A custom-built 1969 Dodge Charger commissioned and owned by V8 Supercars legend Greg Murphy is set to go under the hammer through online auction house Collecting Cars. The bespoke American muscle car, rebuilt with modern supercharged power and extensive chassis upgrades, will be offered to bidders with no public price guide announced. Murphy, a four-time Bathurst 1000 winner known as the ‘King of Pukekohe,’ has driven the car fewer than 1000 kilometers since its completion and return to New Zealand.
The project began with Murphy disassembling and preparing the classic Charger for restoration in New Zealand before shipping it to the United States for a comprehensive build. The work was carried out by Ringbrothers in Wisconsin, a well-known name in high-end custom restorations. Over the course of more than 4200 build hours, the Charger was transformed from a late-1960s muscle car into a modernized performance machine blending vintage styling with contemporary engineering.
At the core of the build is a supercharged 6.2-litre Mopar ‘Hellcat’ V8 engine producing 520kW and 881Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed Bowler Tremec T-56 manual transmission, delivering power through a newly installed Art Morrison chassis. The extensive mechanical overhaul also includes upgraded suspension and braking systems designed to handle the output of the supercharged powerplant. The result is a classic Charger body sitting atop a modern high-performance foundation.
The exterior of the vehicle received a complete redesign while maintaining the aggressive lines of the original 1969 model. Finished in ‘Pile Up Yellow’ paint, the car rides on HRE Ringbrothers Edition Recoil alloy wheels measuring 19×11 inches at the front and 20×13 inches at the rear. Additional exterior modifications include a new lip spoiler, a rear bumper shroud, and rear side-exit exhaust tips, all contributing to a distinctly modern interpretation of the late-1960s muscle icon.
Inside, the Charger features a fully customized cabin tailored to Murphy’s specifications. Upholstery Unlimited completed the interior in dark grey trim accented by yellow stitching, tying the color scheme to the exterior. A unique Ringbrothers ‘Murph’ carbon-fiber and billet steering wheel anchors the driver’s position, reinforcing the car’s connection to its owner. A MoTeC C1212 digital display replaces traditional analog gauges, bringing motorsport-grade instrumentation into the classic shell. The cabin also includes a Fusion head unit paired with Kicker speakers, blending modern audio technology with the bespoke interior finish.
Since the completion of the build and its shipment back to New Zealand, Murphy has logged fewer than 1000 kilometers behind the wheel. The car is being sold with a current Warrant of Fitness, confirming it meets roadworthiness standards in New Zealand. Despite its extensive modifications and high-performance output, the Charger remains legally compliant for road use under local regulations.
No official estimate or reserve price has been released ahead of the auction, and the final hammer price will not include auction fees. The absence of a public price guide adds uncertainty to the bidding process, though the car’s build pedigree, connection to a Bathurst-winning driver, and high-performance specification position it as a high-profile listing. Collectors often place added value on vehicles with direct ties to prominent motorsport figures, particularly when the build quality and documentation reflect a substantial investment of time and resources.
Murphy’s decision to part with the Charger places it among a small group of racing-connected vehicles scheduled for upcoming sale through Collecting Cars. Also set to cross the auction block is the 1997 Bathurst 1000-winning Castrol Holden Commodore driven by Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall. The inclusion of multiple motorsport-linked vehicles in the same auction cycle underscores the platform’s focus on enthusiast-grade and historically significant cars.
The Charger itself stands apart from traditional race cars due to its dual identity as both a custom showpiece and a fully functional performance machine. With 520kW on tap and a reinforced chassis underneath, it blends modern American muscle with handcrafted detailing. The 4200 build hours invested by Ringbrothers reflect the depth of engineering and fabrication involved in converting a classic platform into a contemporary supercharged restomod.
For Murphy, the car represents a personal project rather than a factory-backed race vehicle. His involvement began at the teardown stage in New Zealand, continuing through the international build process. That direct connection adds a layer of authenticity to the listing, as the car was not merely acquired but commissioned and shaped by its owner’s vision.
As the auction approaches, bidders will weigh the car’s specification, limited post-build mileage, and high-profile ownership. With fewer than 1000 kilometers driven since completion, the Charger remains effectively a fresh build. The supercharged Hellcat V8, six-speed manual transmission, and custom chassis components position it well beyond a standard restoration, placing it firmly in the realm of high-end bespoke performance builds.
The sale will proceed through Collecting Cars, with the final result determined once bidding closes. Until then, Murphy’s 1969 Dodge Charger remains a standout example of modernized muscle tied directly to one of Australian and New Zealand motorsport’s most recognizable names.
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