THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
BAD BOWTIE
Some guys love their Chevys so much that they’ll go out of their way to flush out and record every bit of their cars’ histories. Such is the case with Gene Lavine of Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Lavine is 65 going on 35. A car guy since he was 16, he served his country as a jet fighter pilot and then went on to fly for the Federal Aviation Administration. He also has a Ph.D. and now is vice president of a company that manages collections for more than 30,000 businesses.
JET-AWESOME
We’ve seen lots of cool, stout VWs over the years, but only a few awesome Jettas have made us do a double- and triple-take, which is just what happened when we first caught a glimpse of Todd Sollar’s awesome wide-body Jetta. Our mindset went from “damn” to “wow” about that quickly.
Dancing on Asphalt
The Holley LS West Fest 2024 is a haven for automotive enthusiasts, where the asphalt becomes a stage for the most electrifying display of drifting mastery you’ve ever seen. Drifting, that high-octane symphony born from the streets of Japan, takes center stage in the Drift Challenge. It’sa spectacle that’s part adrenaline rush, part precision ballet. These drivers aren’t just racers, they’re artists, wielding their cars like brushes on a canvas, deliberately throwing them sideways through tight corners at breakneck speeds, the smoke from their tires painting the landscape with a vivid display of raw power and skill.
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.
ARTICLE SOURCES
