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CDA
February 13, 2023
The 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE, nicknamed the “Black Ghost,” was forged as an icon in street racing in Detroit. Now it’s up for auction.
Street car racing, apart from being dangerous and illegal, forged some of the automotive icons highlights of United States history in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
Detroit was one of the nerve centers of this type of prohibited competition and here a model stood out above the rest. This is the 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE (special edition), nicknamed. “Black Ghost” (Black Ghost), which will go up for auction at the Mecum Spring Classic in May.
His nickname “Black Ghost” (Black Ghost), says it all
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This unit is quite special on its own, but it has a story behind it that adds to its appeal. A detroit police officer he bought the car new in 1969 after a season in the army. The car and driver found great success competing on some of Detroit’s most famous tarmac stages and the nickname “Black Ghost” comes from disappeared for weeks or months after each race.
The journeyman, named Godfrey Qualls, and his mount continued their winning ways until 1975, when he stopped racing and parked the car. Qualls, who passed away in late 2015, he gave the Dodge to his son before he died.
Although mysterious in its beginnings, the Black Ghost no longer hides. He has been featured in numerous articles and photo essays, and his distinctive stylistic elements are unique. The vinyl roof has a unique crocodile skin design and the car’s badging is a pop of color on the almost black exterior.
If all this were not enough to drive a very high price (it is believed that it could exceed one million euros), we must add the exclusivity of this copy. It is one of 23 1970 Special Edition models equipped with a V8 426 Hemi engine delivering 425 hp and a four-speed manual gearbox. Plus, the Challenger is generously equipped with other parts to go fast, like a Hurst pistol-grip shifter and a Dana 60 rear diff.
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Last year, Dodge announced a series of “Last Call” cars as a farewell to the Charger and Challenger and dedicated one of the seven cars to the Black Ghost. It had much more power and technology than the original, although shared the crocodile skin roof of the “Black Ghost” from the 70s.
