It's hard to believe it's already been 10 years since the early years of Roadkill. If you haven't seen Roadkill, it's a must see. In each episode on Motor Trend the dynamic duo, David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan set out to build a cheap classic and take it for fun adventures. During Episode 23 of the YouTube series that would later become the show, we got introduced to a long term friend. The General Mayhem, a gutted 1968 Dodge Charger in need of a heart transplant. The car was missing everything, no engine, no transmission, nothing! Just a ton of mismatched panels and random parts. Freiburger had traded a set of cylinder heads for the barebones car a few years prior. Now it was time for it to come alive.
First Engine
After some searching on Criagslist, the guys found a big block Mopar 440 plant for only $1000. Only one small problem, it was in a Pace Arrow motorhome. Having no reservations about destroying the tenament on wheels, they set to work ripping the engine and transmission out of the big white beast. They slapped everything into the General Mayhem and borrowed a few parts from a previous project. A star was born. But this was only the beginning for the car.
Second Engine
Later in the series in during Episode 43, the guys got a boost from Dodge with a sponsorship. Which meant a major upgrade for the General Mayhem. When I say major, I mean a 707 hp factory blown Hemi out of a Hellcat. The crew over at Diversified Creations did the conversion, blending in the old with the new. They started with a brand new SRT Hellcat, that had been flagged to be crushed by Dodge. Not much backstory on that vehicle. But everything they could harvest went into General Mayhem. This is included parts of the dash from the new car too! At this point the car also got some major suspension and rear-end upgrades as well.
Third Engine (sorta)
The most recent engine swap occurred earlier this year on Episode 70 of Roadkill Garage. The Hellcat motor came back out of the General Mayhem and the Motorhome 440 returned. So where has this motor been all this time? Well it actually bounced around a bit. After being pulled the first time, it was dropped into a vehicle nicknamed the Crop Duster. Since then its been sitting around. But now it's back and better than ever, making over 500 hp. Steve Dulcich, along with Freiburger rebuilt and drop the motor back into car. But before that, all of the Hellcat stuff had to come out. One of my favorite quotes from Freiburger about the amount of electronics and wiring: "I think we sent people to space with less wiring.."
The Reunion
Just recently, the guys got back together for a 10 year reunion with old General Mayhem. Taking the car for a road with the fresh 440 Motorhome motor rebuild. I won't spoil too much of it for you. But you can find it on the Motor Trend and YouTube. But let's say its back in all it's glory. Till next time, keep the shiny side up!
Stumbling around on eBay this morning and found another movie car in the listings. This time it's one of the five 1972 Dodge Challengers used in the production of In Time. You may remember our previous post talking about the trailer for the movie. From auction details I've learned that this car is one of three close-up cars. The close-up cars were not used in stunts. Some collectors find them more desirable because they have been used hard and generally have more screen time. Now for the details.
The car itself is a 1972 Dodge Challenger with a 440 V8 big block backed up by an automatic transmission. From the photo below you can see that engine compartment is very clean. If you look closely in the pictures you can spot a pistol-grip shifter. The pistol-grip only comes on a 4-speed manual. One of the stunt vehicles is a stick. For consistency the producers had the shifters retro-fitted for the automatic vehicles as well. The grill, tail panels and wheels are completely custom for this car. The interior is signed by the builder. Of course it wouldn't be a police car without lights.
This car will be on the auction block for some time. As of this writing it had 18 days to go with bidding at $28,990.00. That's all for now.
It's not everyday that someone gets to realize a dream. But thanks to the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction this past weekend and $110,000. Pro Golfer Bubba Watson got to realize his childhood dream of owning a real Dukes of Hazzard General Lee 1969 Dodge Charger. Now some say if you're gonna dream, you might as well dream big. This is where the story gets better. Not only is the car a real Charger used in the show. It is the very first General Lee! Otherwise known to fans as "LEE1." You may recall our article on the famous LEE1. It's worth a look! Find out why this Charger is so special!
Warning: Sarcasm and BS ahead. Ever wanted to be like Bo and Luke off the Dukes of Hazzard? But can't seem to find a 1969 Dodge Charger suitable for conversion? Well the wait is over. I'm going to tell you how these fine folks featured in this post managed to 'live the dream'. But before we get to the pictures. Let me fill you in how the system works.
It's simple really. Years of research have determined that it's a scientific fact that if you paint your car orange and place a 01 logo on each door it will increase your car's performance 100% percent. That's right. Your car will drive faster, have sloppy steering and jump higher. The confederate flag and General Lee logos are optional. However you can increase your drag coefficient by adding a large CB antenna to the trunk lid. Go ahead and hook up a CB to that antenna so you can talk to your Cousin Daisy and Uncle Jessie back at the farm. For protection, arm yourself with a good bow and arrow. Maybe a little bit of TNT. Don't forget the push bar on the front. Wouldn't wanta get stuck in a pile of cop cars.
Alright. Enough with the BS. Seriously there are some interesting vehicles out there that have had the treatment. But I'm not sure if it was done for 'performance' reasons. It was just done because it's cool. Nothing like the classic orange paint job and 01 lettering. There's no doubt about it, ya do it to show your love and support of the Dukes of Hazzard. Some just show it a little more than others. Let's see those pictures!
Sometimes half is just as good.
No car? But ya got a van. No problem!
I'm thinking the turbo is doing them a little more good than the paint job.
Oh no. It's the Dukes of Fallujah!
Don't worry we'll get ya to the airport on time Mr. President!
I like what has been done here. Note the winch on the front and the exhaust stacks with flappers. The car bra is total win too!
Someone converted a love bug. This one's not getting the Herbie Treatment Package.
Down and Dirty Racing!
"Let me plug back in before you chase me Roscoe. It'a just take a few hours. Don't wanta miss the big jump!"
I'm sure Boss Hogg got a little bit of envy when he saw this. That white Caddy isn't near this long. Could ya throw bull horns on the front?
Got luggage? I've got rack!
Daisy wanted to join the boys. Plus she was tired of freezing her buns off in the winter (note the hard top).
A new Fast Five trailer is out featuring another round of cars and sex appeal. The latest and possibly the last trailer release is a little more than a teaser. Checkout the clip above for another glimpse of the Dodge Chargers, Ford GTs and Lexus LFA. Not to mention that sweet custom 1966 Corvette Grand Sport. Looks like we'll have plenty to look at this spring. The release is scheduled for April 29, 2011.
From Twitter @bubbawatson
