Bodywork Enhancements and Refinements

Starting with a relatively solid Challenger out of Colorado, all the body panels were stripped and readied for various changes that would take form during the mockup stage. The front fenders, for instance, were completely reworked in several areas, including the front, as the intent here was to create a more appealing mouth similar to but improved over the original, extending across the entire nose. The fender lips here and in back also were modernized a bit, and while these alterations may seem fairly straightforward, it took considerable time to get these details right.

In keeping with the sharp lines that divide the new Challenger from those of old, the concave arches built into the surrounds of the fender openings were re-created in a sharper, cleaner edge that is well suited to the larger tire-and-wheel package. The hood, too, has been brought up to modern expectations with some design elements borrowed from the Ferrari Maranello hood for a degree of restrained aggression that’s a natural for this car. Beyond this, the floors were replaced throughout, and a custom trunk floor was created to clear the 23-gallon fuel cell, designed specifically to give this car some range.

Streamlined Exterior Details

Elsewhere you’ll notice the absence of door handles, replaced with remote electric releases for the sake of a clean line. Above, it’s the same, as the rain gutters have been removed in favor of a smooth transition between the windows and roof. As a result, the window molding was replaced with simple weatherstripping for a much cleaner look. Of course, all the other trim once screwed on or glued down has gone the way of change, replaced with incredibly flat, reflective panels coated in deep black paint that joins golden hues across all panels, while the engine compartment, chassis and interior follow in kind.

Reworking the Rear End

The greatest changes, which may go unnoticed by some, have been made at the back of this Challenger. To smooth things out still more, the taillights have been flush-mounted from inside the panel, thereby cleaning up the entire area while adding unique detail that’s right in place. Combined with a flush-mounted bumper, this new tail section is a welcome addition to the original Challenger contours, fresh and still right with the historic aspects of this favored muscle car.

A Modern Chassis with Classic Muscle

Beneath all this fine metalwork and paint is a chassis in keeping with the most modern cars, incorporating a fully independent suspension made up of both stock hardware along with many modern components. In front, an Art Morrison C5 Corvette suspension package was adapted to the existing chassis, and, as always, this union of different technologies came off with few issues. In back, the alterations were a bit more involved, as a variety of components from Heidt’s Hot Rod Shop, including the center section with inboard brakes, were united with those from Perfection Autosport in creating a coilover independent suspension arrangement like no other.

Originally fitted with 20-inch rims and rubber, it was decided that a 19-inch combination of bonspeed rims and Goodyear F1 rubber would fit much more nicely, again proving that bigger isn’t always better. Once the combination was up and running, there was no questioning the performance realized in this well-developed package. To ensure speed is removed as easily as it is built, large Wilwood calipers and rotors were fitted all around for added capability. As expected, all of the suspension and chassis components have been detailed in keeping with the exterior, and the same appeal was extended to the drivetrain.

Powertrain: A Classic Heart with Modern Performance

As the top option on the original order sheet, it was only natural that a modern version of the 426 Hemi from Mopar Performance was fitted in the nose, along with a Tremec 3550 five-speed manual transmission. One of the special touches is the custom-built Hilborn electronic fuel-injection system, which greatly improves throttle response when compared to carbureted approaches, while maximizing horsepower delivery across the operating range of this powerful Hemi. Already imbued with incredible torque and reliability, little else was needed to improve on these special bits, other than a well-chosen mix of components intended to complete this aged appeal. Other elements, such as the Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine belt system and Perfection Autosport’s custom headers mated to twin stainless 3-inch exhausts and Flowmaster mufflers, complete a drivetrain that’s as fun to peer at as it is to stomp on.

Interior: Vintage Meets Modern Comfort

From inside, the driving experience is much as it was nearly 40 years ago, other than a more responsive gas pedal, a slicker-shifting transmission, a better clutch, a new set of Classic Instruments gauges and a higher overall level of quality. Yet, while stepped up from the original look and feel, there’s no mistaking the vintage viewpoint, even if the smell of new black leather and gold cloth-covered seating and panels from Eldo Auto Trim elevate the nostalgic feel. With the wheel and pistol-grip shifter in hand and the wind in your hair, the emotions this car evokes are special to be sure; historic and modern, this Challenger is all about looking good and running better.

Preserving the Legacy of the Muscle Car

As today’s automakers expend amazing resources bringing the past alive through modern renditions of the great muscle cars, we are again reminded how influential these original contours have been to generations of car enthusiasts since the day they were debuted. Today we can only hope to catch but a glimpse of what once was, as it has always been, and still is: fantastic.