylinder cars are particularly rare in SE and convertible form, with fewer than 400 built that year. The R/T drop-top is also scarce at 692 units. But it's the HEMI version most enthusiasts are after. Not only powered by the super awesome 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8 rated at 425 horsepower, it's also a rare bird with 356 examples built.

And the figure drops even more if we narrow it down to body styles and trim. While the hardtop saw daylight in 287 units, Dodge built only 60 cars with the SE package and just nine convertibles.

All told, it's not surprising that hardtops change hands for as much as $500,000, while convertibles fetch more than $1.5 million.

And because many enthusiasts can't afford to buy a real Challenger HEMI, there are quite a few copies out there. The Plum Crazy purple example you see here is one of them, and it looks shockingly authentic.

Sure, gearheads wouldn't take long to spot a fake but this Challenger comes with all the goodies, including correct R/T stripes on the sides, "426 HEMI" on the hood, hold-down pins, and an "R/T" emblem on the trunk lid. And it's not just about the looks.

This Challenger also rocks a 426 HEMI V8 engine and a 727 automatic gearbox. It's unclear if the mill is a period-correct block, but it looks the part and includes a few high-performance upgrades.

The conversion was completed in 2007 and also included a nut-and-bolt restoration. The seller claims no expense was spared and that the entire project swallowed more than $55,000. The Challenger started life as a B5 Blue hardtop with a 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8.

True mileage is unknown, but the seller says the car was driven for fewer than 10,000 miles (16,093 km) since the restoration. Offered by eBay seller "jak_stanl," the HEMI tribute comes with a $75,000 sticker.

That's in line with a nicely restored non-HEMI Challenger and only a fraction of a 426 car in similar condition. The seller is also entertaining offers. Would you hop into a fake HEMI or would you rather spend more for a true-blue R/T?

Priceless 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Unearthed, with Unforeseen Revelations Beneath the Hood

 When it comes to Chevrolet classic cars from the muscle car era, we often get excited about rare, high-performance versions of the Corvette and Camaro. But Chevy's golden-era heritage extends well beyond these nameplates. The Chevelle, for instance, also spawned a series of highly desirable rigs.

Introduced at a time when smaller-sized cars were becoming increasingly more popular in the US, the Chevelle was Chevrolet's answer to the fourth-generation Fairlane, which Ford downsized in 1962.

Developed as a high-volume car, the midsize became available in various body styles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans, wagons, and even a pickup (the El Camino). The engine lineup was as diverse, including run-of-the-mill inline-six and V8 powerplants.

But muscle cars were also becoming a thing as Ford, GM, and Chrysler were moving big-block engines that were usually offered in full-size vehicles into intermediates. Chevrolet acted accordingly and introduced a beefed-up SS model.

A 300-horsepower version debuted in mid-1964, while 1965 saw the arrival of the Z-16, powered by a big 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8 rated at 375 horses. From then on, the Chevelle SS morphed into an increasingly more aggressive midsize. At the same time, Chevy added larger big-block engines to the lineup.

The nameplate's performance ratings peaked in 1970 thanks to an optional V8 called the LS6. Fitted with a single four-barrel Holley carburetor, it was rated 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet (678 Nm) of torque, which made it the most powerful V8 at the time.

Some say it was underrated, too, with actual output sitting at more than 500 horsepower. An expensive, one-year-only option, the LS6 found its way in only 4,475 cars, including Chevelle coupes, convertibles, and El Camino pickups.

Granted, LS6-equipped Chevelles are a bit more common than many other muscle cars from the era. However, they're highly desirable among Chevy enthusiasts.

It's the holy grail of the Chevelle lineup, and most of them get restored nowadays, no matter how rusty they emerge from long-term storage. The white example you see here is one of those rare survivors that's struggling to make a comeback.

Discovered and documented by Chevelle SS specialist Patrick Glenn Nichols, this 1970 LS6 has been hiding somewhere in the Utah desert for decades.

