1971 "Shakedown" Challenger Packs 392 Crate Hemi
This highly-lauded 2016 SEMA show Challenger recently hit the strip for the iconic Woodward Dream Cruise.
Show Rig to Cruiser
The vintage Challenger you see before you probably looks a little familiar. Mostly because it was originally built as a SEMA show rig back in 2016. But now that its 15 minutes of fame have passed, this insanely detailed slice of Mopar muscle recently hit up the Woodward Dream Cruise, where Motor Trend was lucky enough to check it out up close.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
Standing Out
The idea behind "Shakedown" is quite simple and has been done 1,000 times over. But what sets it apart from the restomod masses is the flawless execution and attention to detail it contains. In fact, if we were to imagine Dodge building a new/old Challenger, this would certainly fit the bill.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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Modern Mill
You can't have a restomod without a new motor, and this Challenger has a nice one in the form of a crate Hemi 392. With a Mopar concept cold-air intake and Mopar custom dual exhaust, the modern naturally-aspirated mill pumps out a respectable 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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Perfect Mix
The interior of this Challenger also does a nice job of mixing the best of an old car and a new one. The original dash is loaded with modern black Mopar gauges, set in a gloss carbon fiber panel. Additional carbon has been added to the door panels, center console, and steering wheel.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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Viper Bits
A Dodge Viper donated its steering wheel and front seats to this particular build. And yet, they look right at home here. Both feature red stitching, while the seats are covered in Katzkin leather with Alcantara inserts. The rear seat is long gone, making way for a roll bar.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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Mix and Match
The exterior of this 1971 Challenger features a host of pieces pulled straight from a 2017 Challenger as well. They include the headlights, taillights, grille, and hood shaker. And those wheels are modern SRT Hellcat Slingshot pieces as well.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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Clean and Smooth
The rest of this classic Challenger body has been treated to many of the same tricks that street rodders employ on their builds. Things like shaved drip rails and deleted door handles and fuel-filler door help give the car a super clean and smooth look overall.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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Meaty Rubber
The wheel and tire combo certainly can't be mistaken for anything built in the '70s, however. Those aforementioned SRT hoops measure in at 19x9.5 inches up front and 20x9.5 in the rear. They're covered in meaty tires measuring in at 265/35 up front and 305/35 in the rear.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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Built to Cruise
With a modern motor, Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission, and custom suspension, you can bet this Challenger rides and drives like a new car. After some time behind the wheel, MT said "this is probably as much power as anyone really needs for the street—especially since this car is so good-looking. Hurrying out of anyone's view seems almost selfish. Antisocial. Cruising feels like the right thing to do in this car."
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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End the Chase
We oftentimes get lost in chasing higher and higher dyno numbers and lower and lower quarter-mile times. But when you're cruising in something as inherently cool as Shakedown, we bet you'll forget about that fruitless journey. And honestly, that's perfectly fine with us.
Photos: Steven Pham for Motor Trend
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For help keeping your truck running right, check out the how-to section of DodgeForum.com.