MOTOR CITY GLORY DAYS: These three custom muscle cars are eager for action
September 17, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen
Detroit muscle with a modern twist: This 1970 Dodge Charger R/T (Lot #710) is one of several stellar custom builds headed to the 2019 Las Vegas Auction.
Custom builds that combine classic looks and modern performance upgrades are red-hot these days, and at the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, smart buyers will be able to choose from an amazing selection of custom muscle cars that run every bit as good as they look.
Here are three very special – and very custom – examples from the glory days of Detroit’s Big 3, when muscle cars ruled the streets. They include a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T, a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS convertible and a 1966 Ford Mustang fastback, all selling at No Reserve. These represent three very unique takes on the custom-build formula, yet each is sensational in its own way.
Lot #701 – 1970 Dodge Charger R/T Custom Coupe
There’s just something special about the second-generation Dodge Chargers produced from 1968-70. Fast, stylish and powerful, the Charger was the top-of-the-line Dodge performance car and could be ordered with a whole host of performance and luxury options.
This car began life as a 1970 Charger R/T, which in itself is rare, as only about one in five Chargers that year came with the optional R/T high performance package. But the differences between what Detroit produced in 1970 and what this full-on Pro-Touring Charger R/T is today is night and day.
The good news starts under the hood, in the form of a 500ci big-block Indy Cylinder Head wedge V8 engine. Virtually every piece of this powerplant has been massaged for improved power, reliability and drivability.
From top to bottom of the powerplant, there’s a 750-cfm Demon carburetor that feeds the fuel-energy mixture through a set of high-flow Edelbrock Performer RPM heads. An electronic ignition keeps the spark strong, while inside the engine block, you’ll find a 4340 crankshaft, Eagle H-beam rods, Speed Pro hypereutectic pistons and a COMP hydraulic cam. All that horsepower flows through a Keisler-modified Tremec TKO500 5-speed manual transmission, which utilizes a hydraulic clutch to power a Moser Dana 60 rear axle equipped with 3.54 gears.
A key part of the Pro-Touring equation is optimizing braking and turning, two strengths of this custom build. Long gone is the inefficient stock torsion-bar front suspension, replaced by a Reilly MotorSports front clip, modern power steering, AFCO double-adjustable coilovers and a modified Detroit Speed rear suspension. To whoa this hot rod down, there are Wilwood disc brakes, along with Nitto NT555 Extreme ZR tires wrapped around Fikse wheels. In a straight line or around a turn, this Dodge hauls.
Crucially, the Charger R/T body was rust-free when the restoration began. The body then was carefully acid-dipped and E-coated before multiple coats of PPG Grigio Pearl Metallic paint were applied. The show-quality finish was topped by blacked-out trim, a black hood treatment and a black bumblebee stripe. This combination is as striking as it is sinister.
Inside, there’s a custom leather interior wrapped around hand-stitched bucket seats for comfort and style. Modern amenities include air conditioning, Dynamat insulation, AutoMeter telemetry, an MP3-capable Pioneer CD player, aftermarket Tuff Wheel and a billet shifter.
Lot #718 – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS Custom Convertible
For members of the Bowtie Brigade, look no further than this jaw-dropping 1968 Camaro convertible Resto-Mod, which according to the consignor underwent a two-year, professional nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration that cost well above six figures, not including the price of the car itself. Completed in 2018, this build has just 100 test miles on it since it was finished.
Starting with the powerplant, this droptop Camaro receives its motivation from a professionally rebuilt E85 Flex-Fuel L59 5.3-liter V8 LS engine that produces 466 horsepower at the flywheel and 374 ponies at the rear wheels. High-performance parts include custom 12:1 compression-ratio JE pistons, a custom cold-air intake and intake cover, Hooker ceramic-coated headers and a dual exhaust system. To keep all that power cool there’s a Champion radiator with electric fan. The remainder of the drivetrain consists of an FLT 4L60E street/strip 4-speed automatic transmission with CircleD 3500-3700 stall converter and Tru-Cool cooler, an Eaton posi-traction rear end, and a Motive ring & pinion gear set.
Suspension and chassis upgrades include subframe connectors, firewall-to-frame connectors and Detroit Speed mini-tubs. Out back there are Detroit Speed shocks, General Spring 5-inch leaf springs with a Hotchkiss sway bar and CalTracs traction bars. The front is fitted with power steering, SPC adjustable upper control arms, Koni shocks and BMR lowering coils. Torq Thrust II wheels and Nitto Motivo tires give this gorgeous Camaro just the right stance, while CPP power brakes with drilled and slotted rotors provide stopping power.
The body was fitted with new sheet metal while retaining the original firewall, cowl and bumpers, which were reconditioned. It was then shot in a lustrous finish of Red Hot 2017 Silverado paint. The interior features Vintage Air, power leather seats with custom RS logos, Dakota Digital gauges, premium carpeting, power windows and a Kenwood AM/FM/CD receiver with six JL speakers and a JL 600-watt digital amplifier. Rounding out this gorgeous build is a premium cloth power top with a glass rear window.
There’s also a Heartbeat City RS grille with electric headlight doors, keyless entry and trunk release, a hitch hidden behind a fold-down license plate, and an E85 Rick’s stainless-steel gas tank with an in-tank pump. The Camaro is fully documented with spec sheets and photos, and includes the GM of Canada Build Sheet showing how the car was configured from the factory.
Lot #706 – 1966 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback
Last but most certainly not least is another stellar custom build, this one a specially prepared 1966 Ford Mustang fastback that combines performance and great looks in a remarkable package.
Powered by an upgraded and highly tweaked Ford 302ci V8 engine, this Mustang has an immaculate engine bay topped by a FAST 8-port fuel-injection system, all stainless-steel accessories and coated headers feeding a chambered exhaust system. The result is a show-quality look and plenty of power as well. The high-performance Ford powerplant connects to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission.
Naturally, this Mustang has been beefed up in the chassis department as well, with a Flaming River power rack & pinion front steering system, custom-built 9-inch, 4-point rear suspension and Wilwood disc brakes.
Careful attention was paid to coming up with a look that sets this custom build apart from lesser Mustangs. For starters, the body was lowered 4 inches, with custom one-off wheels and tires employed to make the appearance just so. The door handles were shaved, and the car was given electronic door locks.
The dazzling paint scheme consists of a custom-mixed blue/silver finish with silver stripes, giving the Mustang a look reminiscent of a mid-1960s road racer. The detail work is impeccable, with the colors extended to the body panes on the underside of the car, where all the wiring and brake and fuel lines were carefully hidden.
In the Mustang’s custom interior, you’ll find Vintage Air, a push-button ignition, and knobs and accessory items discretely hidden in a full-length console. There are also power windows, modified C6 Corvette seats trimmed in blue and silver to match the exterior paint, a leather-wrapped and custom-stitched roll bar, and an in-dash stereo system. A complete build photo album and receipts for all systems are included.
So take note: These three high-performance custom muscle cars with Detroit heritage will sell to the highest bidder, and each is sure to keep the new owner in the fast lane.
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the 2019 Las Vegas docket, click HERE.