It’s a familiar conundrum for classic car owners; as historic vehicles age, and the performance ability of modern vehicles increases, so the opportunity for and appeal of classic use can decrease. Because they don’t go that well, or stop that well, or corner that well, or keep water out, our get cool air in or… you get the picture. Alright, so the real situation isn’t quite that bad, and classic car folk are a hardy bunch, but the market emerging for modernised classics is clear for anyone to see.
This is the latest, a black, matching numbers 1969 Dodge Charger R/T - prime Bullitt spec, basically - from Classic Investments. Described as “the ultimate restoration of an awesome car”, the work put into the Charger has been extensive to say the least. Stripped down to its bare shell, the big Dodge was rebuilt to “better than new condition” with a host of uprated parts fitted: there are now polyurethane bushes, Koni dampers, bigger discs at the front (though drums still at the rear) and even additional soundproofing to make it more tolerable on a long journey. Probably useful, in fact, given the 440 cubic-inch V8 now has an uprated cam, a Holley ‘770 Street Avenger’ four-barrel carb and a stainless-steel exhaust; quiet, this ain’t gonna be. Marvellous.
Inside the newly insulated Charger’s cabin is “fine Italian leather”, new trim and a bespoke steering wheel, but the original radio, gauges and switches remain. Re-chromed, restored and reupholstered, the Charger R/T is said to be the result of 3,000 hours of work.
The cost? Well, Classic Investments isn’t saying right now, instead pointing to its website for further details. This sort of work can’t come cheap, though, and Chargers certainly aren’t as affordable as they once were. But if money were no object, the appeal of a modernised, useable classic is plain to see. And if it the Charger isn’t your cup of tea, the company is doing the same thing to E-Types as well…
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