Personal Rides

65 VALIANT 100

65 ValiantMy first car (you always remember your first), and where all of the "madness" started. Purchased in late 1969 from Caldwell Chrysler Plymouth, West Caldwell, NJ, as a Slant 6 car with the column 3-speed manual. Converted to floor shift. Then came the salvage yard 69 340, Torqueflite, 4.30 8-3/4" axle assy, Hooker headers, and Carter electric fuel pump. Also added a shortened, low restriction quick disconnect exhaust system consisting of steel flex pipe and Cherry Bomb mufflers. Final modifications were a Pete Tritak manual valve body, and a 68 Hemi S/S hood scoop (functional). Ran 13.20's. I kept a spare flat hood in order to pass NJDMV inspection (the scooped hood was a violation of "obstruction to vision"). Frequently drove on the street with 7" M&H "Cheater" slicks, but the tubes were constantly damaged by the stiff sidewalls and caused countless flats. Sold in 1972. Whereabouts unknown, but probably has been recycled as a 1) 78 Little Red Truck tailgate, 2) 87 Diplomat deck lid, and 3) a repro Challenger quarter panel.

71 340 DUSTER SS/KA

71 DusterAcquired in fall of 1971 from G.I. Auto Salvage in Pine Brook, NJ (saw grille poking out from under tarp covering car while on a parts run for my boss at Montville Shell). Sold new at Newark Chrysler Plymouth, Newark, NJ. Original owner had possession for a total of only 3 days, as a result of a brick wall toppling onto the roof during a freak windstorm. Odometer reading 92 miles. "Totaled" by insurance company. Significant damage to A-pillar, windshield, left fender and hood. Car was also partially flooded in salvage yard one week prior to my "discovery". Purchased for 1200.00. Changed oil/filter 5 times, and lifters twice. Ran perfectly after that. Had all bodywork and paint done for 700.00 (remember this is 1971). Converted to 4-1/2" bolt circle. Added Keystone Classic wheels, Hooker headers, Turbo Action manual/automatic valve body, Carter electric fuel pump, and 4.89 Sure Grip (yes 4.89's). Tire package was skinny 7.10-15 front and L78-15 Polyglas (Cadillac tire) rear. Ran 13.20's on 8" Goodyears. Side-swiped by NYC cab in 1973. Repaired minor damage. Subsequently became my Super Stock car in 1975. Painted white, then red/yellow combo. Ran successfully for 22 years. Sold car in 1997. Still in race service in Midwest with a B1 engine currently installed.

71 340 CUDA CONVERTIBLE

71 Cuda VertPurchased in 1986, for the paltry sum of 750.00, less grille. I am second titled owner. Have conversed with original owner several times. Car is rough, but I have acquired all necessary sheetmetal and TONS of NOS. Originally sold new through Karl Gould Chrysler Plymouth of Vestal, NY. Real "Billboard" car. So far, this car is the only known example in this color and trim combination out of the total of 374 Cuda convertibles built in 1971. Restoration is underway!

71 340 CUDA SS/JA

71 Cuda SS/JADriving assignment for car owner Bill Meerholz. Outstanding, championship level Mopar Super Stock car known for high flying wheelstands on every run!

71 340 CUDA CONVERTIBLE

71 Cuda VertPurchased in 1991 in MD for 18K. At least five previous owners. Originally sold new through Joe Grogan Motors of Toledo, OH. Performed some detailing and drove successfully until mandatory home purchase (ouch) in 1996. Featured in Mopar Action in 1994. Sold in 1996 for 20K (and how times have changed!). Car is now in private collection.

89 SHELBY CSX

Shelby CSXPurchased new from Warnock C-P-D of East Hanover, NJ. #87 of 500 built. An absolute blast to drive. Sold in 1995 with 95K on "clock" and original clutch. Still in service in Midwest.

94 SHADOW GT/GA

Shadow GT/GAFormer Jim Hale car, and the first Mopar Super Stock GT car ever built. Purchased from Sonny Stancil of Walker, LA in 1992. Performed numerous upgrades. Outstanding car. Sold in 2005. Currently owned and campaigned by Ken Etter, Riverside, CA.

89 DODGE DIPLOMAT

DiplomatPurchased in 1995. Former Ann Arundel County (MD) Detective car with Police package, 318/4 bbl. and CLOTH seats. Performed very well, except for erratic choke on computer-controlled Quadrajet carb, which tried to impersonate mosquito-control truck with frequent smoke discharges. Sold in 1999 to parts customer. Still in service in NJ.

92, 97, 02 DODGE GRAND CARAVANS

Caravan1999-Current. I only drive these lumbering beasts because I have to (for business and family), but they do perform well.

04 DODGE STRATUS R/T

Stratus R/TI need a break from the Grand Caravan!

16 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T SCAT PACK

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack392/485 Hemi. Plus some dealer-added "retro" additions at my request! This is one bad ass car!

HAPPY MOTORING!