What is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance?

Concours d’Elegance is French and means “a competition of elegance.” The annual Pebble Beach auto show is just that and so much more. Its history dates back to 1950 when the first Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance auto show was held along with the first Pebble Beach Road Race. Dozens of classic car owners showed their prewar-era cars, postwar-era cars and MGs with a 1950 Edwards R-26 Special Sport Roadster taking first place as Best in Show. From that point on, this event was put on every year. Today, the Concours d’Elegance, touted as a “not a contest of speed, but of elegance,” has grown to become the top-ranked car show if it’s kind. In addition to the auto competition, the event includes auctions, charity raffles, food and other activities that can be enjoyed by your entire family.

When and Where Does It Take Place?

The Concours d’Elegance happens as part of a string of activities that go on all week in the Monterey, California area. This year, the Pebble Beach car show will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019, at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. The classic cars will be on display along with other activities from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm CST. There are many options for places to stay in the Monterey and Pebble Beach area. If you love cars, then you’re going to want to stay all week long. This will ensure that you experience exotic cars all around town. If you can find accommodation along Hwy 1, that’s even better!

What Sorts of Cars will You See?

Car restorers, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world gather together to share in a common interest. The categories of cars displayed will show excellence creativity, speed, preservation and ingenuity. In addition to the classics from collectors, you’ll see dream cars, racing cars and manufacturers’ concept cars on display. This year’s Concours d’Elegance will feature the following special classes of cars:

• Bentley Centennial
• Zagato Centennial
• Bugatti Type 59 and Touring
• Historic Hot Rod Cover Cars
• And More…

How Can You Attend?

The Monterey weekly events and car show is a public event that’s open to anyone. You’ll find a mix of people from the general public to the rich and famous. Celebrities like Jay Leno, who’s known for collection cars, have attended and shown their classic cars. Car enthusiasts from around the world flock to get a glimpse of this rare auto collection. It’s truly a beauty pageant of sorts that will leave your jaw hanging. Many of the week’s event can be attended without a fee. However, car show tickets can be bought online and range in price starting from $375 for general admission tickets. Children under 12 years of age are free. If you’re looking for a VIP experience, then you may opt for the Club d’Elegance, Patron’s Patio or Chairman’s Hospitality tickets. These include VIP seating in reserved areas, VIP parking passes, complimentary buffets and more. Some VIP tickets have a limited availability or are already sold out, so get yours as soon as possible.

If you’re an automobile enthusiast interested in collecting and detailing cars, then you may already have heard about this car show. It’s a great place to meet those with similar interests and get tips on car detailing or preparing for your own car show. Don’t forget to mark your calendars, purchase tickets and plan your trip for the event you won’t want to miss. For more information, check out the Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance visitor guide.

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Unfortunately you will not be able to drive this bad-ass ride on the streets, legally that is! But if you want a factory produced drag car, then the 50^th anniversary Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is what you are in the market for. This 2018 Cobra Jet will be going down the quarter mile in the mid 8 second range.

What is powering this beast down the quarter in the mid 8’s? A supercharged 5.2L Coyote based engine, Ford 9-inch solid rear axle, buttoned up with a four-link rear suspension setup. Getting it to hook going down the drag strip. Weld Racing is providing custom wheels with 50^th anniversary logos to go along with the theme on the rest of the car. Then you also get the other basic drag car add-ons  like a roll cage, racing seats, and suspension upgrades.

In the end you end up with a 1 of 68 produced drag car that pays tribute to the original 1968 Cobra Jet. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of these iconic Ford Mustangs then you are in for a real treat. These will be available in Race Red and Oxford White, but with only 68 being built you better get down to your local Ford Dealer today, to try and get your hands on a piece of this iconic pony car!

The post 50th Anniversary Cobra Jet Ready for Order! appeared first on Gold Eagle.

This year’s Keystone Madness was the 25^th year of running this event by Performance, Inc.

It is held at Schuylkill County Fairgrounds in Summit Stations, PA. They chose the 25 years of Minions as their theme and everything was Minion themed. It was very cool to say the least. They chose the Angelman Syndrome Foundation as their charity this year. One of the member’s sons has had this condition and has not let it get him down and has done some amazing things. The 50/50 that was sold was to benefit him and the winner donated the money back. They also had other activities to raise money for the charity and in all raised close to $1000. A great job indeed.

