The ’59 Dodge Challenger Story

Recently it occurred to me the possibility of two of the first and most famous models from Chrysler Corporation competing in a dream race. These two classics are a part of the history of iconic model names that still lives and thrives today. They were a part of automotive race history that set many standards for today’s quarter mile track racing NHRA, NASCAR, and Trans Am AAR road course racing. These two classics would be the Dodge 1964 Charger and the Dodge 1959 Challenger, both of these early models are unfamiliar to even the most knowledgeable auto enthusiasts. This meet and match could be an amazing dream car competition, a sort of fantasy race. A competition that would feature the original originals, or as they called themselves The Original RamChargers. And in 1964, Dodge was the bad boy of NASCAR, with its 426 Hemi elephant engine banned from racing for… now get this, being too fast! LOL. Back in 1959, the Dodge Silver Challenger came on the race scene as a limited edition mid-year model. It was only available in one color inside and out, that color, of course, was silver. Its look was very muscular, just a little bit angry, and it was packed with style & power.

Then eleven years later in 1970, the Challenger returned to challenge all on comers. Today its dollar value can be in the six figures, and it’s a long time favorite of Mopar fanatics and automotive collectors. When Dan Gurney and Carroll Shelby founded AAR All American Racers in 1970, they wanted to build exceptional racing cars in the United States that would gain international recognition. And did they ever achieve their goals! Sam Posey in the #77 was the lucky driver that got to tame that wild Challenger Pony car in its racing run, until Dodge pulled out support for the Trans Am race series in 1971.

Not too many people today still remember that first ‘59 Challenger, so I’m pleased to be able to share this small part of the grand story about American muscle car history that led us up to today’s modern muscle car classics. You can count on seeing more interesting imagery and posts in the very near future. Cruise them, race them, or if you like, just take them out, show them off, and enjoy admiring them. Cheers!
— HKK

Another great dream race!

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Images of the Hell Drivers from the World’s Fair Hell Drivers Official Souvenir Program at the New York World’s Fair 1964-1965
Published and Copyright 1964 by Alsack Corporation

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Image of The Greatest Charger Race Ever
Copyrighted 2014 by HKK Productions Inc

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