Legendary 1970 Challenger R/T SE ‘Black Ghost’ Set to Hit Auction Block
One of the most famous street racers in history, the iconic 1970 Challenger R/T SE known as the ‘Black Ghost’ is looking for a new home.
In the expansive world of Mopar, there are many famous machines that have emerged throughout history, but few can measure up to the 1970 Challenger R/T SE known as the “Black Ghost.” Most are already well aware of its story, in fact, as this mysterious ride ruled the streets of Detroit during its heyday, to the point where many believed it was nothing more than a myth – along with the person who drove it, a man who remained a bit of an enigma himself. From 1970-1975, this 1970 Challenger R/T SE dominated the street racing competition, then disappeared for decades before resurfacing in 2016. Now, it’s set to hit the auction block for the very first time at Mecum’s upcoming Indianapolis auction.
Even if we dismiss the fact that this is perhaps the most famous street racer in history, Black Ghost is a special and incredibly rare machine as-is, because it’s one of only 23 R/T SE Hemi coupes with a four-speed transmission built in 1970, in fact, as well as the only one with a Gator Grain top. As a solid, unrestored survivor, it’s essentially an alpha in the collector car world, and amazingly enough, it has remained in the possession of the family of its original owner – Godfrey Qualls, an army veteran and Detroit police officer – since new.
Yes, a police officer was the man behind the wheel of the most famous street racer of the ’70s – ironically enough. Qualls special-ordered this 1970 Challenger R/T SE new, and as a self-proclaimed thrill-seeker, he obviously used a lot of discretion when enjoying his preferred hobby, as even his family wasn’t aware of his antics. Today, the car is in the possession of his son, Geoffrey, who was merely one year old when his father retired it from that checkered street racing career.
It was only after his father’s passing that Qualls learned the true history of the car he had inherited, which prompted him to take the Challenger on a years-long tour of the collector car world, showing it off to the masses for the first time. Now, it’s headed to the auction block looking for a new home, though given its rarity and historical prominence, we can only imagine what sort of money this iconic machine will rake in once the hammer falls.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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