If you're a fan of classic muscle cars, you might have heard of the legend of the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. A 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE roamed the streets of Detroit in the early 1970s, racing and beating anyone who dared to challenge it. The car was so fast and elusive that many thought it was a myth.
But the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost was real, and it belonged to a Detroit police officer named Godfrey Qualls. He bought the car new from a dealership in Highland Park, Michigan and customized it with a 426 Hemi engine, a four-speed manual transmission, a pistol-grip shifter, and a black-on-black paint job. He also added a hood scoop, dual exhausts, and racing tires.
Qualls loved his car and enjoyed racing it on Woodward Avenue and other streets in Detroit. He often won cash prizes and trophies from his opponents, who were amazed by his driving skills and his car's performance. Qualls was careful not to reveal his identity as a cop or his car's license plate number. He only raced at night and always wore a ski mask. He earned the nickname "Black Ghost" because he would appear out of nowhere and disappear into the darkness.
Qualls kept his car for over 40 years until he passed away in 2015. His family inherited the car and decided to restore it to its original glory. They contacted the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA), a nonprofit organization that preserves and documents significant vehicles in American history. The HVA recognized the Black Ghost as a national treasure and registered it in the National Historic Vehicle Register.
The HVA also partnered with Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, to showcase the Black Ghost at various events and venues across the country. The car was displayed at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan, the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, and the Las Vegas, Nevada, SEMA Show. The car also appeared in several documentaries and magazines.
Now, the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is ready to cross the Atlantic Ocean and make its debut in Europe. Stellantis announced that the car will be exhibited at the Motor Valley Fest in Modena, Italy, from July 1 to July 4, 2021. The Motor Valley Fest is an annual festival that celebrates the Italian automotive heritage and culture. The Black Ghost will be one of the event's highlights, along with other iconic vehicles from Stellantis brands such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, Jeep, and Ram.
Stellantis said that bringing the Black Ghost to Europe is part of its strategy to promote its American muscle cars in international markets. The company also said that it wants to honor Qualls' legacy and share his story with a wider audience.