Performance, Inc. does a great job at keeping everyone entertained. They had various Minion themed games as well to keep up with the theme of the event. When the trophies were presented, the trophy girl Dakota put on a Minion costume as well to keep with the theme.

There were 250 vans and trucks through the gate, not including the club. The show and shine, which was held on Saturday, had about 50 vans and trucks in it. The Best of Show winner was Robert Kramer better known as Bubba Didit. He has a beautiful Chevy Van. It was hard to pick a winner for the Cool Rides Online Sponsors choice award, but I chose a beautiful 1970 Chevy Van called Miss Cherrie owned by Daniel “Dutch” Konchar. He was very surprised with this award. It was well deserved to say the least.

I look forward every year to Keystone Madness and look forward to next year’s event. Who knows what they will come up with for a theme for next year. I am sure it will be great. If you are in Summit Station, PA the 3^rd weekend of September, check it out. You will not be disappointed.

The post Keystone Madness appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a retired engineer and a photographer during summer months here in Southern California on wild land fires for Phos-Check, the company that manufactures the red fire retardant you see being dropped on fires from air tankers.

How did you first learn about Cool Rides Online?
I ran across Cool Rides in one of my morning internet feeds.

What Cool Rides do you currently own?
The current classic cars I own are the 1957 Ford Custom 2-Door Sedan, and a 1968 Shelby GT-500KR Mustang I’ve had since 1977.

Now tell us a little about your favorite “Cool Ride”; what makes it special?
Of my two classics, you could probably put my Shelby in that “special” category; I’ve had it a very long time, even after a nasty divorce! I’ve had the ‘57 since 1995 but it was in pieces in the back garage until I finally started on it after I retired five years ago.

What’s next for your Cool Ride? Planning additional work for it or maybe a special trip/cruise?
As far as another project?  I’m currently looking for a 1996 full-size Ford Bronco, that was the last year Ford made the Bronco.

What’s your favorite memory involving your Cool Ride?
I was able to drive my 68 Shelby on the road course at Riverside raceway back in 1995 not long before they tore the track out.

What was the most difficult modification you’ve completed on any of your Cool Rides?
Nothing on either car I’d consider difficult, but I look at everything on cars as a separate “engineering” project. I plan each thing out well in advance and work on it until it’s finished and I’m satisfied, then move on to the next portion of the car.

What is your dream car to own if money was not an issue?
A REAL 427 Cobra, not one of those “kit” cars you see at most of the car shows, but real ones are going for well over a million dollars now.

Taking care of collector vehicles is not easy. Do you have any special tips on how to take care of your Cool Rides in and out of storage?
Always keep your classics with you, I have two, 2.5 garages at my home and one hell of a security system, and of course living in Southern California the meaning of “storage” doesn’t really apply!

The post 1957 Ford Custom 2-Door Sedan appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am 59 and have been very fond of all things motorized since a young age. My favorites are cars, motorcycles, and airplanes but everything else is not far behind. I enjoy going to car shows, cruise-ins and drag races. I like building cars and am thankful that I can do most everything myself except upholstery. It is very cool to me that there are so many different vehicles out there, old and new. There truly is “something for everyone “.

How did you first learn about Cool Rides Online?
I learned about Cool Rides Online from Facebook posts.

Credit: BeersPhotography

What Cool Rides do you currently own?
I own a 1923 Ford T Bucket and a 1934 Ford Tudor sedan (in progress).

Now tell us a little about your favorite Cool Ride; what makes it special?
It is a 1923 Ford T Bucket. 355 Chevy engine with a b&m blower and 600 holleys. It is a full roller motor. Around 550 horsepower. 700r4 transmission and 9″ ford rear end. There are a lot of custom made stainless and aluminum parts on the car. The bottom is just as detailed as the top. It took 4 1/2 years to build.

What’s next for your Cool Ride? Planning additional work for it or maybe a special trip/cruise?
The car is complete except maybe some pinstripes or graphics later. I am entering the car show at our local Super Chevy event soon. Also attending other shows and cruise ins in my area.

What’s your favorite memory involving your Cool Ride?
Since it was just completed recently, I would say entering a show at Sam’s Town Casino with about 1,000 other vehicles.

