Features

‘Last Call’ Dodge Challenger Honors Detroit’s Black Ghost

Dodge has announced its penultimate “Last Call” special-edition model, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, a modern-day vision that channels the HEMI-powered spirit of a muscle car that haunted metro Detroit’s famed Woodward Avenue in the 1970s, the company said.

The original Black Ghost, a black 1970 Dodge Challenger RT SE (special edition) owned by Godfrey Qualls, ruled Woodward Avenue in the 1970s, Dodge said. Qualls’ 1970 Challenger quickly earned a legendary reputation for flexing its 426 HEMI-powered muscle on Woodward and then driving off mysteriously into the night, not to be seen again for months, leading to the “Black Ghost” nickname. In 2020, Qualls’ vehicle earned a spot on the National Historic Vehicle Register, and remains in the Qualls family to this day.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost special edition offers a modern manifestation of the historic vehicle, Dodge designers said, wrapping a black-and-chrome appearance, including unique black “gator skin” roof vinyl graphics similar to the original, around a Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody bumped up to 807 horsepower.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is the sixth of seven special-edition Dodge “Last Call” models, following the previously announced Dodge Challenger Shakedown, Dodge Charger Super Bee, Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack Swinger, and Dodge Charger King Daytona models.

Just one final Dodge “Last Call” model will be announced at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, scheduled for Nov. 1-4.

“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,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is the prelude to what we’re going to unveil with our seventh and final special-edition model.”

2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost

Only 300 of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost “Last Call” models will be produced. All 300 will be Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody vehicles in Pitch Black exterior color.

Highlights of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost include:

  • Black “gator skin” roof vinyl
  • Bright Dodge fascia badge
  • White rear fender graphics
  • Challenger script grille, fender and spoiler badges
  • Midnight Metallic SRT grille badge
  • Bright fuel filler door
  • Black six-piston Brembo brake system
  • 09:1 rear axle ratio
  • 20-by-11-inch Satin Carbon Warp Speed wheels
  • Black Mopar hood pins
  • Black Ghost interior instrument panel badge
  • Alcantara/Laguna leather seats and door bolsters
  • Alcantara steering wheel with red SRT logo
  • Real carbon fiber bezels and Dynamica suede headliner

A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.

Related Articles

Back to top button