'72 Challenger - Subtle Elegance

Fast Facts
'72 Challenger
Paula Blake
Royce City, TX

Mopar Power

Engine: Going the new-school-meets-old-school route, a 6.1L Hemi V-8, with a custom-fabricated air-induction system by Hot Rods by JSK, was installed under the factory Power Bulge hood, which now features functioning scoop openings.

Transmission: If you're going the modern route, just sliding a 727 under the floor may be ok for some, but this one features a five-speed Chrysler overdrive-automatic transmission with a console-mounted shifter.

Exhaust: Although you can't see it from the sides of the car, there is a custom-fabricated, 3-inch, dual setup under there, and it was fabbed by Hot Rods by JSK. That includes the custom-fabricated chrome tips.

Sure Grip

Frame: Although a lot of body mods were done, the original Chrysler Unitbody structural members are still there, but are augmented by subframe connectors fabricated by Hot Rods by JSK.

Suspension: Supporting the front end is a Magnum Force coilover front suspension; in the rear is a factory-style leaf suspension. Hey, it works, so why not?

Brakes: You can't have wimpy brakes on a car built like this, so Wilwood disc brakes are mounted on all four corners.

Wheels: Knowing the wheel-and-tire package can make or break a car's look, a set of Billet Specialties "Stiletto" wheels were chosen. Large 17x8-inch wheels are mounted on the front, and a massive pair of 18x10-inch discs are mounted on the rear.Rubber: Nitto NT55, 225/40 ZR 17 (front); 305/35 ZR 18 (rear).

High Impact
Body: The body is an original '72 Challenger, but with extensive custom fabrication/modification that includes the floorpans raised 3-1/2 inches, trunk floor raised 5 inches, and hand-fabricated rear valance/exhaust tips. Side mirrors are Vision Hot Rod Concepts items that were cut down nearly 2 inches to fit better on the body. Paint: a two-toned combination using PPG Aventurin Orange from the top body line down, with PPG black painted from there up. There is also a PPG Kawasaki Green stripe dividing the two colors. painted by Hot Rods by JSK.

Interior: There are some major deviances from stock when you get inside the car, but it works well with the rest of the package. A pair of custom bucket seats from Interior Supply & Service (ISS), Ft. Worth, Texas, were upholstered in leather with a houndstooth pattern cloth insert by Sean Cook, Murphy, Texas, and keeps the driver in place while she faces a custom-fabricated gauge cluster with Auto Meter gauges. Deviating from the Mopar brand, the guys used a '77 Cadillac tilt/telescope steering column to replace the stock unit. Continuing with the modern feel, a Billet Specialties "Outlaw" steering wheel was also used. Although it may appear stock, a custom console (which resembles the factory-optional one available) contains an '06 Cadillac shifter.