1973 Dodge Challenger Cuda Restomod

Description

Restomods are something everyone can appreciate. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of authentic, factory-correct builds or wild pro streets, cars like this 1973 Dodge Challenger will catch everyone's eyes and bring them in for a closer look. After going through a ground up, rotisserie restoration, this car mixes some of the best features of Challengers and a 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda of the era, for one incredible E body car...dubbed the 'CHACUDA'.

This car started life as a 1973 Dodge Challenger, but that may be hard to identify as the front grill, headlights, and bumper are from a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. That grill was fitted very nicely and blends well with the Challenger fenders. Topping that grill is an authentic '70-72 shaker hood that maintains its aesthetics, but has not been modified to be functional due to the fuel injected motor underneath. Walking toward the rear of the car you'll notice the door handles, marker lights, side mirrors, and antenna have been shaved for a smooth look. The trunk deck is brand new and is capped with a 1970 'Cuda spoiler. Beneath that spoiler is a custom fabricated 1970 'Cuda rear valance that perfectly melds to the Challenger body and houses OEM tail lights with a matching 'Cuda bumper below. You'll also notice the gas filler has been shaved from the passenger side and has been relocated to the rear behind the license plate just like the Barracudas. Covering all of this wonderful body work is a glossy coat of Bright Silver Metallic from a 2012 Challenger, with a Tungsten Metallic finish covering the hood and top of the front fenders for a subtle two-tone finish. No restomod look is complete without the right wheels, and the 18'' 5 spoke wheels from a 3rd generation Challenger are a good choice.

Pop open the doors with the remote electronic actuator and you'll find an interior that is familiar to a '73 Challenger, but benefits from a few modern updates. The first update you'll notice are the black vinyl seats up front that flank the center console. That console houses the cool pistol grip shifter and is accented in a carbon fiber look to help tie in the vehicles appearance. The gauge cluster contains factory instrumentation and is also highlighted with the faux carbon fiber. Below those gauges is a JVC AM/FM/CD head unit, and controls for the Vintage Air air conditioning, and heat. With exception of the very clean dash, everything inside is new. The rear bench is covered in taut, black vinyl, the carpets have seen little wear, and the driver takes control with a great looking 3-spoke steering wheel. To get the fun started, there is a secret push button start located in the ash tray for security to make it hard for any unwelcomed joy riders to take control of this CHACUDA.

Quite possibly the best feature of this car is that it is powered by a 5.7L fuel injected Hemi V8 that creates 335 horsepower. That Hemi is nestled in a clean and tidy engine bay that is surrounded by color matched, silver painted fenders and firewall. Power is sent to a rebuilt 727 automatic transmission that sends power to an 8.75'' rear end. Underneath you'll find a very clean chassis. The suspension is all recently new, and all of the hardware has been cleaned, sanded, primed, and painted. The floor pans and frame rails have been painted in a gloss black for a great, show worthy look. There is also a new gas tank with a new fuel pump, a new wiring harness, and a rebuilt radiator...so you can be sure that this car was restored with reliability in mind. Supplementing the drive is power steering and power brakes with discs up front, while 235/40/18 Falken Ziex ZE612 rubber keeps this CHACUDA planted to the road. Included with the sale is a large photo album that documents the build of this car from start to finish and shows the level of detail that was put into this amazing car.

Simply put, you CAN NOT build this car for our asking price, after parts and labor you are probably close to doubling what you could pay to drive away in the beautiful machine today. It's the perfect balance between old school swagger and new school reliability. When CHACUDA rolled into our showroom it certainly drew a crowd, don't miss this opportunity. Call today!