The Ultimate Tribute: This 1969 Charger Restomod is Built on Family History
Featured Five Years Ago, This 1969 Charger Restomod is Built on Family History
Five years ago, we had the pleasure of featuring this extraordinary 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi Restomod, a build that transcended mere automotive craftsmanship to become a profound tribute from a son to his father. This car is not just a high-performance machine; it's a meticulously revived piece of family history, proving that the bond over horsepower never fades.
The story behind this build—Josh surprising his father with a fixer-upper Charger to replace the one his dad owned at 16—is why this specific Mopar remains one of our most heartfelt and unforgettable features to this day. What started as a five-year bonding project was quickly accelerated to three and a half years of passion and dedication, resulting in a show-stopping car meant to be daily driven and enjoyed.
The Heart of the Build: Key Specs and Components
This Charger is a true restomod, combining the iconic unibody shell of the '69 model with modern power, handling, and comfort. The team, including builder John Stengel (Temecula), painter Jorge Silva (Lake Elsinore), and Raul's Upholstery (Ontario), executed a vision focused on reliability and performance.
| Component/Specification | Details |
| Model Year | 1969 Dodge Charger (R/T) |
| Engine | 5.7L HEMI V8 (Sourced from a junkyard cop car) |
| Induction | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) |
| Transmission | Manual (specific model not mentioned, but original pistol grip shifter used) |
| Brakes | Wilwood Performance Brakes |
| Suspension | RideTech Air Ride Suspension (allowing for ride height adjustment) |
| Paint Color | Lexus Cosmic Silver (a modern factory color) |
| Wheels | American Racing Rims (20-inch rear, 18-inch front) |
| Interior | Custom Upholstery, Dakota Digital Dash, Vintage Air A/C |
| Exhaust | Custom Dual Exhaust with Exhaust Cutouts |
A Modern Mopar with a Sentimental Core
This build is defined by several key decisions that underscore its "restomod" designation while honoring the original Charger spirit:
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The Unconventional Hemi Source: The 5.7L Hemi V8 was creatively sourced from an old police cruiser, a testament to resourcefulness and a gamble on the engine's presumed meticulous maintenance.
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A "Body on Wheels" Rebirth: Due to extensive rust, the car was essentially taken down to a body on wheels. Rather than patching, the team opted for all-new panels where necessary, resulting in a practically brand-new car in a vintage shell.
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The Lexus Finish: The decision to avoid classic black paint led them to the modern and unique Lexus Cosmic Silver, providing a distinctive, show-quality finish that perfectly complements the custom R/T trunk stripes.
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Vintage Comfort Inside: The interior retains the iconic 1969 aesthetic, including the original bench seat (reconfigured for comfort), but integrates modern upgrades like power brakes, power mirrors, a RetroSound Bluetooth stereo, and a cutting-edge Dakota Digital dashboard.
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The Daily Driver Philosophy: Despite the show-quality finish and performance upgrades, the father's primary request was simple: he wanted to daily drive the car and "race people off the line"—a true reflection of the spirit of his youth.
This 1969 Dodge Charger Restomod is an incredible example of how a custom build can connect generations. Five years on, its roaring Hemi (which, thanks to those sweet cutouts, can be heard for miles) and stunning silver finish are still turning heads, reminding us of a time when the muscle car reigned supreme and the passion for power was a family affair.
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