Typically, a automobile comes alongside that makes me query my ‘much less is extra’ style in modified autos. Johan Eriksson’s 1968 Dodge Charger ‘RTR’ is one such automobile – it merely blew me away at Membership de Ultrace 2024.
It could seem to ‘simply’ be a clear Charger from a distance, however up shut, it takes a second on your mind to recalibrate to the sheer scale and presence of this slab of Swedish-built Americana.
In any case, this was a 5.2-metre-long automobile with a virtually two-metre width when it rolled off its Detroit manufacturing line again within the day. That’s a giant automobile, made even larger since Johan has had virtually each exterior panel fabricated and altered to fulfill his imaginative and prescient.
A 40-millimetre roof chop ought to trace on the element that went into the construct. As ought to all the bespoke billet aluminium particulars across the Charger, from badges and trim items to clamps and fittings dotted round this ‘Viking Blood Pink’ beast.
The customized bodywork entrance and rear disguise the radiused outer and tubbed interior wheel arches, which have been applied so easily into the outside strains that it took me a second move to note that Johan’s Charger had been widened. Not solely that, however the drivetrain and suspension are mounted onto bespoke subframes at each ends of the automobile.
That explains how the Charger effortlessly swallows up the customized 22×11-inch and 24×15.5-inch break up rims wrapped in 295/30 and 405/25 profile tyres respectively. Behind the wheels are bespoke brakes comprised of modified Bentley Continental GT callipers on the entrance and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (entrance) callipers on the rear.
Facet be aware: I’ve by no means seen road-legal tyres with a width starting with a 4 earlier than…
An air suspension setup permits Johan’s Charger to drop down onto its wheels, however there’s no air tank on present. As a substitute, the boot is filled with Pioneer subwoofers and amplifiers in a fabricated enclosure with home windows revealing the excellent set up, one thing I can actually get behind.
Observe the bespoke American flag panel on the within of the boot lid. It’s only one enjoyable characteristic of this larger-than-life construct.
The inside can be an unimaginable show of workmanship. It’s crammed with billet aluminium items that distinction in opposition to the black leather-based surfaces, like your entire steering wheel and the customized centre console operating the size of the cabin.
There’s additionally a leather-covered roll cage and particular person rear seats with their very own billet cup holders. Rear passengers deserve consolation too.
The 21 Pioneer audio system within the automobile guarantee Johan would by no means be capable to hear passengers over his music, however even when the audio system was turned off, the 8.4-litre Dodge Viper V10 engine would have the identical impact. That’s until the passengers had been screaming throughout a wide-open throttle pull.
A V10 alone would by no means be sufficient for a construct this complete; a pair of hidden BorgWarner turbochargers make a package deal simply able to 1,500hp, although Johan is operating a conservative tune of round 1,000hp.
The Charger is an actual powerhouse, and beneath the bonnet is attractive too. From the sheet metallic of the engine bay and slam panel to the billet rocker covers and consumption, there’s one thing particular in every single place you look. Even the bonnet catch is bespoke, made to appear like a Viking dragon boat’s bow.
The exhaust manifolds have begun to show gold from warmth staining, a beautiful sight to see from use. Johan wasn’t the primary individual to drive the Charger, although, as a result of as quickly because it was accomplished, it was shipped out to America to be displayed on the SEMA Present.
The primary driver? Jay Leno for a Jay Leno’s Storage characteristic. What a narrative, eh?
Johan’s construct is an actual present automobile by means of and thru with out shedding the character of a ’68 Charger. Little surprise then that it received a Prime 16 award at Ultrace this 12 months; it’s unimaginable.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
mariochristou.world
