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December 16, 2023

Toretto Blues

The Lift King Wild Wednesday Car Show consistently drew a crowd of uniquely modified automobiles, with a notable presence of second-generation Dodge Chargers at the New Horizon Mall parking lot. Amidst these Mopars, certain vehicles stood out as particularly wild, such as this blown 1970 Charger 500. This exceptional car was not only a striking sight but also part of a decade-long quest to capture its beauty and impeccable curves accurately. That journey began when I first spotted the muscle car in another Alberta city over three hundred kilometres away, making its appearance here even more special.

Front of the 1970 Dodge Charger 500
Front of the 1970 Dodge Charger 500

The second generation of the Dodge Charger, affectionately known as the "Coke-Bottle" Charger due to its similar silhouette, holds a place as one of the most iconic and cherished automobiles in history. Spanning from 1968 to 1970, this generation has achieved worldwide fame in various iterations. From soaring through the air as the Duke boys' General Lee to lifting its front wheels in an unbelievable display with Dominic Toretto at the helm, the Charger has left an indelible mark on the big screen for over half a century. Since its inception, the Dodge Charger has transcended borders, becoming a global icon that continues to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere.

Rear of the 1970 Dodge Charger 500
Rear of the 1970 Dodge Charger 500

The 1970 Dodge Charger 500 made a profound impression, captivating every attendee with its striking presence. Enthusiasts from various camps, be it muscle, tuner, or exotic fanatics, hurried over to surround this remarkable Mopar, eager to witness the magic it exuded. The crowd enveloped the muscle car like a group of paparazzi, as if eager to capture a glimpse of Vin Diesel himself. In the midst of this fervour, I seized a brief couple of minutes to dart around the blown American icon, capturing its unique flair before the impending swarm of onlookers descended upon it.

The Cragar S/S and zoomie-style pipes were the perfect touch to this incredible Mopar
The Cragar S/S and zoomie-style pipes were the perfect touch to this incredible Mopar

It would be inaccurate to pinpoint a single detail that initially caught my attention, as the amalgamation of modifications and personalised touches seamlessly worked together to captivate my heart instantaneously. The Mopar sported a dazzling metallic blue tuxedo, enhanced by a chrome "bumble bee" stripe gracefully draping around the beloved boot of the muscle car. Achieving a perfectly balanced stance, the Charger boasted the infamous "muscle car rake" with the nose down and the rear end up. This dynamic look was accomplished by employing a smaller tire size in the front and an oversized set in the rear, all mounted on a set of Cragar S/S wheels—an iconic style that many classic muscle car enthusiasts aspire to achieve in their own automobiles.

The supercharged big block was adorned in matching blues to the body, a subtle touch that blended the mechanics and body together
The supercharged big block was adorned in matching blues to the body, a subtle touch that blended the mechanics and body together

Similar to the iconic muscle car that Dominic Toretto drove throughout The Fast And The Furious franchise, this 1970 Charger boasted a big block Mopar V8 complemented by an attention-grabbing blower protruding from its hood. The distinctive roar of this powerhouse reverberated through a uniquely crafted system, featuring a dual exhaust that exited on each side through a set of Mad Max inspired zoomie-style exhaust tips.

The blower poking out of the hood was a sight that felt like a moment from The Fast And The Furious
The blower poking out of the hood was a sight that felt like a moment from The Fast And The Furious

The utterly wild 1970 Dodge Charger 500 took centre stage at the Lift King-sponsored Wild Wednesday car show. Its breathtaking metallic blue exterior, the resonant rumble of its big block V8, and distinctive details captivated a crowd that lingered around the car for hours, and it undeniably earned every admiring gaze. In addition to the attention from attendees, this was a vehicle that I had personally dedicated nearly a decade to capturing in a way that did it justice. On this day, I finally achieved that long-standing goal, marking a fulfilling moment in my pursuit of capturing the essence of this exceptional car.

Inside of the 1970 Charger 500
Inside of the 1970 Charger 500

Until next time, take wild inspirations and incorporate them into whatever you may be building!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics