Few machines occupy the highest echelon of American muscle car mythology quite like the 1970 and 1971 Hemi ’Cuda convertibles. These cars are so rare, so purpose-built, and so brutally charismatic that even the most seasoned collectors speak of them in hushed tones. In the world of Mopar performance, a Hemi ’Cuda convertible represents lightning captured in steel—a moment in which Detroit unknowingly birthed rolling royalty.

The Dodge Charger models of 1966–1974 are some of the most iconic muscle cars ever to roll out of Detroit. Whether you’re drooling over the Coke-bottle curves of a ’68 R/T, the hidden headlights of a ’70 SE, or the long and low profile of a ’74, the Charger oozes character. But when it comes to bringing one back to life, the age-old debate pops up: do you restore it to bone-stock glory, or do you go the restomod route and blend old-school attitude with modern tech? Let’s break it down, muscle car enthusiast style.

Over the years, we've seen quite a few restomod builds arrive at the parking lot in front of our Retail Showroom. This category of vehicles combines original-style restoration parts with modern components to create a unique blend of old and new. Many restomods add only a handful of subtle changes under the skin, and some take this further, replacing the entire engine and suspension with brand-new parts. However, few restomods we've seen are as extreme as this 1973 Charger. In fact, so many of its parts have been swapped out that some might say the term doesn't adequately describe it.

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. We fantasize about discovering a rare, original, and highly sought-after classic car that had been stowed away in a barn, garage, or yard for decades, preserved like a time capsule from the past. Unfortunately, the reality is that these barnfinds are still old cars. They've been sitting in the same spot without use or maintenance, often for decades. So, if you come across one of these vehicles, how should you examine, repair, and restore it?

Be it your ’57 Bel Air, or Hemi Road Runner, classic vehicles have become more than just mere transportation…they’re investments. While car insurance is protection for your transportation—trying to get a standard run-of-the-mill insurance company to protect your “investment” can be problematic, at best.  As some would say in the medical field: You need a specialist.

Classic Industries Understands Collector Car Enthusiasts

Classic Industries understands the needs of enthusiasts, and are experts in filling the gap when there’s a need for high-quality parts and accessories. So, when it comes to insurance for your classic car, who better to understand the issues associated with classic car insurance, than Classic Industries? Using their vast experience, they have developed the Classic Industries Collector Car Insurance Program.

Mopar has partnered with Classic Industries to introduce a new Restoration Parts Web Portal that will allow customers to resource and buy Mopar-licensed restoration parts for classic Mopars. This is a most welcome resource, as searching for restoration parts that are high quality; authentically licensed products can be a challenge.The new Mopar restoration parts page, seen above, prominently features Classic Industries as the leading source for restoration parts and accessories. Users of this new site can download the latest Classic Industries Mopar parts catalog with a single click.

One of our favorite aspects of classic car restoration is the impact it has on families across generations. Vehicles are often passed down from father to son to grandson, developing a significance that far transcends the metal, rubber, fabric, and glass they're constructed from.

If you've visited our Huntington Beach, California, Retail Showroom in the last few months, you'll no doubt recognize this week's featured car. That's because this 1970 Challenger R/T is currently on display in the center of the room! The Classic Industries Retail Showroom serves not only as a restoration parts storefront for local customers, but also as a showcase for timeless cars like this one. After all, what better way to demonstrate our ever-growing Mopar parts line than with a real car?

Back in the heyday of the muscle car, it took Dodge a while to catch up with the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird, but it's said that excellence takes time. Thanks to the efforts of product planners and designers who gave it progressive styling, tapered high-back bucket seats, powerful engines, and an all-out muscle car demeanor, the 1970 Challenger was the hottest automobile Chrysler Corporation had ever produced. Read on as we take a look back at 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger history.