What was the most difficult modification you’ve completed on any of your Cool Rides?
Modifying the 1934 Ford frame for the front suspension. It has mostly hand built component.

What is your dream car to own if money was not an issue?
Bugatti Veyron

Taking care of collector vehicles is not easy. Do you have any special tips on how to take care of your Cool Ride?
In storage…keep it dry. I use a fan to circulate air under and around my cars. I don’t cover my cars. Out of storage = plenty of wax and aluminum polish.

Is there anything else you’d like the Cool Rides Online members to know about you?
I’m just a person that really likes to look at and admire other people’s creativity on motor vehicles. Some of the stuff you see is amazing!!

The post Awesome 1923 Ford T Bucket appeared first on Gold Eagle.

This blog is written from the perspective of two young (32) former attorneys working under the master mechanics and craftsmen at LaVine Restorations. Thankfully one of us (Travis) grew up around these cars, and the other (Jason) helped run one of LaVine Restorations operations prior to law school. However, we may not have fully appreciated how intense and intricate the process is. The amount of time, energy, planning, research (and research and research), artistry, craftsmanship, and skill that goes into one of these cars is something that most people truly don’t understand. These cars are pieces of American history and are testaments to American ingenuity, automotive engineering, design, and art. With that preface, allow us to introduce the 1938 Packard Model 1607-1139, or better known as a 12 Cylinder Coupe Roadster.

Featuring a 134 wheelbase, the drop-top two-seater is just slightly bigger than its modern counterparts. Only slightly. The massive 473 cubic inch V-12 engine produced 175 horsepower and weighed in at roughly 5,255 pounds, give or take a couple hundred depending on options and lead. The car can seat four via the rumble seat, which I might add is very comfy. Even though the car had a power to weight ratio of .033, they were surprisingly fast. Our car was capable of driving 70 MPH to Big Sur while at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Road Tour. The car is also extremely well balanced  – a finger can turn the wheel at minimal speed. The brakes were extremely good for their time as well. Overall, the car was and is an absolute joy to drive.  However, I digress. The car arrived at the shop in November of 2014 looking good from afar, but being far from good. We have seen cars come in the shop in extremely great, original condition. We’ve had cars come in boxes. We’ve had everything in between.

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Upon initial inspection, there were many glaring issues (at least from our perspective) and missing parts, and that was just the tip of the iceberg: missing lights, missing dash electronics, incorrect bumper and bumper braces, fender mounted antenna, extensive metal damage concealed by copious amounts of plastic filler, damaged body panels, poor fitting components, broken gauges, broken radio, wood damage, etc.

So essentially, this was a typical project here at LaVine Restorations. The best way to discuss the process of the car is probably to go by sections – metalwork, chassis, electrical, research, engine, body, paint, upholstery, final assembly:

Metalwork

Where to begin on metalwork…Metalwork and fabrication are always an interesting process on cars that have old, rusty, probably previously worked metal and patches. Add in the fact that some of these cars are extremely low production, and bam, break out the English wheel. This car, like nearly every car we have seen in the shop over the past 40 years, had its share of problems – there were many issues large and small. The easiest way to break down some of the issues is probably with a selection of before and after pictures. The side mount tire wells were in horrible condition and completely rusted out, as is typical of these cars considering that they become a bucket for water when drains are plugged shut and salt kicks up from tires directly on them. So, we had to repair the lower portions of these wells.

The radiator support splash pan was also a lost cause considering it looked like it was shot with a shotgun, so we had to build one from scratch. This is a component of the car that most people will never see, but which requires the utmost attention and detail to bring the car back to its original state.

The rocker panels required replacing too.

There were many, many more components that required metalwork. We pulled blueprints for various components to ensure correct fit, researched the parts books, studied factory photos all to make sure that the bones of this beauty were solid and complete.

Chassis

Luckily, the chassis under this car was in decent shape when it came to us, but it still needed a fair amount of work to ensure that the owner would be able to enjoy this car for years to come.  Cosmetically, the chassis receives just as much attention as the body. It requires just as much research and, in many cases, copious amounts of correction from previous work done. Thus, the typical metalwork, fabrication, and research system applies. Mechanically, our standard procedure in a project like this is to install new bushings, bearings, and seals to ensure longevity—and this car was no exception.  The control arms on the front suspension were completely rebuilt.