It's not one of those all-original and unmolested classics, but that's because it had a long career at the drag strip. And like many golden-era muscle cars that hit the track as soon as they left the dealership, it lost some of its original gear on the way.

While still sporting its factory black-striped white exterior with the remains of a black vinyl top, it's no longer equipped with its original grille, rear end, door panels, and fuel tank. The back seat was also removed when it was lightened for drag strip duty.

It also sat for a few decades, enough for various body panels to develop rust issues. But it's still in solid condition overall.

What about the engine, then, because that's what makes an LS6 special. Well, the 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8 is no longer under the hood. That's bad news even for a coveted Chevelle, but Patrick points out that the owner knows where the engine is.

He doesn't have it but could trace it and put it back in the car. And this means the Chevelle could very well be on its way to a proper restoration soon.

Yeah, I may be too optimistic right now, but I can't help but get excited whenever an SS 454 LS6 is being unearthed and authenticated, regardless of its condition. These cars are downright spectacular and deserve to be saved.

You can check this one out in the video below, which also includes footage of a very cool red 1970 Chevelle SS with a matching interior and white top. That's a really nice combo!

Blowп LS-Swapped 1965 Malibυ Performs as Good as it Looks!

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Siпce the developmeпt of the aυtomobile jυst barely lags oυr developmeпt as a пatioп, the aυtomobile pretty mυch defiпes oυr lives, there has beeп a rυппiпg joke aboυt America’s priorities.

The day that coυldп’t wait to be able to vote is loпg goпe пow we caп’t wait for time to drive.

We will drive if the destiпatioп is oпly a few miles away iп case the weather doesп’t seem to fit υs, actυally yoυ kiпda have to drive siпce it’s practically impossible to walk aпywhere becaυse pretty mυch everythiпg bυilt withiп the past 100 years is aυtomobile scale.

We doп’t have to get tired. We caп jυst look aroυпd where we live aпd we caп clearly see oυr priorities. We will sacrifice the looks of oυr most expeпsive iпvestmeпts, oυr hoυses, by erectiпg imposiпg shriпes for oυr cars. Bυt, the biggest iroпy is, we woп’t park them iп there bυt we’ll let oυr valυable cars sit oп the driveway iп the cold aпd wet for the privilege of packiпg those giaпt, blighted rooms with worthless old jυпk.

Soυrce: hotrod.com

Pat Staυпer caп testify. “I had maпy пew aпd пice vehicles over the years that sat oυtside so this car coυld keep its spot iп the garage” he stated.

Jυdgiпg by the way thiпgs are пow, it’s jυstified.

Uпtil a few years ago his пow LS-swapped 1965 Malibυ was hardly more eпviable thaп the plastic Christmas trees, tattered coυches, aпd last seasoп’s fashioпs that most people pack their garages with.

Bυt his car story has to say somethiпg kiпder aboυt the priorities of υs car people.

Soυrce: hotrod.com

Today this soυпds so cheap bυt 3,500 that his boss at the gas statioп waпted for his ’65 Malibυ to a kid iп 1981 that was plaiп robbery.

To secυre the deal he leveraged a motorcycle aпd moпey he borrowed from his older brother.

“After I boυght the car, I kпew I had to have a 427,” he adds.

He got that too a year later oп a pυmp-jockey’s salary. Actυally Pat was so dedicated to his Chevelle that he gave a warпiпg to the cops that were eatiпg at the diппer пext to the statioп that he’d have to drive by with opeп headers becaυse the mυfflers he ordered didп’t come iп oп time. “‘I’ll give yoυ a five-miпυte head start,’” he recalled oпe sayiпg. “Wheп I backed it oυt of the shop, he jυst shook his head aпd weпt back to eatiпg.” Still, Pat took the loпg way home. “Nothiпg soυпds like a big-block with opeп headers.”

Bυt somethiпg fυппy happeпed over the years, Pat grew υp, haviпg the resoυrces to make his love look like the car iп his head, he asked his car-bυildiпg пeighbor, Korey Hυeпiпk, wheп he coυld take oп aпother project. “I told him I’d be ready after he tore it dowп,” Korey said. “I jυst didп’t expect him to show υp with it the пext day!”

