The House of Muscle's amazing Dodge Charger

What is it?

This is not what you think it is. It might look like a Dodge Charger Daytona, but it’s a little more interesting than that. Created in 2007, this is a pro touring tribute to the NASCAR champ created from the bones of a tired 1969 Dodge Charger SE.

What does “Pro Touring” mean?

That the car has been fitted with upgraded brakes, engine, suspension, etc. Things that make it faster and more reliable. But not more comfortable.

Didn’t a car like this appear in Fast & Furious 6?

Yes, it did – and you might want to suggest that this car here was the inspiration for that one. This car was built in 2007; the film car, which was billed as a pro touring Daytona and driven by Vin Diesel, didn’t appear until 2013.

Who built it and why?

From the very beginning, this car was designed and built by co-owners Mike Musto and Todd Ford to be driven hard, not sit in a garage. They wanted to build a car that could be used as a daily driver and flogged cross country on rallies.

And what have they got to say about it?

“Mopars then [2007] were going insane in regards to value. When people found out we were building the car we got both praise and hate mail as folks thought it was a sin to rip apart a Charger to build a Daytona. The idea was for people to raise an eyebrow when they saw it, ask questions and pique their interest enough so they’d get into the hobby.”

How much did it cost to build, and how long did it take?

All the owners are saying, as much to shield themselves from admitting the huge cost as anything else, we suspect, is “six figure” and around a year. Which is more than believable. As Dodge only built 504 Daytonas in 1969, getting original parts was impossible. So everything – everything – had to be custom made.

Which bits exactly?

The nose cone, rear window plug, wing, rear deck lid and lower braces, fender vents. Even the wheels are one-offs. This is an exact replica, so all the bodywork on this car is what you would have seen from the factory in 1969 sans the wheels, front spoiler and a couple of custom touches.

Are there any parts borrowed from more recent cars?

The brakes are 2008 Dodge Viper Brembo calipers and 14in Challenger SRT discs. The transmission is a 5spd Tremec TKO-600. Other than those, it’s mostly as its maker intended back in 1969.

What are the car’s vital statistics?

The engine is a 471cu in (7.7-litre) producing around 500bhp and 480lb ft. It does the quarter-mile in 12.4secs, returns 8mpg in town and has a vmax of over 150mph. But it’s geared for 170+mph. Imagine seeing this filling your rear-view mirror...

How much is it worth?

Mike and Todd say they’ve had plenty of offers for the matte black car, but none to tempt them to part with this one of one classic muscle car.

Want more?

Check out thehouseofmuscle.com