Images: Show the Drive

There is no doubt that it is almost divine work to preserve old muscle cars. However, there are a couple of different ways of going about it. Restoration is the return of that vehicle of the sixties or early seventies to factory original condition, and there is no doubt that many people take this task to extremes. Their work, so expertly researched and crafted, often is trailered to shows and back.

For sure, there are some brave folks that drive their restored cars and brave the hazards of forty to fifty year old parts, or parts whose design is of that age. Personally, seeing unpadded dashboards or rear brake drums the size of a poodle’s water dish doesn’t fill me with vast reserves of confidence on the open road.

For Bill Howell of Pigeon Forge, TN, there was no doubt about what direction he was going to take on his 1972 Dodge Charger. It was meant to be driven and safely by modern standards. The big car deserved big power, so it has the benefit of a 540hp Mopar crate motor, along with a TKO-600 5-speed transmission.

Howell worked with XP Motorposrts to replace the original front suspension, adding 14-inch Wilwood brakes along the way. Forgeline 3-piece, 18-inch wheels and BF Goodrich KDW tires add significantly to the overall capability of the car, so that Howell says, “It handles like a car that weighs a thousand pounds less than it does.”

With more than 9000 miles on the odometer since the rebuild, his 1972 Charger has visited Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and California. It has done its share of autocross driving and hot lapping along the way and has always seen Bill leave the event with his head held high and a big grin on his face. “I call it two tons of fun with me in it,” says Howell.

There are many ways to revive an old car and as long as they’re not being scrapped, we’re happy, But to see what this owner has done with his Charger, just puts a big old grin on our faces, too. CHeck out the video below and see if it doesn’t for you as well.