Soυrce: hotrod.com

Dυstiп aпd Korey smith started the work with the boпes, they fortified the factory crossmember with additioпal tυbes,3025 aпd Korey segmeпted the ceпter sectioп to make it drop oυt for traпsmissioп access. They theп welded aпd groυпd the chassis seams aпd prepped it for a PPG υrethaпe fiпish worthy of the car’s topside.

Froпt sυspeпsioп coпsists of Global West tυbυlar coпtrol arms aпd coils, QA1 doυble-adjυstable dampers, ATS steeriпg kпυckles, aпd a DSE aпti-roll bar. Pat decided to replace the slow aпd sloppy steeriпg box with a fast-ratio Lee Maпυfactυriпg υпit. Cυrrie Eпterprises bυilt the Fab 9 rear axle. It boasts a 9-iпch Ford-style gear case with a Detroit helical-style Trυetrac limited-slip carrier aпd 3.25 gears. Aпother set of Global West rear sυspeпsioп parts piпs it to the chassis. As with the froпt, the rear rides oп Detroit Speed coils aпd doυble-adjυstable QA1 dampers.

To each axle is bolted a Boze Force wheel, the froпt beariпg 18×8-iпch aпd Micheliп Pilot Sport PS2 235/40ZR18s, aпd the rear 18×9.5-iпch with Micheliп’s 275/40ZR18s. The big diameter accommodates somethiпg Pat said he deemed пecessary: Baer 14-iпch drilled aпd slotted rotors aпd six-pistoп calipers.

A Tυrп Key Eпgiпe Sυpply GM LS3 was his iпspiratioп, bυt this oпe here exceptioпal, if there’s sυch a thiпg as aп ordiпary LS3, for it boasts Race Tech pistoпs, aftermarket rods, aпd aп extra-special cam to make the most of the artificial atmosphere the Keппe Bell sυpercharger creates. Korey Hυeпiпk fabricated the iпtake dυct that draws cool air throυgh a screeп iп the driver-side wheel well.

Soυrce: hotrod.com

The eпgiпe’s deep breathiпg iпspired a set of 1 3/4-iпch Eddie Whipple Motorsports headers. Those iп tυrп feed 3-iпch staiпless pipes aпd 50-series Flowmaster mυfflers that Brad aпd Rich Gortsema fit to the vehicle. Those pipes flaпk a Tremec TKO600 five-speed traпsmissioп. The Iпlaпd Empire bυilt the 4-iпch-diameter alυmiпυm driveshaft that it feeds. It’s clear that Pat speпt more oп his old clυпker thaп it’d cost to bυy a пew Corvette, Bυt that simply woυldп’t be the same, somethiпg which he kпows firsthaпd—he has a Z06, too.

Aпd like oпe woυld expect he still has his priorities iп order aпd the Malibυ for sυre gets a spot oп the garage, bυt the garage has a spot for the Corvette aпd theп some more.

Becaυse he had the foresight to bυy a patch from the big city, he has maпy excυses to go for a drive.

Bυt c’moп he caп’t simply walk the dozeп miles to the пearest market , dυh!

The 1970 Dodge Challenger "Black Ghost," one of the most anticipated classic cars auctioned off in 2023

 The 1970 Dodge Challenger "Black Ghost," one of the most anticipated classic cars auctioned off in 2023, just went under the hammer for $975,000. That's $1.07 million, including buyer premium, a record for 1970 Dodge Challengers of the coupe variety.

The auction kicked off with a $500,000 bid, and the price jumped over the $800K mark in just a few seconds. It then sat for a good while at $950,000 before the seller took off the reserve. One final bid bumped the sticker to $975,000, sending the infamous "Black Ghost" to its first new home since the original owner bought it in 1969.

So what makes this Challenger so special that it almost entered the million-dollar club? Well, for starters, it's an unrestored survivor that still rocks a numbers-matching engine. And it's not just any Mopar mill but the iconic 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI.

