Image via Modern Classix
Plenty of people have fantasized about the Hemi ‘Cuda returning in modern form, and it finally has. While rumors of the legendary Mopar muscle car being brought into this century have bubbled up here and there over the past decade or so, we finally have the real deal.
Watch a modern Dodge Challenger mangle a Porsche on the track.
That real deal looks shockingly good and so much like the classic, you might do a double take. In fact, if it weren’t for the wheels and some chassis components, quite a few gearheads might be fooled into believing what they see is in fact a classic Plymouth ‘Cuda.
What you might not realize is what you’re seeing is actually a modern Dodge Challenger that’s been heavily and expertly modified to look almost exactly like a classic Hemi ‘Cuda.
The shop that does these conversions, called Modern Classix, goes above and beyond other “modern ‘Cuda” attempts in recent years. Instead of just changing out elements of the Challenger’s body, the Springfield, Missouri business transforms the entire body.
There are a few indications, especially on the rear and front fascias, that these aren’t the real deal. But they look so close, you might have to study them at first just to be sure. After all, the quarter panels, especially in the rear, are a dead ringer for the original Plymouth.
What helps as well is the shop uses real ‘Cuda components on the builds, including the grilles, bumpers, etc. When combined with the bespoke fiberglass body panels, it’s enough to make you think your eyes are playing tricks on you.
Of course, the dead giveaway these aren’t classic Hemi ‘Cudas are the large, modern wheels. Why the shop hasn’t done smaller wheels with tall sidewalls on the tires is a mystery. But add that and people would really have a hard time believing this isn’t a classic muscle car.
While the exterior looks properly retro, the interior is all modern Challenger. Same goes for the chassis, powertrain, and drivetrain. It’s the best of both worlds, but to have one of these built, not including the cost of the donor car you’re into it well beyond $100,000.
Is it worth it? We’ll leave that to people with the cash and willpower to decide.
Images via Modern Classix
