THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
River Rod Royalty
February 24, 2026
20 NEW Product Innovations at the 2023 NSRA “Nats”
September 20, 2023
CUSTOM STOPPING POWER
If you own a Ford or Chevy, most of the parts you will need to build a street rod are readily available, and from a variety of suppliers. We have written numerous stories about kits for these cars in our family of rodding magazines, and some of them were a direct replacement for the original. By and large, they worked perfectly and bolted right in, as designed. These types of kits are convenient for many street rod builders, as well as street rod shops, and they are part of what has helped grow our hobby into such a broad special-interest group. But in addition to the “normal” and most popular rods, there were many other great cars made in the pre-war era, and some of them can be a real challenge to street rodders because there are no pre-manufactured parts, and no kits that make them easy to build. Sounds like the old days, right? Well, that’s the modern world for you–even our hobbies have become targets of convenience.
Cool as ICE
Gary Brigham bought his 1929 Ford roadster pickup several years ago. There was just something about it that he liked. First and foremost, it was a pickup. Even though he was not planning to haul any building materials, he did need the bed room for transporting the pop-up tent that he and wife, Janice, used at the many shows they attended. Second, it was a roadster, and he wanted an open car. The roadster pickup fulfilled both requirements.
CAMARO FAVORITE
First-generation Camaros are all the rage these days, and no wonder. With so many ways to bring them into a new era, they make great selections. So, while the big-block power and a five-speed trans served owner Gary Johnson well over the years, rocketing gas prices led him to a more efficient LS2 option.
Spotlighter
Hail to “The King”: Richard Petty’s “Outlawed” Hellcat Unveiled at HPX 2025
This one-of-one, 885HP Charger Hellcat marks the end of an era for Petty’s Garage—and it could be yours.
The crowd at HPX 2025 in Charlotte was already buzzing, but when the cover came off Richard Petty’s “Outlawed” Hellcat, the energy hit a whole new gear. Built by Petty’s Garage to honor the 60th anniversary of the legendary street HEMI, this jaw-dropping Dodge Charger is unlike anything else on the road—or the track.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Packing 885 horsepower, a supercharged HEMI V-8, and the signature of “The King” himself, this custom creation isn’t just a celebration of Mopar muscle. It’s history in motion—and it could end up in your garage.
One-of-One Performance, NASCAR-Bred Power
Under the hood lives a Direct Connection Stage 2 Performance Kit, bolted to a 6.2L supercharged HEMI capable of over 200 mph. The roar, the rush, and the race-inspired roots are everything you’d expect from a car built in the heart of NASCAR country—just down the road from where Petty made motorsports history.
A Fitting Farewell from Petty’s Garage
This is more than a collector car—it’s a capstone. The “Outlawed” Hellcat is the final custom build from Petty’s Garage, making it a true one-off piece of American automotive heritage. Signed by Richard Petty and crafted with premium components, it represents both the legacy and the future of high-performance HEMI culture.
Crafted for King-Level Performance
This Charger is built to move—and to be seen. Highlights include:
- Fikse F-18 wheels with Continental ExtremeContact performance tires
- JRI Shocks and Magnaflow cat-back exhaust
- Custom Katzkin leather interior with embroidered headrests
- Lighting Trendz LEDs and American Car Craft engine/cabin trim
- Alpine premium sound system
Every inch of this car radiates custom craftsmanship and track-ready authority.
Drive with Purpose: The Dream Giveaway Mission
Since 2007, Dream Giveaway® has raised millions for 501(c)(3) charities through exciting prize-based fundraisers. Proceeds support causes like New Beginning Children’s Homes, Victory Junction, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Building Homes for Heroes, helping veterans, foster children, and families in need. Every donation is tax-deductible—and every donor is automatically entered to win stunning vehicles like the “Outlawed” Hellcat.
Put the “King’s” Hellcat in Your Castle
This is your chance to own a street-legal piece of Petty history. Just one lucky entry will take home this 885-horsepower icon, with $25,000 in federal taxes covered.
So go ahead—hail to the King, and take your shot at driving like one.
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