Photo: Fast Freddie’s Rod Shop (edited by autoevolution)
If you ever want proof that the difference between worship and indifference is a couple of model years, look no further than the 1967 Dodge Charger. Just a single model year later, the Charger would transform into not just a timeless classic muscle car but a pop culture icon. As for the Chargers made before the transition from gen-I to gen-II, there's nothing but crickets a lot of the time. That's why this Hellcat-swapped '67 Charger is so special; it gives the car some much-needed limelight.
This heavily modified '67 Charger is the brainchild of a little restomod shop called Fast Freddie’s Rod Shop. Based out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Fast Freddie's has spent the last 15 years specializing in all aspects of the restomod process. From drivetrain installation and tuning to bodywork, electrical work, interior trim, and dyno testing, there isn't a single aspect of building a restomod that this shop isn't intimately familiar with. There's also not much in the way of different classic muscle cars that this shop hasn't gotten its hands on before, either. But this particular '67 Charger is special for an altogether different reason. The reason is that this is the dream build for Beth, one of the Fast Freddie's most beloved and longest-served employees.
One can only assume Beth is one of those who thinks gen-I, B-body Chargers don't get nearly enough love, as it was her choice to apply the same Hellcat-swap treatment done endlessly to gen-II Chargers to their older predecessors. Gone is whatever archaic, burley V8 came with this Charger from the factory. In its place is the same Hellcat HEMI motor that's become the darling of the restomod scene over the last ten years. With that said, you get the same 707 horsepower figure you'd find in a standard Hellcat, but with a Bowler 4L80E four-speed automatic gearbox behind it for added durability.
With an 8.75-inch rear end, an AlterKtion front suspension from Reilly MotorSports, a triangulated quad-bar rear suspension, adjustable Ridetech coilovers, and Wilwood disk brakes all around, this is the kind of restomod that's perfectly at home blitzing circuit tracks as it is demolishing quarter-mile drag pulls with the greatest of ease. The interior of this Charger is just as meticulously put together as the engine and suspension. With plush, hand-stitched leather seats in the front and rear, LED-backlit gauges in a menacing turquoise color, and one of the finest aftermarket AC systems around from Vintage Air, that potent combination of old and new tech is bound to make for some awesome road trips.
Major props to Fast Freddie’s team for completing a Gen-I Charger build that might not get all the press coverage in the world yet still deserves a place alongside other restomod greats. If only more shops did builds like this, then maybe every cars and coffee event won't be the exact same cars again and again.
One can only assume Beth is one of those who thinks gen-I, B-body Chargers don't get nearly enough love, as it was her choice to apply the same Hellcat-swap treatment done endlessly to gen-II Chargers to their older predecessors. Gone is whatever archaic, burley V8 came with this Charger from the factory. In its place is the same Hellcat HEMI motor that's become the darling of the restomod scene over the last ten years. With that said, you get the same 707 horsepower figure you'd find in a standard Hellcat, but with a Bowler 4L80E four-speed automatic gearbox behind it for added durability.
With an 8.75-inch rear end, an AlterKtion front suspension from Reilly MotorSports, a triangulated quad-bar rear suspension, adjustable Ridetech coilovers, and Wilwood disk brakes all around, this is the kind of restomod that's perfectly at home blitzing circuit tracks as it is demolishing quarter-mile drag pulls with the greatest of ease. The interior of this Charger is just as meticulously put together as the engine and suspension. With plush, hand-stitched leather seats in the front and rear, LED-backlit gauges in a menacing turquoise color, and one of the finest aftermarket AC systems around from Vintage Air, that potent combination of old and new tech is bound to make for some awesome road trips.
Major props to Fast Freddie’s team for completing a Gen-I Charger build that might not get all the press coverage in the world yet still deserves a place alongside other restomod greats. If only more shops did builds like this, then maybe every cars and coffee event won't be the exact same cars again and again.
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