The rear axle bearings were replaced and so were the bearings in the clutch and brake pedal pivot. New suspension springs and metal spring covers were installed. The steering box was disassembled, inspected for worn components and had all new bearings installed.

To finish off the chassis restoration, a new exhaust system was installed, complete with a new resonator and muffler.

Electrical System

The electrical systems in any classic car are usually a collage of minor repairs and/or partial rewiring jobs done poorly, and the system in this car was patched together several times over the years.  As such, components were added or removed, parts were missing, components were modified, etc. The instrument cluster/dash wiring in this car was probably the most challenging portion—it was a hodgepodge of new, plastic-covered wire and original cloth wiring that needed correction. So, we repainted the dash and gauges and removed all the plastic insulated wire and plastic fuse holders and replaced them with the factory correct cloth-covered wire and metal fuse holders.

Several controls were missing, which meant a parts research and gathering journey. It is amazing how detailed and difficult researching and sourcing components for these cars can be, especially when it comes to the little things. After hunting down missing controls and correct components, we were able to properly assemble the dash, which is truly a stunning piece.

Research

While this category falls midway in our list, research is ongoing at every stage. Coming from a legal, heavy research based background, we are amazed by the amount of research that goes into each and every one of these cars to ensure correctness and completeness. LaVine Restorations has always strived to be as thoroughly authentic as possible when bringing these beauties back to life. Eric and Vivian LaVine, the owners and founders of LaVine Restorations, hold a wealth of knowledge that spans decades, makes, and models. Marc LaVine, our head mechanic, also has forgotten more about these cars than I will likely learn in a lifetime. We also have an extensive research library at the shop – countless hours were spent in the Packard parts book. As such, we had a wonderful foundation of knowledge to begin with.  There are also technical experts, such as the wonderful and extremely knowledgeable Brian Burke who provided great information and conversation along the way. As such, we leveraged our collective experience as well as the experience of others to ensure that this ‘38 was as complete as possible.  In many ways, these cars are like a game of telephone – if we aren’t careful to be sure that these cars are as close to original as possible, the next generation could take these and believe what had been done along the way was correct and the cars could be completely distorted in time.

Engine

One of the most important aspects of a restoration is the engine. While you may not think it at first, these engines are truly engineering marvels – both functional and beautiful – so they must be treated with the same attention to detail that the other elements of the car demand.  Thus, in addition to a total rebuild, all our engines are reworked to factory standards for color and finish.

The first step is to remove the engine from the car and get it mounted on a cart so it can be moved easily and the smaller components can be removed and reworked.

Usually, at least some of the porcelain components are in bad shape and need to have new porcelain applied.  The exhaust downpipe on this car was in bad shape, so it was removed and recoated.  Once everything has been reworked and painted or plated to factory specifications, the result is truly stunning:

Body

Ultimately, the body of the car is what catches your attention and what most will see on these classics. A wonderfully engineered and built engine and chassis are great but, if the body fits poorly, is wavy, or just plain looks bad, all of that work will be lost. The body and bodywork also happens to be the most time consuming aspect of a restoration, and rightfully so. Bodywork sets the foundation for paint, and our process is something that Eric, Vivian, and our shop foreman Brad Lawson have crafted and perfected over decades. As with all the cars we restore, to make this car show ready, we first removed the body from the frame and stripped down to the bare metal.

Every piece of the body is straightened and coated in epoxy-primer so that it can be fit back together.

Primer is sanded to a very high grit, all components are fit together to ensure proper fitment, and the paint process begins.

Paint

Paint will make or break a car. Eric LaVine is our head painter and has painted every car that has come out of this shop in the last 40 plus years – this includes Pebble Beach Best-in-Show cars, dozens of Pebble Beach Best-in-Class cars, Amelia Island award winners, Detroit Autorama Great 8 paint, and literally hundreds of other award winning cars. He, along with Vivian, have developed the paint process that we strictly adhere to. Keeping in line with authenticity, when cars have original factory colors that they would have come in we make our selections from these options. Again, research is key for this stage, as well as planning. With this car, we went with a Packard factory original color called Columbian Beige which turned out absolutely stunning. So, once the body has been test fit in primer, it’s time to make sure everything has been sanded and prepared for paint. Most of the smaller pieces are hung from a rack to better facilitate the painting process. The hanging approach also works for larger pieces, like these fenders:

When it comes to the body, there is a lot of masking to be done to keep the paint where we want it. After all the hanging and masking is done, it’s time to spray some paint!

