Dodge’s upcoming electric muscle car has sparked new interest in the illustrious pedigree of the Dodge Charger. So there’s no better time to look back on some of the car’s best resto-mod jobs.
In terms of style, opinions on the best model years and modifications
are a little subjective. But when it comes to power, it’s hard to beat the Tantrum, Wisconsin-based SpeedKore’s 1970 Dodge Charger project. Its twin-turbo V8 offers a whopping 1,650 horsepower. Jerry
, your car insurance super app
, took a closer look at this classic car turned supercar killer and the tuning house that created it to serve you the details.1970 Dodge Charger—impressive in its own right
Out of the factory, the 1970 Charger was no joke. The best of the six engines offered, the 7-liter Hemi V8, was capable of delivering 426 hp. Auto Revolution
says it could reach 60 mph in just over five seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. Those figures might not seem impressive compared to modern standards, but they were enough to outperform competing models like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro of the same year, both of which took a full second longer to reach 60 mph.
Paired with an undeniably cool exterior, the second-generation Charger was an instant classic and has only increased in value as a collectible. To date, Hagerty
says the R/T model with a Hemi V8 is worth anywhere between $106,000 and $275,000. SpeedKore didn’t hold back with the 1970 Dodge Charger Tantrum
As a classic car, the 1970 Dodge Charger is hard to improve upon. But for their Tantrum project, SpeedKore wanted to bring the car’s specs up to today’s high-performance expectations.
To do this, they swapped the engine out for a gigantic 9-liter Mercury Racing twin-turbo V8 originally intended for boats. It’s connected to a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission.
To support the weight of that enormous engine, SpeedKore incorporated a roll cage to the Charger’s frame and replaced its suspension with Penske coil-over shocks. 19-inch rims hold Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires up front, with 20-inch wheels offering extra height to the rear.
SpeedKore also created a prepreg carbon fiber body for the car—a feature they’re known for giving to all their resto-mods—and collaborated with Gabe’s Custom Interiors to keep the elevated retro vibe going inside.
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Coverage for resto-mods like the Tantrum
In its original state, the 1970 Dodge Charger is more than a classic car—it’s a high-ticket collectible worth six figures even with wear and tear.
If you get your hands on one, you’ll want to find a car insurance
policy based on agreed value so you know you’re covered for how much it’s actually worth. The same thing is true for $600,000 restoration projects like the Tantrum, though the changes made to the car will increase the cost to insure it.
Have a question about your coverage? Jerry’s friendly agents are here to answer your questions and provide advice on the best coverage options. As your life changes, your insurance changes, and Jerry is ready to make those adjustments for you.
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