Hemmings Muscle Machines February 2023

tmcgean@hemmings.com • Instagram @tmcgean “I’ve had a taste of the exhilaration that can come from finding a long-lost car…” Tales of Rediscovery There’s a video on YouTube from about 10 years back that features famed rock musician Peter Frampton being handed a black Les Paul, with palpable anticipation on his face. The guitar was allegedly the very one Frampton had played on some of his most well-known recordings and in many concerts during the ’70s, including the shows recorded for his massive Frampton Comes Alive album. However, that guitar was lost decades prior when a cargo plane carrying gear for the band crashed and burned in Venezuela. It was assumed the instrument had been destroyed with everything else on the plane, and Frampton has said the crew’s loss of life…

PRODUCTION LINE Remember the early days of the new-generation Charger, its 2006 launch, and how much grumping people did over the idea that it wasn’t a coupe? Today, the modern four-door Charger has lasted longer than the original B-body coupes it shares a name with. It’s such a quaint argument today, in the face of its imminent demise. The Widebody-equipped Charger Scat Pack, its 485-hp 6.4-liter naturally aspirated V-8, and its 3.5-inch-wider body have been around for a few years now. It’s changed little: 0-60 times in 4.3 seconds, 12.4-second quarter miles, an eye-opening .98 g on the skidpad. The extra width allows 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires and 20 x 11-inch forged-aluminum wheels on all corners, along with six-piston Brembo front brakes (with two-piece front rotors) and suspension upgrades like Bilstein…

Letter of the Month: Variety is the Spice I wanted to share some pictures of my 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and my 1976 Monte Carlo. I bought the ’73 in October 2019 with 73,000 miles on it. It’s a factory 454 with Posi, A/C, and a swivel seat; it was built in Canada. The 245-hp/375-lb-ft malaise motor didn’t have enough power for me, so in went a 6-71 blower that makes about 6 pounds of boost, Hooker long-tube headers, full 3-inch exhaust with Flowmaster Super 40s, and QTP electronic cutouts. I also added Dakota Digital gauges. I picked up the ’76 Monte recently from the same guy I bought the ’73 from. It has 98,000 miles and is mostly original. It had been sitting in a garage in New Hampshire…

IN THE 2010 FEATURE film Hot Tub Time Machine, John Cusack’s character, Adam, and his misguided cohorts unknowingly travel back in time to the 1980s, where the guys have an opportunity to brighten their future by righting some of the poor decisions they made in the past. It’s a well-covered premise that still inspires people to hope and dream that one day time travel could possibly exist. This machine sounds like something we all could use at one point or another in our lives. Who hasn’t had the hope of possibly going back to correct some of the mistakes that we all have made somewhere in time? To right the wrongs, to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. To try and make our lives profoundly better. You know, to…

ON LOCATION THIS ANNUAL GET TOGETHER IS MORE THAN JUST A SHOW, IT’S A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS MOPAR IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT MOPAR enthusiasts are the most loyal group of car people in the world. These men and women are dedicated to their brands, and it trickles down to their daily drivers, their tow rigs, and even their apparel. We had the opportunity to get the full experience at the 2022 Holley MoParty event, held at historic Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Holley has struck gold with its awesome event format, which originated with the LS Fest several years ago. The MoParty is in its third year, and provides a huge variety of activities, compared to regular car shows, and keeps people entertained for the…

STOCK LET’S FACE IT, Ford enthusiasts have it good. So do Mopar buffs. But Chevy guys and gals, well, not so much. Now, before the hair on your back bristles up and you fire off an angst-filled letter to the editor, let’s qualify the statement: We’re not referring to who had the best engines, the fastest cars, or the best designed bodylines. No, we’re simply referring to being able to readily document what engine was original to a given car. If you’re a Ford or Mopar dude, a quick glance at the VIN tells the tale — but no such luck with Chevys. Numerous prior owners of this ’68 Biscayne could only wish for an easy VIN identity, because it took considerable time and energy to uncover the car’s full…