Hemi Challenger

R.RUNNER · Post by **R.RUNNER** » Sun Jan 20, 08 4:41 pm

Anyone recognise this car?

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Jan 20, 08 7:05 pm

Believe the owners name was Martyn 'David?' . In the late '70s Hot Car magazine tested it with Keith Seume riding along. The figures that they came up with from memory were 0-60 in 4.2 without nitrous and 5.2 WITH nitrous. I think they got it in the 12s
I have a short burst of cine film of it burning out at the Pod.

Cannonball · Post by **Cannonball** » Sun Jan 20, 08 7:16 pm

original plum crazy car, gone back the states, the original no,s matchin engine is in a hot rod thing here in england, i preffered it how itr looked in the late 70,s to how it looked restoerd, any more pics rrunner was the guy a mate off yours

R.RUNNER · Post by **R.RUNNER** » Sun Jan 20, 08 7:18 pm

Is it still around? or did it go back stateside

Cannonball · Post by **Cannonball** » Sun Jan 20, 08 7:23 pm

its gone the states sold here for circa 100 k US 2 yrs later 200K US

R.RUNNER · Post by **R.RUNNER** » Sun Jan 20, 08 7:31 pm

Cannonball wrote:its gone the states sold here for circa 100 k US 2 yrs later 200K US

Blimey Duncan, that must make this photo worth at least £500.00

Cannonball · Post by **Cannonball** » Sun Jan 20, 08 7:48 pm

looks great dont it in yellow, app the original owner here put adds in the usa magazines hot rod etc, WANTED HEMI CAR with a po box no, musta been hard back then not like now with the internet

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Sun Jan 20, 08 9:04 pm

No cut-outs in the rear vallance?

Cannonball · Post by **Cannonball** » Sun Jan 20, 08 10:08 pm

Dave wrote:No cut-outs in the rear vallance?

who ever owned it in the usa must have really wanted a chall t/a but with the hemi, ????????????????

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Jan 20, 08 10:11 pm

Cudas destined for California did not have the valacne cut outs - they had turn downs to assist the emissions. Maybe it was the same for Challengers?

Cannonball · Post by **Cannonball** » Sun Jan 20, 08 10:12 pm

Pete wrote:Cudas destined for California did not have the valacne cut outs - they had turn downs to assist the emissions. Maybe it was the same for Challengers?

you mite be right,

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Sun Jan 20, 08 11:11 pm

Had the cut-outs when Richard owned it. This is another one that passed throught the hands of Stu Vallance. I think I heard it went to the States after it was here in the 70's, then came back to the UK, and of course Richard sold it Stateside again recently. Not sure how it would have kept the same reg though

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Jan 20, 08 11:44 pm

Drove that car, hated it.
I know that sounds stupid, but the stock 426 hemi made very little torque and with the 4 speed it was not quick or pleasant to drive.

I had the 4 speed 6 pack 'Bird at the time, and that was much more fun, and more flexible.

The Challenger was manual everything and quite hard work.
Beautiful car, though in terms of finish and mystique. Richard did a brilliant job on the re-fit.

Classic case of a car I would have loved to have owned, but not to drive.
Jim's Hemi 'Cuda was much nicer to drive - thanks Jim

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Mon Jan 21, 08 9:49 am

Pete wrote:Cudas destined for California did not have the valacne cut outs - they had turn downs to assist the emissions. Maybe it was the same for Challengers?

Never seen a Chally R/T without the cut-outs and don't remember seeing any 'Cudas like that either.
I can't see it making any difference to the emmissions tests of the day if they did because they stuck the probe up the pipe didn't they?

Are you sure you are not thinking of the AAR and T/A which were not allowed the side exit exhaust in California?

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Mon Jan 21, 08 9:55 am

I agree Pete. I drove Richards Hemi Challenger and found it hard work. I have never liked Mopars with manual steering, brakes, and gearbox. But even having said that, some drive better than others. My 69 Hemi Road Runner had manual steering and brakes, but with its brilliant engine and automatic trans it was fantastic to drive.

I also drove Richards 4 speed 71 six-pack Cuda. This was one of the best driving Mopars i have ever driven. The car was tight, the engine and gearbox were superb; i could have driven it all day. I wasn't surprised when Richard sold the Hemi, but i confess i thought the Cuda would be a keeper.

But what am i saying; it's sad to say i probably won't be keeping my Hemicuda for many more years. It has power steering, and brakes, and 727 Auto, it is a fantastic driver and in superb rust free condition, it will put a grin on anyones face. I expect it will go back to the States eventually, shame. - But... My partner Jan is bending my ear to keep the car, it's her favourite, so what can i do?