SUMMARY
Rotisserie restoration completed in 2001Its no secret that RK Motors Charlotte has worked hard to become your headquarters for all kinds of first class MoPars, but there are few cars we love more than Industrial Strength muscle. You know, offerings that were little more than full-tilt race platforms that buyers could purchase right off the showroom floor. Today, such cars are highly sought prizes for serious Chrysler collectors, and this stunning Dodge 440 certainly doesn't disappoint. It's built with a correct, 383 cubic inch V8. It's fitted with a tough 3-speed automatic transmission. It was recently given a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration. And if you're a fan of unique old school bruisers, it's what we would call a 'must-have classic'!
BODYWORK/TRIMOriginally sold in Arizona, this 440 was purchased by its most recent owner in the Spring of 2015. Before that purchase, the car's history was exactly what you'd expect of a solid, rust-free classic. It logged roughly 32K miles in the hands of its first owner. And the second owner immediately financed a 5-figure concours restoration that was completed by Custom Cars Unlimited of La Grange, Illinois. That rotisserie reboot, which spanned roughly 2 years, utilized as many NOS components as possible. Those components were layered in correct Ivory 2-stage that's both timeless and classic. And that 2-stage has spent most of its time under full cover in the confines of a climate-controlled garage.
For 1964, the upsized 440 wrapped Chrysler's last great Exner design around a lengthened wheelbase that gifted the car much improved proportions. At the front of those proportions, a broad stainless grille centers four clear headlights between small parking lamps, a sculpted bumper and a chrome "DODGE" header script. Above that grille, a stainless-trimmed hood flows to tinted glass that's cleared with clean stainless wipers, shielded by bright chrome drip rails and framed in fresh stainless trim. Below that glass, a "Dodge" branded fuselage is detailed with classy door handles, a polished driver's mirror and black profile spears. And at the back of the car, a second bumper reflects square taillights, a second "DODGE" script and a cool fratzog emblem.
ENGINE
Pop the hood and you'll find a potent, 383 cubic inch V8 that's impressively restored, correctly refinished and ready to rock and roll! The block, which wears a correct 2468130 casting number, is layered in era-correct Turquoise that contrasts nicely against its Ivory backdrop. Under the Organisol-coated air cleaner, a modern Edelbrock 4-barrel delivers fuel and oxygen to a cast iron intake. That atomized energy travels to cast iron heads, which feature reliable hydraulic lifters. Sparks are sequenced by a traditional points distributor, which shocks fresh Chrysler Electronic Suppression Cables. Ceramic-coated headers perpetuate combustion. There's a beefy Chrysler radiator that rides between pliable belts, a rebuilt alternator and a reproduction red cap battery. And a roster of correct ancillaries, like a polished breather, color-keyed valve covers, a MoPar fuel filter and old school squeeze clamps, appear restoration-fresh in every way.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under the car you'll find solid, over-restored floors that serve as the perfect backdrop for a fully rebuilt suspension. At the front of that suspension, a nearly spotless K-frame dodge's factory power steering that's complete with a correctly stamped pump. Opposite that rack, traditional leaf springs frame a fresh fuel tank. Behind the motor, a correct A727 3-speed treats gear selection with authority. From there, power travels to a tough 8.75-inch axle. That proven drivetrain is framed by aluminized pipes and throaty Dynomax mufflers. Stops come courtesy of four massive drums. And in front of those drums, 14-inch Cragars twist 225/70 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.
INTERIOR
Not a victim of the 'soft touch' craze that seems to be stitching its way through the hobby, this MoPar currently rolls with simple black vinyl. The broad bench seats are firm and, despite being traditional muscle car fodder, make occupants feel pretty planted. There's a squared dash that hangs sweeping telemetry between pushbutton transmission controls and a factory-spec radio. At the bottom of that dash, fresh carpet floats color-keyed, "Dodge" branded floor mats. In front of the driver, a restored steering wheel spins stylish spokes around a chrome centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk anchors a brand new mat beneath a correct jack and full-size spare tire.
AWARDS
Best of Show in the Chrysler Division at the 2004 Door County Auto ShowOUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES
Two steel wheelsSo let's recap, shall we? A correct, 383 cubic inch V8. A surefooted automatic transmission. And a show quality restoration that's wrapped in something way more interesting than 'resale red'. This Dodge isn't just a cool cruiser, it's a cool cruiser that's both unique and exclusive. If you're a fan of Industrial Strength MoPars, you've found your next classic!