Mecum Auctions is preparing for its 2023 Indianapolis auction, and among the lots are two very special versions of the Dodge Challenger, both of which are dubbed "Black Ghost."
In case you missed the fascinating story of the original Black Ghost, the basics are these: A 1970 Dodge Challenger was bought new in 1969 by a Detroit police officer who moonlighted as a drag racer. His black beast would terrorize the streets, take a win, and then disappear from the street racing scene for a while. As a result of its elusive nature - most had no idea who owned the car or where it hid - the fitting nickname stuck.
It became a legend, and Dodge quickly made the name part of its Last Call run of special editions.
The listing for the original 1970 Dodge HEMI Challenger R/T SE reveals that the car has only accumulated 46,105 miles in its 53 years on the planet, and it's one of only 23 Challenger R/T SE models produced for the 1970 model year with a four-speed manual. Obviously, its body is painted black, and the interior is similarly schemed, but the roof warrants a closer look. This has a "Gator Grain" finish, which makes the car even more noteworthy. The listing claims this is the only known variant of the 1970 Challenger R/T SE with the combination of this roof and a manual.
These factors make it very special, but it's the car's street racing notoriety that earned it number 29 on the National Historic Vehicle Association Register.
The second listing is for one of the very first modern Black Ghost tributes. This one has just 13 miles on the clock and is still wearing its protective yellow tape on the front spoiler, as well as other pre-delivery packaging and plastic. The original window sticker is also in place, so whoever ordered this car always wanted to sell it. Like other Black Ghost 2023 Challengers, this one is finished in Pitch Black and has a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat engine developing 807 horsepower, a considerable increase over the 426 ponies that its inspiration ruled the streets with.
No estimates were provided for either car, but if you're interested, Dana Mecum's 36th original spring classic auction is currently underway at the Indiana State Fairgrounds until May 20.