Written by independent automotive journalist David C. Neyens
A true titan of American industry, Walter P. Chrysler formed his self-named automotive marque from the ashes of Maxwell-Chalmers in 1923. From inception, Chrysler and its divisions epitomizing the best and latest thinking in automobile design and engineering. Chrysler’s long and immensely successful performance tradition is appropriately celebrated by this eight-car package of legends from the renowned collection of Steve Todhunter, offered at the upcoming April 13-15 Palm Beach Auction in Florida.
LOT #726.1 – 1970 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T 440 SIX-PACK GATOR GRAIN – NO RESERVE
Pictured above is one of Chrysler’s most potent and stylish muscle cars, this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T represents the launch model year for the new-for-1970 E-Body line and one of the hottest components of Dodge’s “Scat Pack” performance cars. While Chrysler’s mighty 426 HEMI V8 mill was center stage on the track and in dealer showrooms, this Challenger features the potent V-Code 440 Six-Pack engine, factory-rated at 390 horsepower and paired with Chrysler’s A833 4-speed manual transmission with the unique Hurst pistol-grip shifter.
According to VIN decoding performed in 2009 by Mopar expert Galen Govier, this Six-Pack Challenger is one of one produced with its wide array of choice factory features and options, including the wild and extremely rare Code V1G “Gator Grain” textured vinyl roof covering. The subject of a 2004 Mopar magazine feature, this Challenger’s known history dates to 1975, when owners two and three first spotted it in a trailer park while working in the Alaskan oil patch. Retaining the original matching-numbers engine, the Challenger continues to benefit handsomely from a total restoration to its original glory, which remains outstanding and collector-worthy today.
LOT #726 – 1969 PLYMOUTH HEMI GTX – NO RESERVE
Entering its third model year at the top of Plymouth’s supercar hierarchy, the sophisticated, high-content Belvedere-based GTX continued to be available with Chrysler’s already legendary 426ci HEMI power plant. Body styling was a refinement of the midsize 1968 Satellite/Belvedere line and blistering performance for ’69 was delivered by a choice of the 375-horsepower 4-barrel 440ci “Magnum” V8 and 390-horsepower 440ci Six-Barrel V8 in addition to the 425-horsepower 426ci HEMI.
According to Chrysler correspondence on file, this 426 HEMI-powered, 4-speed-equipped 1969 Plymouth GTX is one of just 99 such cars produced for 1969. Continuing to benefit handsomely from a professional total restoration that included New Old Stock parts, this top-specification GTX is a former award-winner retaining its matching-numbers engine and transmission. Accompanied by an appraisal report from Galen Govier, the GTX is finished in Code F8 Ivy Metallic Green paint and a Code TX9 Black bucket-seat interior. Other choice features include the Super Track Pack option, an AM radio/8-Track tape combo, tinted glass and light package. Excellent documentation includes an original Window Sticker, factory Broadcast Sheet, plus the Galen Govier appraisal and Chrysler Historical Collection letter.
LOT #728 – 1970 DODGE CHALLENGER T/A – NO RESERVE
While Chrysler’s new-for-1970 E-Body Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda/’Cuda arrived late to the hugely popular “pony car” market, their great looks and huge option lists made them instantly successful. Racing versions were quickly developed for the SCCA’s wildly popular Trans Am racing series, with street versions produced to homologate them for competition.
According to Chrysler expert Galen Govier, all known Challenger T/As were built between February 4 and May 5, 1970, with 2,400 produced, including 989 4-speed cars. This Burnt Orange 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A is a prime matching numbers example with its 4-speed and super-rare Orange interior and console. Restored to OEM specification and appearance by past owner Dave Points of Dover, Pennsylvania, this distinctive Challenger T/A is a low-mileage example and a former Mopar Collectors Guide magazine feature car.
LOT #681 – 2021 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT SUPER STOCK – NO RESERVE
Representing one of the most extreme variants of the modern Dodge Challenger lineup, this intimidating 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock begins with the Hellcat at its core and turns the knob up to 11 with its retina-searing Go Mango exterior finish reminiscent of the wild Dodge “Scat Pack” colors of the early 1970s. Other highlights of this one-owner example include a black interior with houndstooth seats sporting SRT Hellcat logos on the seatbacks. Unreal performance is delivered by the 6.2-liter supercharged HO V8 engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include competition suspension and a myriad of other items addressing appearance, comfort, convenience, performance and safety, all supplemented, of course, by the $20,600 Code 27S SRT Super Stock ultra-performance option, including a 1-year NMCA/NHRA drag racing membership.
LOT #680 – 1967 PLYMOUTH GTX – NO RESERVE
From the first model year for the GTX, this beautifully restored original ’67 GTX features the 440/375hp engine, A833 4-speed transmission and Dana 60 3.54 rear end. Offered with 82,000 actual miles, this example was stripped to the bare chassis and fully restored to original specifications using many New Old Stock and reproduction parts. Decoded by Galen Govier, the GTX is heavily documented with the original Build Sheet, owner’s manual, sales brochure, Window Sticker, Certicard and a service manual. All stainless, chrome and aluminum items have been restored to the highest quality, and rolling stock includes new Firestone red line tires on new Magnum 500 wheels as original. The winner of numerous awards, this fully matching-numbers GTX was formerly owned by NASCAR driver Rich Bickle.
LOT #404 – 2004 DODGE VIPER SRT/10 ROADSTER – NO RESERVE
Conceived during informal early conversations among top Chrysler brass, including Bob Lutz and the legendary Carroll Shelby (then acting as a special consultant to the company), the Viper stunned all onlookers at its 1989 Detroit Auto Show debut. Shocking in terms of its purposeful simplicity and brutal V10 performance, the Viper turned up its nose to the nanny state in all respects that continues to amaze all who experience one today. This Viper SRT/10 Roadster from 2004 is a prime example of the species, with one owner from new and based in Oklahoma for its entire existence.
LOT #374 – 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 – NO RESERVE
Based on a stunning show car and groomed essentially unchanged to production beginning in 2008, the modern Dodge Challenger paid homage to the original 1970-74 models and immediately carved its own path to immortality in the hearts and minds of auto enthusiasts everywhere. This HEMI Orange Challenger SRT8 from 2009 is also an Oklahoma-only car with sole ownership from new. Recalling the iconic HEMI cars of 1970, this modern Challenger features the fuel-injected 6.1-liter V8 mill delivering 425 factory-rated horsepower in concert with an extra-cost optional 6-speed manual transmission.
LOT #102 – 2000 PLYMOUTH PROWLER – NO RESERVE
Introduced as a wildly popular concept vehicle at the 1993 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Prowler was a radical departure for Chrysler Corporation. Its modernized hot-rod styling – originating from early Chip Foose sketches – may have created a sensation, but beneath that captivating exterior, the Prowler was a technology demonstrator with extensive use of lightweight aluminum, perfect weight distribution and innovative packaging. The 1998 model year was skipped entirely and, when relaunched for 1999, Prowler now featured a 253-horsepower engine and credible performance. Rebranded under the Chrysler banner in 2000, this one-owner Oklahoma vehicle features rare and striking Prowler Black clear coat paint and Agate interior trim for an extremely attractive overall package.
From inception, Chrysler has always offered some of the finest engineering in the history of the automobile industry. That excellence, along with intensive performance development, has given today’s owners and collectors one of the richest and most victorious of all legacies to enjoy and appreciate. Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming Palm Beach Auction, slated for April 13-15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, will certainly be a celebration of Chrysler performance with this highly collectible eight-car offering featuring highlights from the 1960s to the present. For a chance to add some pristine Mopar to your garage, register to bid today.