Description
This is an ex-California, big block car sold by Atlantic Dodge, Los Angeles in September 1968.
Imported to the UK around 1990 and owned by me since 2000.
All original body panels, floors, trunk, wheels and glass.
This car has been maintained in as close to original driving condition as possible. Where replacement trim and interior parts were needed these have been sourced from reputable US suppliers such as Year One and Legendary Auto Interiors.
The original 383ci engine was replaced less than four thousand miles ago by a completely rebuilt 440 –
- Late model block
- Forged steel crank (nitrided)
- Speed-Pro L2355F30 Forged Pistons (+30)
- Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam , Comp Cams Magnum Double Roller Timing Set
- High volume oil pump , Carter fuel pump
- Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold
- Mopar HP exhaust manifolds
- Mopar Performance electronic ignition , Mopar Performance electronic distributor
- Holley 750 DP carburettor (plus Holley 600 vac sec – see below)
- Mini-starter
The rotating assembly was balanced and all parts blueprinted during assembly.
The car is supplied with both a Holley 4150HP 750cfm mechanical-secondary carb for maximum wide-open performance use and a Holley 4160 600cfm unit with vacuum secondaries and electric choke which gives easier cold starting and smoother part-throttle operation. Holley recommend the 750 for race use above 5000 rpm but say that in real life the smaller unit is superior for road use.
Complete stainless exhaust system incorporating all mandrel bends, x-pipe, dual mufflers and QuickTime electric cutouts to give both drone-free motorway cruising and the sound of open headers when the occasion requires.
The drivetrain consists of a TorqueFlite transmission (fully rebuilt by Alders Automatics) and Sure Grip 3. 23 differential (clutch type).
The original Magnum 500 wheels are retained, with disc front brakes, drum rear.
The original paintwork was AA1 Metallic Silver (a $21. 95 option in 1968) but had been resprayed red prior to my ownership. As a temporary measure it was sprayed satin black and… that was over twenty years ago. I thought the triple-black finish perfectly matched the image of the car and public reaction at shows seemed to agree.
If the car were refinished in its original colour it would be (to the best of my knowledge) the only one in the UK.
The centre console interior with correct horn ring steering wheel has been restored.
For improved convenience and safety a number of common electrical modifications have been made –
- Headlight relays are installed to improve brightness.
- The interior ammeter wiring has been bypassed at the bulkhead connector to avoid possible overheating.
- Remote central locking/ alarm is fitted.
- A modern CD/ stereo is hidden in the glove box, with power aerial (little used to be honest).
- The front indicators have been fitted with ‘dual filament’ amber and white LED bulbs to give separate sidelights and turn indicators. (To meet UK regulations and avoid MOT discussions).
- Similarly, the dual rear lights can be switched between their original US operation (combined tail light and turn signal) and UK standard (separate tail and turn lamps).
All of the above have been carried out such that they can easily be removed/ reversed if required in order to return the car to original US specification.
The car has an extensive file of documentation including the build sheet, original owner’s manual and warranty, workshop manual plus the invoices, receipts, MOTs, photos, etc. from my ownership.
Registered historic, so free from road tax, MOT, ULEZ requirements, but will be supplied with a new MOT at buyers request. Ready to drive anywhere.
Please contact me for any further details.
