There is possibly no other muscle car more notorious, more respected, nay, more iconic than the second-generation Dodge Charger! Dodge probably had no idea that when they designed the Charger in the late 60s, they’d be creating a machine so sexy that it would transcend being mere transportation by becoming the symbol of the muscle car era and the most sought-after American vehicle over the next six decades. Bone stock, it’s hard to think that this machine could be any cooler until RestoMods.com got their hands on it.
What makes this Weekly Spec so cool is that I’m not only writing about a Charger (which is always cool), but we’re covering a car that underwent a complete nuts & bolts restoration from our very own lead mechanic, Chris Esparza. So it’s safe to say, we know this is your chance to own one of the finest examples of a restomod built anywhere in the world.
Damn Fine Body Lines
If it seems like I struggle with a severe addiction to Dodge Chargers, you’re absolutely right. To be honest, there’s a massive list of terrible things I’d be willing to do to own this thing, especially when you see that Tuxedo black paint job with a matte black stripe in person. That’s when you’ll be thinking the same things as me. But the fanatical thoughts don’t stop at the paint job; no, they only grow more intense as you notice the subtle yet highly impressionable upgrades, like the Ringbrothers Air Frame billet aluminum hood hinges, or the Holley LED headlights, and Digi-Tails LED taillight conversions. You might even start plotting which banks to rob when you notice that all the glass has been replaced; hell, you could even watch yourself pull the ski mask over your face in the perfectly polished chrome trim. I’m sorry to say that it’s not just the perfectly sculpted body that will have your head spinning; no sir, it’s the menacing stance with staggered 18” American Racing Groove wheels, black of course, wrapped in wide, meaty tires that gives it the cleanest and meanest restomod styling and will have you plotting in no time. Damn, Esparza really did a number on me this time!
The Perfectly Refined Interior
For classic car restorations, it’s easy to fall into the trap of too much or not enough. And this Charger perfectly coasts between the extremes by maintaining a tastefully refined touch. A true restomod has to maintain the balance by being restored yet modified. The team did a killer job by blending the black interior with original-style door panels and aftermarket Sparco GT seats. With the power this ol’ gal lays down, you’re going to be grateful for modern seats when you’re not bouncing on the old springs while you burn rubber. The dash maintains a stock appearance while sneaking in updated Dakota Digital gauges,, and a Vintage Air system works to keep you cool. A Flaming River tilt column was installed with a Billet Specialties steering wheel to grip onto as you row the gears in a retro, and downright kick-ass, Hurst pistol-grip shifter! Is there anything as cool as ripping down the highway with a pistol grip shifter in your right hand? The answer is no; it’s by far the coolest thing you’ll ever do.
Insane Performance
I wanted to write something cool and catchy about the drivetrain and performance of this Charger, but all I could conjure was the word “insane”. Because that’s what you’ll be thinking the first time you get your ass pinned to the seat after dumping the clutch. Why? Because this isn’t a two-ton hot rod like you might think; in fact, it weighs in like a light-heavyweight, tipping the scales at 3,570 lbs. While that in itself is an amazing feat, consider the power-to-weight ratio of 0.182! As Esparza notes, she is “entering supercar territory”. How did they pull this off? They called up BluePrint motors and were blessed with a 426 Gen-3 Hemi (yeah, it’s got a Hemi) that’s dyno-rated at 650 horsepower. Like a siren in the sea, she will steal your soul while growling through Hooker stainless steel shorty headers and a Magnaflow X pipe and Street Series exhaust system. A Tremec TKX 5-speed was lovingly placed and properly thrashed behind the V8. A Mopar 8.75” Sure-Grip differential handles all the brutality this drivetrain can muster. Then they smoothed the firewall, filling in all unnecessary holes and capped the brake booster with a custom “R/M” plate so everyone will know who built her and fall down in praise.
Superior Suspension Upgrades
Friendly advice from one gearhead to another: don’t wear your best shirt when you check out this Charger. I destroyed the brand new shirt my wife bought me by crawling around under this car the first time I laid eyes on it. And I’d do it again if it meant getting to admire all the care and effort that went into this build one more time! The unibody weaknesses from the factory were corrected with US Car Tool Subframe connectors, torque boxes, and chassis bracing. The suspension had to be top notch, so a QA1 cradle with rack and pinion steering and coilover shocks were tucked under the hood. QA1’s rear four-link setup, also rocking coilovers, clutches the rear end and keeps that fine ass on the road. Wilwood power disc brakes, with beastly six-piston front calipers up front and four-piston rear calipers clamp those big discs and bring this beauty to a stop in no time.
In the end, you’re not just bidding on a Charger, you’re bidding on the baddest Charger that has ever roamed San Diego’s streets. In fact, it spent time at the Blueprint Engines booth for SEMA in November 2025. It’s a car you can cruise or abuse, and it’ll still be one of the most reliable, fun, and sexiest vehicles you’ve ever owned. I’ve run out of words, or else I could go on and on, and on about her, but you already know it’s the perfect example of what a true restomod is, and it can be yours! Oh, did I mention it has cup holders?
The Block is Open
Ready to sell your vehicle? Submit your build details directly at BuyTheCar.com/seller/start. To view this week’s active listings and auction inventory, visit BuyTheCar.com.