After all the hanging and masking is done, it’s time to spray some paint! Once paint is done, the car finally starts to come to life and takes on a character of its own. We are very careful with selecting colors to fit the wants and character of the owner, as well as what the car calls for. Upholstery is a large part of the process and must compliment the paint.

Upholstery

The upholstery and interior must compliment the body color, as well as retain authenticity. This means materials that are period-correct, correct stitch patterns, correct hardware, correct carpet material, correct convertible top material and construction, etc. After carefully researching our options, we selected a taupe-gray leather that took the interior from this:

To this:

The selection of a black top and black wall tires along with this interior color provided a stunning look that we were extremely happy with.

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Final Assembly

Once the car is painted, the fun (read: terrifying) process of assembling painted parts, fenders, doors, etc. begins en masse. The way the original designers and engineers put these cars together is an incredible, frustrating, and ultimately satisfying thing of beauty.  Once complete, you have before you a work of art that had countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears (often literally) poured into it.

Pebble Beach

The first test of this restoration transpired on the 18th green of the famous Pebble Beach golf course at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The world’s finest classic and antique cars gather at this show and competition is always extremely tough. The first part of the show consists of the tour, which puts these cars to task by driving anywhere between 80-100 miles around the Monterey area and along the coast. This is a stunning drive to spectate and participate in. The car ran like a dream, as it should have – we put no less than 500 miles on our cars before sending them off to be sure that everything is in top working order.  The morning of the show, the cars roll on to the show field for all to see. From there, a last bit of detailing occurs and the wait for judging begins. The judges arrive and the car is inspected in every manner. Questions are asked, answers are provided, and excitement builds.

Once the car is judged, the top three cars in the class are selected and lined up side by side to await their placement. As the cars sit in a row, the first is called – Third-in-Class. Two cars remain, ours and another, and the next to leave is Second-in-Class. The next car is called, and it is not ours! At this moment our restoration is a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best-in-Class car! All at once, all of the planning, research, and hard work pays off. Such an honor and blessing. This was the first of hopefully many more awards and honors to come.

In Winner’s Circle at Pebble Beach

Next up is the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. We hope to return with another award, but in the high-stakes game of these amazing cars, you never know what may show up. Stay tuned for the results from Amelia and follow our Facebook page for more real-time updates from the show!

The post 1938 Packard Coupe Roadster’s Amazing Restoration appeared first on Gold Eagle.

I am 19 from Columbia Mo and attending State Technical College of Missouri for automotive collision. I first found out about Cool Rides Online when I saw your page on the suggested likes on Facebook. We currently have 3 67 Impala SS, a 75 cosworth vega, a 66 Chevy 2 SS, a 64 Chevelle SS, and a 57 chevy 4 door.

My favorite ride would have to be the ‘67 that my dad and I are building because we are doing it together and spending time together.We are planning on finishing my ‘67 impala SS so we can do the long haul for the Hotrod Power Tour.

My favorite memory was taking my dad’s ‘67 impala SS down to Springfield for Street Machine Nationals. The most difficult mod I’ve done so far would have to be the air ride on my dad’s ‘67.

My dream car is my 67 we are building because i have had looked forward to it for a long time. For storage of our Cool Rides, we just have all of our cars in our 40×80 shop.

The post 1967 Impala is a Stunner! appeared first on Gold Eagle.

I am 47 years old and grew up in Streator, Illinois in which I still live today. I have a shop at my house where I enjoy working on anything with a motor. Most of my projects are dirt bikes and four wheelers. But you could find just about anything roll into my shop.

I found out about Cool Rides Online Facebook when a friend of mine sent me a Facebook link to your page. I currently own four Cool Rides: 76 Chevy K10, 77 Yamaha RD 400, 79 CR 250 Elsinore, 78 YZ 250. My favorite Cool Rdes would have to be my 76 Chevy K10 complete restore frame off restoration. It has a 400 small block, full time four wheel drive, tack dash stepside. It also has original factory drive line and is painted a Reflection Blue Pearl. The complete body was painted in pieces. In High School I had a 75 stepside truck that I drove for 10 years.  The next update for my Cool Ride is that I’m planning on a new exhaust system and replacing the factory A/C.

