At first glance, this 1971 Dodge Charger R/T appears to be a clean, faithful restoration. But a closer look reveals a surprising twist under the hood.
Hellcat Power in a Classic Body
Builder Dave Dudek replaced the original engine with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8, the same powerplant found in modern Challengers.
The swap required replacing the inner headlights with air intakes to feed the hungry engine.
The Hellcat is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, offering a modern driving experience in a vintage muscle car.
Dudek also freshened the exterior and interior, resulting in a thorough overhaul.
The body is finished in a subtle blue, with freshly chromed bumpers, new 17-inch wheels, black side stripes, and a hood with gills for cooling.
The cabin features blue-trimmed seats, a pistol-grip shifter, and a wooden-rimmed steering wheel.
Upgrades include new suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, Wilwood brakes, and period-correct slotted tailpipes. This Charger is also one of only 30 original R/T models with a sunroof.
Mecum Auctions will sell this restomod at its Monterey auction in August. With over 700 horsepower behind fake headlights, it's a rare find.
