2024 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals - Part 2: Classic Restos - Series 56

Fletch continues to explore the wide range of Mopar vehicles and speak with passionate enthusiasts attending the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and 50th Anniversary of Carlisle Events.

One of the enthusiasts he met was Kyle, who proudly showed off his 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix 2-door. This top-level Dart model was truly impressive with its well-appointed features.

Then there was Fury Jim with his 1957 Plymouth Savoy, which had undergone a complete rotisserie restoration, resulting in a high-performance vehicle that maintained the classic 1958 Belvedere styling. Additionally, Fury Jim shared another project, his Plymouth Fury, in the popular 'Plum Crazy' colour scheme. The car was rebuilt from three car bodies after being totalled in a car crash. Only the roof, door, and side window remain from the original car, but you would not know if you were looking at the finished vehicle today.

There are show buildings and tented pavilions galore. One of Fletch's favourites is the Mopar Survivors tent, an area reserved for original or nearly original vehicles, some with their original owners. Fletch came across three remarkable examples here.

One of the cars that caught Fletch’s eye was Bob’s 1970 Plymouth Super Bird 440.
These cars are so distinctive, with the aerodynamic rear fin developed in conjunction with the US missiles department post-WW2. Bob shared the fascinating sales history of the vehicle before it ended up in his possession.
 
Another highlight was Harry’s 1970 Plymouth GTX 440 6 barrel, which he has owned since it was new. It has remained untouched and is in immaculate condition inside and out. It's heartwarming to know that it has become a cherished family favourite of his son and grandson.

Finally, Fletch enters Building Y, home to the A12 Mopars, cars built between 1969 and 2024, a period of 55 years. There, Henry Junior proudly exhibits his father's car, a 1969 Dodge 440 Super Bee, which has an amazing history. It is one of two R4 Red 383 Super Bees pulled off the assembly line and was initially destined for drag racing. Later, it was auctioned off amongst Dealers, where Henry Junior's father, a supplier to the automotive trade, saw the vehicle and ultimately purchased it. The story continues with Henry Junior undertaking a 5-year bare metal restoration, even painting the car in the original red and then overpainting in the Butterscotch colour scheme to be true to the car's history. The vehicle exhibited is in absolute concours condition. Henry's father would be very proud.