Ignition Australia Ignition June 2017 AUS JOOMAG | Page 23

Vitamin C 1970 Dodge Challenger This month's Member Ride comes Some of the upgrades made during Matt races the Challenger once to us from Matt Beale at Matthew the restoration process include: a year at the Mopar Nationals at Beale Automotive Mobile Services in Hurstbridge in Victoria. Matt has always been a bit of a car nut and when he started working for himself in 1998, thought, “Why can’t I have a Dodge Challenger for real and not just a Challenger t-shirt?”, so he decided to buy one. • 440 CID Big block with 4 barrel auto transmission • 727 torque flite transmission • Sure Grip LSD 3.23 ratio diff • 420 horsepower (HP) engine • 530 ft lbs torque at 3500 RPM (700NM) Heathcoat in Victoria and has a best time of 13.2 seconds at 108mph. In giving some final thoughts on the car, Matt said, "Whilst it is fast, the car is very much suited to the street. With 700NM (newton meters) of torque, the world always seems flat as you don't notice any Chrysler introduced the Challenger • Rallye Bonnet and wheels hills! My advice to fellow Dodge as a competitor to the Mustang and • RT gauge cluster with tacho Challenger restorers, persistence Camaro. Only around 80,000 were made in 1970, with the company ceasing production in 1974. Matt commented, “The Challenger was made in the USA before they discovered the ozone layer and is a monument to a lost era of decadence and 'unneccesary-ness'. It is not a luxury car, its basically a tin can with a big engine.” and 150mph speedo is the key." • Alloy heads fitted If you t hink your ride ha s • Crane HI 6 Nascar ignition what it takes to be published system Mat t f inally f inished the long restoration process in 2012, with the car looking exactly as it would have if you purchased it brand new in Ignition Magazine please email [email protected]. Ensure you include the subject line as 'Member Ride'. We look forward to featuring your ride! in the USA in 1970. CAPRICORN IGNITION JUNE 2017 23