Dodge’s 1970 Challenger Sparks a Legend

Dodge Challenger – Photo Source: Stellantis

The legendary 1970 Dodge “Black Ghost” Challenger will serve as an event’s star attraction. To be exact, the sports vehicle will be the star at the Mecum 36th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana, in May 2023, the year of the 2023 model year. When it would covertly show up late at night and drag race on the streets of metro Detroit in the 1970s, the car became legendary. Due to its importance in racing, the storied HEMI-powered vehicle was included in the National Historic Vehicle Registry in 2020.

The Legend’s Beginning

According to the Mecum post, Godfrey Qualls “ruled the Motor City power scene with his black 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE adorned with the “Gator Grain” roof treatment and white tail stripe, and powered by the 426 Hemi engine.” Qualls was a mysterious street drag racer by night and a Detroit police officer by day. According to rumors, Qualls had the vehicle rebuilt by Raynal Brothers Dodge in Detroit after serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. It was delivered on December 5, 1969. Perhaps making good use of it, he stormed to popular hangouts like Telegraph Road and Woodward Avenue to prepare to bash any challenger.

The two would disappear for weeks or months after a victory was assured. The triumphant Dodge Challenger driven by Qualls received the suitable moniker “Black Ghost” due to its disappearing act. Qualls kept his misadventures a secret out of fear of retaliation or, worse, losing his job as a police officer if he was ever found racing. Gregory Qualls received the Challenger in 2015 when his father Qualls, who had terminal cancer, signed it over to him. “We all enjoy a good vehicle narrative, but this is nothing short of an all-American muscle tale built in the heart of the Motor City,” said Mecum Vice President of Consignments Frank Mecum of the tale.

When a combat veteran who has received a Purple Heart is combined with a distinctive 1970 Challenger that is covered in the legends of underground drag racing, muscle cars, and secret Detroit police officers, it is simply amazing. It would be unusual if Mopar devotees were unaware.

The Story’s Role in the “Last Call” Event at Dodge

Dodge is redesigning the storied “Black Ghost” as its sixth “Last Call” special edition because it was so delighted with the car. The 2023 Challenger Black Ghost “Last Call” trims will only be made in 300 units. Almost double the horsepower of the original “Black Ghost,” the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost gives the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody 807 horsepower.

Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer, announced, “There are so many legendary muscle cars in Dodge brand history, it was hard to choose the seven vehicles we wanted to pay homage to with our Last Call lineup, but the Black Ghost was an easy pick.” Quite interestingly, he added, “The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is the prelude to what we’re going to unveil with our seventh and final special-edition model.” Dodge’s puzzling teaser videos and other factors have fueled widespread suspicions about what the final special-edition car might be, so the possibility that the “Black Ghost” may play some role in it adds another piece to the jigsaw.


The enigma that once surrounded the “Black Ghost” seems to have led to another mystery, but while Dodge is entertaining enthusiasts with the upcoming “Last Call” occasion, please come visit Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We are all about helping our customers enjoy their shopping experience. We have a friendly and passionate sales team that will make your buying, leasing, or selling needs easy for any of our new vehicle inventory. If you are considering a used vehicle, we have a wide range to choose from. We are happy to be your dealership home.