The best memory I have with my truck is putting the parts on and seeing it complete on the day of our town’s annual cruise night. Cruising down the street gave me the biggest smile and the feeling that I had accomplished completing my dream truck. The most difficult modification I’ve ever made would have to be the 40 gallon suburban tank that I installed between the frame rails and the painless wiring harness that wasn’t so painless.

If money wasn’t an issue, my dream car would be a 1969 Camaro with a 427 if I was to do a car. If I was to do a truck I would have to do a 1950 – 5 window Chevy with a 6.6 Duramax.

As for tips for taking care of a Cool Ride –my number one would be my Fiancée for she seems to be way more protective then I am. I also built a brand new heated garage to store my Cool Ride in. I would also advise having a good cover to keep it clean and another cover to protect the good cover and keep it clean.

Another interesting fact about myself: I was named after my grandfather that passed away when I was 4 years old. He could build fix or make anything and actually built carnival rides in his days. My family often tells me that’s where I acquired my skills and that it is in our genes. I often think of my grandpa when building things and there are pictures in my shop of him and things that he had built.

The post 1976 Chevy K10 Built From Bones appeared first on Gold Eagle.

I am an old school Iowa farm boy. I have had some schooling in commercial art, auto body repair, and electronics in the Air Force. In 1988 i got out of the Air Force, purchased a body shop and have been doing that ever since. I have done restorations, rods, Corvettes, but mostly collision work.

I first found out about Cool Rides Online when I saw a little ad off to the side on Facebook and sent in some pictures of my car.

Right now, my Cool Rides are this Challeger Superbird, a 2012 Camaro I put a zta trans am kit on, and a 1952 Willys pickup I am putting on a 1989 Chevy 4×4 drive train. It is going to be Wile E. Coyotes truck with Acme sales and service on it to show with the road runner.

I also just got a 1972 Buick Riviera I am kind of rat rodding for now: painting it satin black. I guess my favorite Cool Ride is the Superbird just because it is so different: purple, wing, air ride, supercharged, etc.  I’m not sure what would be my next ride—I need to finish what I’ve already got. Plus, I just got the rivi last week.

I think my best memories with the Superbird are when people at car shows just go nuts over my car. Putting a 1990 trans am drive train in an old s-10 pickup was the most difficult modification I’ve made due to the wiring mess, body, paint, and mechanical.

I am not sure I would be able to narrow my dream car down to one as it is ever-changing.  I would like to do the Riviera as a gasser— up in the air, tubbed, and with a blower sticking through the hood.  However, I would also like an old Plymouth truck or just one more car.

My tip for taking care of Cool Ride is to get them out and drive them at least once per year. If they are just going to sit then sell them to someone else. Storage is always an issue if you are on a budget but luckily I have a building which I rent out and there is space left for my cars.

I am just a guy trying to help people with their cars in a little town in Iowa. The collision business is getting hard as insurance companies want to send all work to big shops. So, I might have to start doing some resto work to stay in business. Thanks for liking my car and sharing my story. God bless America.

The post Challenger Superbird is Road Runner Fast appeared first on Gold Eagle.

By 1974, the Dodge Challenger was relatively tame compared to the earlier models produced in 1970 and ’71. Gone were the powerful 426 Hemi and the massive 440 six pack. In 1974, the largest engine was a 360 cu-in V8, capable of a relatively modest 245 hp.

The 1974 Dodge Challenger with the bigger V8 was a legitimate muscle car, although it really represented the end of the muscle car era. Production ceased in April 1974, and the Challenger would not re-appear until 1978, when a re-badged Mitsubishi Galant Lambda was marketed as the next Dodge Challenger. Edmunds acknowledges the 2011 Challenger’s status as a bonafide muscle car, but it also gives it credit for being a superb grand touring coupe as well.

