Off-road Ready Challenger Steals Our Hearts
Off-road Challenger sits on a Military 4×4 frame and makes use of a sacrilegious engine swap, but we are willing to forgive and forget.
When looking to build a monster of an off-road vehicle, the last place we might expect someone to turn is a 1972 Dodge Challenger. That, however, did not stop this man from creating one. Though we can’t say we are against it, it’s slightly questionable in nature.
This insane off-road-ready 1972 Dodge Challenger is listed on Craigslist. However, the body is really the only Challenger aspect of it. This is because it sits on top of a Military M1009 4×4 chassis. The M1009 is the militarized version of the Chevy K5 Blazer that features a Detroit Diesel engine and a stout three-speed TH400 transmission. Honestly, that is the epitome of an off-road-ready machine. However, there were a couple of alterations made when the Challenger body swap went into effect.
Not the Swap We All Wanted
Though you may sigh a breath of relief when you find the Detroit Diesel V8 is no longer under the hood, we have some bad news. It now has a small-block Chevrolet 5.7-Liter V8. Though it is a bit unfortunate not to see a Hemi underneath the hood, we are willing to forgive this engine use due to the ease of mating it to the chassis. Additionally, the TH400 transmission got the ax. It now uses a 4L80E. If that isn’t enough to convince you, just look at it. Come on. This thing is nuts.
In a short youtube clip, you can see this behemoth doing its best to get up a small hill in California. Though, according to the description, it was having some transfer case issues. That being said, it is still pretty awesome to get a chance to see and hear this thing in action. It’s definitely not every day you’ll go out to an off-road area and find a Dodge Challenger that stands taller than you kicking up dirt with the rest of the 4×4 crew.
If this thing tickles your fancy, we have great news for you. It’s for sale. For a cool $29,000, this monster can be yours. According to the craigslist listing, the interior has been completely restored and matches the gorgeous exterior of the body. It comes with a full sound system, including a subwoofer and Bluetooth, and even has a CB radio. Why wouldn’t it, right? If you were brave enough, you could likely even daily drive this thing. Though, it might take a special kind of bravery to do something like that.
Overall, this badass Challenger gets the pass from us, even though it isn’t much of a Challenger anymore. We still love it all the same and hope whoever buys it takes it into some deep mud and over some steep rock courses,
Photos: Craigslist
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