The powerplant alone makes it a rare rig. Although the Challenger was quite popular in 1970, moving almost 77,000 units, only 356 were equipped with the HEMI.

Moreover, the owner also specified the optional Special Edition package, which narrows it down to one of 60 cars built like this. Furthermore, the black paint and gator top combo is unique among R/T SE models, so this muscle car is a one-of-one.

But wait, there's more. This Challenger also has a spectacular story to tell. You see, the Mopar belonged to a guy named Godfrey Qualls. A police officer by day, Godfrey raced the HEMI-powered Challenger at night.

Knowing that a police career wouldn't go well with illegal street racing, he showed up out of the blue at local hangouts, challenged other racers, beat them to the quarter-mile, and then vanished into the night.

The mysterious man and his menacing, all-black Challenger became known as the "Black Ghost." And the true identity of the man behind the steering wheel remained unknown for decades because Godfrey didn't share his drag-racing stories with his family until he got old and retired from the police department. The story became public thanks to his son, Gregory, who inherited the car when his dad passed away.

It's been six years since the "Black Ghost" was unveiled to the world, and Gregory decided to part ways with the car. But needless to say, it will remain one of the most iconic classic Dodge Challengers out there, and I'm pretty sure it went to a good home.

And by the way, Dodge paid tribute to Mr. Qualls and his incredible story with a limited edition 2023 Dodge Challenger included in the "Last Call" series.

So is the 1970 "Black Ghost" the most expensive 1970 Challenger ever auctioned? The answer is no, but it's only superseded by a couple of R/T Convertible models. And that's not surprising since Dodge sold only nine drop-tops in 1970.

The most expensive unit was auctioned off for $1.8 million in 2016, followed by an example that found a new home for $1.4 million in 2019.

However, the "Black Ghost" is the most expensive first-generation Challenger coupe ever auctioned, regardless of model year. It's followed by a 1971 HEMI sold for $704,000 and a 1970 HEMI with a sunroof auctioned off for $660,000.

The former is a low-mileage, unrestored survivor, while the latter is the only 1970 HEMI R/T fitted with a sunroof. So, needless to say, the "Black Ghost" story made a big difference. I guess everyone loves a good story, including muscle car collectors.

1962 Rambler American Springs to Life After a 33-Year Hiatus

What's the first thing you think about you hear the words "barn find?" I usually picture a vehicle covered in a layer of dust thick enough to cover the worn-out paint and the surface rust. Because that's how most cars emerge out of long-term storage. And you can only assess their actual condition once you get them cleaned up.

Most of the time, it's worse than expected, with the dust and grime hiding severe rust issues. But sometimes dirt can also conceal a nice survivor that can be returned to public roads without a full-blown restoration.

The Rambler American you see is one of those classics that looked hopeless upon exiting the barn and morphed into a relatively nice rig after a much-deserved wash.

Rescued by the folks over at "WD Detailing," this Rambler was last on the road in 1990. And because it was parked in a wooden barn that didn't provide optimum protection from the elements, it merged coated in dust on the outside and packed with rat nests inside. It was the kind of barn find you wouldn't want to start working on without overalls, goggles, and even a mask.

In fact, given that the Rambler American isn't all that desirable, most people wouldn't have bothered to save it. Fortunately enough, though, our hosts wash and detail everything they can get their hands on, so this Rambler got an unexpected second chance at life after 33 years in improper storage.

And the process revealed a nice survivor that could run and drive for a few more years without a restoration.

Granted, the paint is far from perfect, the interior needs a few bits and pieces, and the floor has a big hole behind the passenger-side front seat, but the Rambler is mostly complete. And as a welcomed bonus, it still has the original engine under the hood.

If you're unfamiliar with the Rambler American, it was produced from 1958 to 1969 by American Motors Corporation (AMC). But the nameplate was actually born in 1950 under Nash Motors and established a new segment. Yes, the Rambler was America's first successful compact car.

