INTRODUCTION: I didn't realize just how exceptional this Hemi was
until I took a closer look. I'm genuinely impressed. This real R/T
received a complete nut and bolt restoration with over $150,000
invested in 2011, yet it still looks freshly finished. Under the
hood is an exceptionally rare and desirable Hemi featuring a cross
ram intake and vintage dual distributor ignition system, backed by
a pistol grip 5-speed and a Dana rear end. Upgraded with four-wheel
disc brakes and a Hotchkis suspension system, it combines show
quality restoration, legendary Hemi performance, and modern
drivability in one outstanding package.
EXTERIOR: The fit and finish are exceptional. Literally every
square inch of the body is laser straight, with no signs of rust,
damage, or bodywork showing through. Even after 15 years, the paint
still presents at a show quality level. They started with a clean
body and media blasted it bare. The body gaps are precise
throughout, and it's finished in its factory Hemi Orange, polished
to a deep, glass like shine. Even the jambs are slick and glossy.
The black stripes are buried smooth beneath the clear coat. The
custom fabricated teardrop hood pays tribute to legendary Mopar
racer Big Willie and gives the car an unmistakable presence. The
stainless trim has been polished, the chrome has been replated, and
the hideaway grille and taillight panel are in outstanding
condition. All the glass has been replaced, and the windows are
professionally tinted. It's sitting on 18-inch Foose wheels wrapped
in performance tires, while a new vinyl top completes the look.
This Charger has the kind of quality and attention to detail that's
difficult to duplicate at any price.
INTERIOR: The interior has been restored to an equally impressive
standard. Everywhere you look, it presents like new. The seats have
been professionally reupholstered, and a reproduction center
console sits between the front bucket seats, complete with working
courtesy lights. Stealing the show is the pistol grip shifter for
the upgraded five-speed transmission. The entire dash area is
outstanding, featuring a new dash pad, a mint instrument cluster,
and desirable Rally gauges. It even retains the factory AM 8-track
radio for an authentic touch. The carpets still look fresh and are
protected by embroidered floor mats. The door panels have been
replaced, the headliner remains tight and wrinkle free, and even
the steering wheel has been beautifully restored. The result is a
cabin that feels every bit as fresh and detailed as the rest of the
car.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: This is where the car becomes truly special. It
starts with a virgin Hemi block that had never been bored,
featuring the desirable "X" casting that identifies it as a factory
heat treated block. The engine was professionally built by Henley
Performance, renowned Mopar racing specialists, and the build
specifications are included. It was dyno-tested at an impressive
539 horsepower. On top sits a set of aluminum heads and a rare
cross ram intake fed by dual Holley carburetors. One of the most
fascinating features is the ultra rare Excel dual distributor
ignition system, a vintage high performance upgrade that gives the
appearance of a 16 spark plug engine. In reality, it still uses
eight spark plugs; the additional wires and plugs are part of the
unique ignition setup that makes for a real conversation piece. A
custom fabricated set of headers completes the package. The engine
bay itself is restored and detailed to an extraordinary standard.
Every component, right down to the clips, fasteners, and brackets,
has been carefully restored or detailed. It features correct
reproduction hoses and clamps, a proper radiator and shroud,
functioning windshield washers, and power steering with a heavy
duty cooler. The fender tag is in place, and the engine compartment
is finished in the same glossy Hemi Orange paint as the exterior.
It's a show quality presentation surrounding a serious,
professionally built Hemi.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Open the trunk and the attention to detail
continues. It's hard to believe how beautiful the underside of the
trunk lid is- it's finished to the same high standard as the
exterior. The jambs are equally impressive. Inside, the trunk is
clean, solid metal, all painted in the same glossy Hemi Orange
finish. The weatherstrip has been replaced, along with the
taillight cover and the reproduction trunk mat. The complete jack
assembly has been restored, and there's even a matching fifth Foose
wheel wrapped in a performance tire serving as the spare. It's the
kind of detail that separates a good restoration from an
exceptional one.
UNDERSIDE: The undercarriage is the result of a meticulous nut and
bolt restoration, with virtually every component underneath either
restored, rebuilt, or upgraded. The suspension has been completely
transformed with Hotchkis performance suspension components,
complemented by rebuilt steering components and Billstein gas
shocks at all four corners. Welded in frame connectors run from
front to rear and look as though they were factory installed,
dramatically increasing chassis rigidity and reducing body flex.
Braking performance has been upgraded with Wilwood disc brakes at
all four wheels. A custom large diameter exhaust system features an
X-pipe, MagnaFlow mufflers, and the correct style tips exiting out
the rear. The entire fuel system has been replaced, including the
fuel tank, while the fuel lines, brake lines, and emergency brake
assembly have all been replaced. Out back, the suspension benefits
from new springs, bushings, gas shocks, and an added sway bar for
improved handling and stability. Looking up at the drivetrain, the
engine is spotless and finished in correct Hemi Orange. You can
even see the distinctive "X" cast into the side of the block,
identifying it as the desirable heat treated Hemi block. The
transmission has been upgraded to a Tremec five-speed manual using
a hydraulic clutch, sending power through a rebuilt driveshaft to
the legendary Dana 60 heavy-duty rear with 4.10 Sure Grip gears.
The floors are exceptionally clean and appear virtually pristine,
finished with a neatly applied chip guard coating for durability.
In fact, the entire underside still looks remarkably fresh.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: This outstanding restoration truly speaks for itself.
The quality, attention to detail, and overall presentation are
simply exceptional. You'll be hard pressed to find another Hemi set
up like this, especially with the ultra rare dual distributor
ignition system under the hood. It's a guaranteed conversation
starter and crowd magnet at any car show. Best of all, it's not
just beautiful to look at- fire it up, grab the pistol grip
shifter, and you'll discover this car is an absolute blast to
drive!
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Crossram
Accell dual distributor
Power steering
4 wheel disc brakes
Dana 60 4.10 Sure Grip
Bucket seats
Console
Rally gauges
8-track radio
Pistol Grip
Stripes
Teardrop hood
Foose wheels
