Typically, a automobile comes alongside that makes me query my ‘much less is extra’ style in modified automobiles. Johan Eriksson’s 1968 Dodge Charger ‘RTR’ is one such automobile – it merely blew me away at Membership de Ultrace 2024.
It could seem to ‘simply’ be a clear Charger from a distance, however up shut, it takes a second to your mind to recalibrate to the sheer scale and presence of this slab of Swedish-built Americana.
In any case, this was a 5.2-metre-long automobile with a virtually two-metre width when it rolled off its Detroit manufacturing line again within the day. That’s an enormous automobile, made even larger since Johan has had virtually each exterior panel fabricated and altered to satisfy his imaginative and prescient.
A 40-millimetre roof chop ought to trace on the element that went into the construct. As ought to the entire bespoke billet aluminium particulars across the Charger, from badges and trim items to clamps and fittings dotted round this ‘Viking Blood Crimson’ beast.
The customized bodywork entrance and rear cover the radiused outer and tubbed inside wheel arches, which have been applied so easily into the outside traces that it took me a second move to note that Johan’s Charger had been widened. Not solely that, however the drivetrain and suspension are mounted onto bespoke subframes at each ends of the automobile.
That explains how the Charger effortlessly swallows up the customized 22×11-inch and 24×15.5-inch cut up rims wrapped in 295/30 and 405/25 profile tyres respectively. Behind the wheels are bespoke brakes comprised of modified Bentley Continental GT callipers on the entrance and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (entrance) callipers on the rear.
Facet be aware: I’ve by no means seen road-legal tyres with a width starting with a 4 earlier than…
An air suspension setup permits Johan’s Charger to drop down onto its wheels, however there’s no air tank on present. As a substitute, the boot is filled with Pioneer subwoofers and amplifiers in a fabricated enclosure with home windows revealing the excellent set up, one thing I can actually get behind.
Notice the bespoke American flag panel on the within of the boot lid. It’s only one enjoyable function of this larger-than-life construct.
The inside can also be an unbelievable show of workmanship. It’s crammed with billet aluminium items that distinction in opposition to the black leather-based surfaces, like the whole steering wheel and the customized centre console operating the size of the cabin.
There’s additionally a leather-covered roll cage and particular person rear seats with their very own billet cup holders. Rear passengers deserve consolation too.
The 21 Pioneer audio system within the automobile guarantee Johan would by no means be capable of hear passengers over his music, however even when the audio system was turned off, the 8.4-litre Dodge Viper V10 engine would have the identical impact. That’s except the passengers have been screaming throughout a wide-open throttle pull.
A V10 alone would by no means be sufficient for a construct this complete; a pair of hidden BorgWarner turbochargers make a bundle simply able to 1,500hp, although Johan is operating a conservative tune of round 1,000hp.
The Charger is an actual powerhouse, and beneath the bonnet is beautiful too. From the sheet metallic of the engine bay and slam panel to the billet rocker covers and consumption, there’s one thing particular in all places you look. Even the bonnet catch is bespoke, made to appear to be a Viking dragon boat’s bow.
The exhaust manifolds have begun to show gold from warmth staining, an exquisite sight to see from use. Johan wasn’t the primary individual to drive the Charger, although, as a result of as quickly because it was accomplished, it was shipped out to America to be displayed on the SEMA Present.
The primary driver? Jay Leno for a Jay Leno’s Storage function. What a narrative, eh?
Johan’s construct is an actual present automobile by means of and thru with out shedding the character of a ’68 Charger. Little marvel then that it gained a Prime 16 award at Ultrace this 12 months; it’s unbelievable.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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