Engines and Drivetrains

From Death Writer via Wikimedia Commons

In 2011, Dodge upgraded it Challenger engines to make them even more powerful. The Pentastar V6 in the modern base SE is very different from the V6s of four decades ago. In the 2011 Challenger, the V6 generates a very respectable 305 hp, which is up 55 hp from 2010. The SRT8 got a bigger engine for 2011 as well. The 6.4 L, 392 cu-in V8 engine led to a new designation for the top-of-the-line Challenger – the SRT8 392. This behemoth supplies a maximum 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Low-end torque is an impressive 90 lb-ft greater than that generated by the biggest Hemi in the 2010 lineup.

Today’s transmissions are more complex and sophisticated than those in the original Challenger. Five-speed and six-speed manuals and an automatic are all available. Compare this to the three and four-speed manuals and three-speed TorqueFlite automatic available in the 1974 model.

Design and Features

The effort to replicate the look of the early ’70s Challengers four decades later was successful. The long hood and sleek styling communicate speed. However, the stance and look of the modern Challenger is arguably more hefty and powerful. With curb weights of approximately 4,000 pounds, modern Challengers are significantly heavier vehicles. The curb weight of the 1974 Challenger is about 700 pounds lighter.

The modern Challenger rides on significantly larger wheels than its predecessor. Seventeen-inch rims are standard while 18-in and even 20-in wheels are available. In 1974, OEM wheels were either just 14 or 15 inches in size.

Of course, the 1974 design cannot compete with the technology featured in the modern Challenger. A quick look at the optional Connectivity Group illustrates the point. It includes Bluetooth and an iPod/USB interface and satellite radio; even the terminology was unknown to early ’70s car enthusiasts, much less the actual technology. The auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlamps and heated front seats were not to be found on the 1974 version either. Garmin GPS navigation with a touchscreen interface is also a feature unknown to those driving in the earlier muscle car era.

Acceleration

From Bull-Doser via Wikimedia Commons

Compare this to the most powerful 2011 Dodge Challenger, the SRT8 392. It is capable of a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time as tested by Motor Trend. This powerful muscle car can cover the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. Even the 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is capable of a 6.4 second 0-60 time. The base model can cover the quarter mile in 14.8 seconds.

By 1974, the Challenger R/T was no longer produced but the Challenger V8 remained. In fact, the standard V6 had been retired in 1973, leaving only two V8s to choose from – the standard 318 cu-in engine and the bigger, more powerful 360 cu-in engine. The former generated 150 hp while the latter was good for a hefty 245 hp.

Even with the larger 360 engine, the 1974 Challenger took over nine seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start. Compare this to the high-end 2011 SRT8, capable of completing the 0-60 mph dash in about five seconds. Equipped with either a 426 Hemi or 440 six pack in the 1970-71 Challengers could compete, completing the 0-60 test in a little more than six seconds. However, those engines were no longer available in 1974.

Fuel Economy

The engineering that goes into today’s engines yields a far better combination of fuel economy, low emissions and power than in the Challenger engines produced for the 1974 model year. The Se base is EPA-rated at 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Even the SRT8 392 with an automatic transmission will provide 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

By comparison, a 1974 Challenger with a 318 engine and a three-speed manual averaged 12-13 mpg. A 1974 Challenger equipped with 360 engine and the optional performance package averaged around 10-11 mpg, depending on whether it was equipped with a manual or TorqueFlite automatic.

Cost to Own

The MSRP of a base 1974 Dodge Challenger was $3,145. By comparison, top-of-the-line SRT8s retailed for more than $40,000. The buying power of a 1974 dollar is 4.56 times that of a 2011 dollar. Even when one adjusts for inflation, a new car buyer in 1974 received a lot of car for the money.

Another way to compare the original to the modern challenger is on the basis of what it would cost to own one today. The best 1974 Challenger restorations beat the 2011 Challenger rather handily. Hagerty calculates the average price of a 1974 Challenger Concours-quality restoration at $37,500. By comparison, the top-of-the-line 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 is typically priced used in the $27-33,000 range. Challenger R/Ts often run in the low to mid 20s, while the base Challenger is often priced at well under $20,000. However, pristine SRT8s with under 5,000 miles on the odometer come close, at $34-$35,000.

Today, collectors covet the early ’70s Challengers, especially the 1970 and 1971 models with the most powerful engines. Some enthusiasts swap out the smaller V8s in the 1974 Challengers to replicate the performance of earlier versions. However, in a straight-up comparison between production Challengers from 1974 and 2011, the modern one wins hands down.

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