INTRODUCTION: This is far more than a custom 1972 Challenger- it's the personal creation of NASCAR champion Kurt Busch. Built using the knowledge, technology, and connections available only at the highest levels of NASCAR, including work performed at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., this car is in a league of its own. A large file of documentation accompanies the build, and Kurt personally enjoyed driving it, putting approximately 1,000 miles on the car. It is a serious performance machine that feels most at home on a race track. Kurt even joked on Facebook that he "took this car too far"-and after seeing what went into it, you'll probably agree.
EXTERIOR: The fit and finish on this Challenger is outstanding. The body is laser straight with excellent panel alignment throughout. The R/T hood has been custom fabricated and raised several inches, giving the car an aggressive stance while maintaining a factory look. For a cleaner look, the emblems and marker lights have been deleted, allowing the sleek body lines to take center stage. The metallic silver paint is gorgeous, with an even finish that's polished smooth as glass. The chrome and trim are shiny and straight, and a 1971 grille has been installed for its more desirable appearance. Additional exterior upgrades include a pop-up fuel cap, rear spoiler, tinted glass, and replaced weatherstrips. The stance is completed by a set of premium CCS forged wheels measuring 18x10 up front and 19x11.5 in back, wrapped in high-performance tires that give this Challenger an unmistakable road race attitude.
INTERIOR: The interior is purpose built too. A full array of NASCAR style gauges provides critical information at a glance. They illuminate brightly, are extremely legible, and the tachometer's 11,000-rpm scale is a clear indication of the race-bred nature of this machine. The dashpad is in excellent condition and carries the signature of NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, with a photo documenting the signing included. Dodge Viper bucket seats keep the driver and passenger firmly planted, especially when secured by the 4-point harnesses. Fresh carpet and embroidered floor mats finish off the cabin, while the rear seat has been reupholstered and retains seatbelts. Accessing the back seat requires maneuvering around the roll cage, which is fully functional and serves not only as a safety feature but also adds chassis rigidity for improved handling. Additional race inspired features include a set of NASCAR approved firewall mounted pedal assemblies, Painless wiring and the unique sequential shifter that delivers an authentic competition car driving experience.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: At the heart of this one is an engine unlike anything you'll find in any muscle car! This has a new all aluminum R5 Winston Cup 440 built by legendary NASCAR engine builder Ernie Elliott. It's been bored to a 446, it's precision balanced and produces an astounding 835 horsepower with an 8,500-rpm redline! The level of engineering is remarkable. Features include a Bryant crank, special made JE pistons, Mopar aluminum heads, a Dodge high-rise intake, a Holley 850 carburetor, dual Crane ignition boxes, a Crane racing distributor, long-tube stainless headers, and a custom ground camshaft designed specifically for this application. Extensive documentation details every aspect of the build, right down to the weights of individual components. The engine is equipped with a professional dry sump oiling system featuring an external reservoir, remote oil filter, integrated oil cooler, and premium braided lines and fittings throughout. The rest of the compartment is equally impressive. NASCAR inspired chassis bracing adds strength and rigidity, while a CR aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, aluminum water pump, power steering, and race style dual master cylinders ensure the car performs as well as it looks. Every component has been thoughtfully engineered and meticulously installed. This isn't a collection of aftermarket parts, it's a professionally designed race bred package that would be extraordinarily difficult and expensive to duplicate today.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Under the trunk lid and in the jamb, the silver paint is smooth and glossy. Inside, the metal is spotless and protected with a neatly applied spatter finish. This is also where some of the NASCAR-inspired engineering becomes apparent. The fuel system features a premium 22 gallon ATL fuel cell with an internal bladder and surge tank designed to maintain a constant fuel supply under extreme conditions. High end fittings, braided lines, and a performance fuel filter complete the system. An Optima battery is secured with a billet hold down, and the rear section of the integrated roll cage extends into the trunk, firmly tied into the chassis for added strength and safety.
UNDERSIDE: The underside of this Challenger is every bit as impressive as the rest of the car. The suspension was professionally engineered using a high tech suspension analyzer typically reserved for NASCAR race teams, technology that most builders simply don't have access to. Up front is a Frame Shop tubular crossmember, a heavy-duty Schroeder sway bar, custom built spindles, adjustable coilover gas shocks, and rack-and-pinion steering. The welded and countersunk frame rails tie the chassis together from front to rear, where you'll find JRI triple adjustable gas shocks and Hyperco composite leaf springs. Stopping power comes from a Wilwood Superlite big brake system featuring vented discs and billet calipers at all four wheels. The custom low profile exhaust is fully welded and includes an H-pipe with Borla stainless steel mufflers. Looking up at the drivetrain reveals a polished stainless steel dry sump oil pan and a high torque starter. The $25,000 XTRAC 6-speed sequential transmission is paired with a Tilton 5-disc carbon clutch and Quick Time bellhousing. Power is transferred through a carbon fiber driveshaft wi