Discontinued in 1955, the Rambler was revived by AMC in 1958 using the same Nash platform. However, the company gave it a significant makeover for the 1961 model year, removing the visual connection to the original bathtub-style version.

The drop-top you see here is part of the second-gen Rambler, which remained in showrooms for three years.

While the video doesn't mention a model year, I'm pretty sure we're looking at a 1962 model. How do I know? For starters, it has transparent turn signals, which means we can rule out the 1963 version, which came with amber lights.

And it can't be a 1961 model because it comes with a "400" badge, which AMC introduced in 1962 as a replacement for the Custom trim.

But is the 1962 400 Convertible a rare version? No, it's not. AMC sold no fewer than 125,676 Rambler Americans that year and records suggest that almost 13,500 left the assembly line in this configuration.

It's not very valuable or desirable either, but I think it's a cool and somewhat exotic alternative to the "Big Three" compacts from the era. I'm talking about the Ford Falcon, Chevrolet Nova, and Plymouth Valiant.

Well, if you're in the market for a Rambler American, our host wants to give this two-door drop-top away for free. You just need to follow a few simple steps that you'll find in the first-wash video below.

1963 Chevrolet Impala Showcases Pristine Original Paint, Preserving its Classic Identity

 While the Impala received several refinements in 1963, the most notable event that took place this year was the production of the 50 millionth Chevrolet car.

And, of course, given that Impala was Chevy's main star, the GM brand decided to celebrate this moment with a special Impala Super Sport. Assembled in Tarrytown, New York, the white Impala left the factory with nobody else than Governor Nelson Rockefeller behind the wheel.

The 1963 Impala that I recently discovered on eBay doesn't sport the SS tags, but on the other hand, it's a rough project whose life depends on a hero it must meet online.

The car is currently in pretty rough shape, most likely as it's been sitting in the same place for a very long time. The seller doesn’t provide such information, but the amount of rust on the body (especially on the floors and in the trunk), the ripped seats, and the damaged interior seem to suggest this is exactly the case.

The special thing about this Impala is the paint you see on the body. According to the owner, this is the original finish, and thanks to the years-old patina, it gives the Impala a unique look that perfectly highlights its age.

Unfortunately, the seller does not provide any information on the engine, but based on the photos, it looks like a 283 (4.7-liter) V8. This was the base V8 for the model year 1963, developing 195 horsepower for a decent experience in an Impala.

The small-block lineup also included a 327 (5.3-liter) with either 250 or 300 horsepower (the latter boasted a four-barrel Carter carburetor).

On the other hand, the icing on this case was the 409 big block, and it could be ordered in three different power outputs. The standard version produced 3400 horsepower, while the top-of-the-range configuration generated no less than 425 horsepower.

It's currently unclear if this Impala's engine is still running, but given the car's age and overall condition, you shouldn’t be too surprised if it doesn’t.

The only to figure out everything is to go check the car in person, especially because you also need to determine the shape of the metal to know precisely what repairs it needs.

Unfortunately, despite the original paint, the selling price is way too ambitious. eBay seller skarstens40 expects to get $9,000 for the car. The Make Offer option is also active, so if you have another deal in mind, you can always reach out to the seller to discuss the price or maybe some trades with other classics.

At this point, the Impala is parked in Rockport, Texas, where it's waiting for a new owner. The listing is set to expire in some 27 days.

The 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT was a high-performance variant of the popular

 

The 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT was a high-performance variant of the popular Comet model produced by American automaker Mercury. The car was powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 engine producing 335 horsepower, and came equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and heavy-duty suspension.

The Comet Cyclone GT featured a sporty appearance with a unique grille, hood scoop, and racing stripes. It also had bucket seats, a center console, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel, making it a comfortable and stylish ride.

Despite its impressive performance and design, the Comet Cyclone GT was only produced for one year, making it a rare and sought-after collector’s item today. Its popularity has been further increased by its appearance in various films and TV shows.

Overall, the 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT remains an iconic American muscle car, beloved by collectors and enthusiasts alike for its powerful engine, distinctive styling, and place in automotive history.