While the show was packed with the requisite number of numbers, clamp, and date-coded-hoses correct examples of factory muscle-era perfection, it was also chock full of machines that were obviously driven to the show, along with some that took time out from their usual weekend racetrack punishment. And the mighty Mopars didn't stop at the '67-'72 should-have-never-stopped-making-them archetype.
Everything from '50s jet-age hemi-powered land yachts to fresh from the assembly line hemi-powered trucks rolled onto the grounds early each morning. Concept vehicles were on display inside and out. New vehicle test drives had folks lined up. The new Challenger was re-unveiled. The massive swap meet was overwhelming. The event was packed with people and vehicles of every kind that all shared the love for things Mopar.
Everything from the classic A through D body legends along with all the various marquees, rebranded, and outright taken over vehicles of semi-Moparfacture were on the grounds. That meant AMC, Mitsubishi, and even the nearly forgotten but somewhat legendary Chrysler-Maserati coupes, or Chrysleratis.
The re-unveiling of the Challenger was a huge hit, and it sounded so bitchin' they handed over the microphone. We hope Dodge manages to recreate the super cool rear tail light surround in the production version.
After three days of fun out on the grass it was back to the turnpike to roll past the massive assembly plants and warehouses once again. We powered well beyond the Friendly's Restaurants and toll-free turnpike traveler islands and their siren song of corn syrupy
caffeinated drinks and greasy fast food. We made it through with a minimum of Rolaids and Red Bulls. We squeaked by the state troopers lurking on tunnel access roads, and behind upcoming hills. The Challenger held together for a few more miles, and so did we.
Halfway through the trip we were almost used to the Challenger's muscle-era handling, rock-crusher shifting, and white-knuckle braking. We had even figured out a way to use our right knee to dampen a wicked loud shifter rattle. Who knew the legendary pistol grip handle was designed for a knee-damper? All in the name of research and having fun, Mopar style.
