7 Coolest Dodge Concept Cars of All Time
When it comes to concept cars, Dodge (and MOPAR) offers some of the most exciting teases that automotive enthusiasts could ask for. Some concepts are very much "of their time" and all are ahead of their time. Here are the ones we think are the coolest.
1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sport Is A Stunner
We'll start by saying that this list of concept cars but we did pick out some we felt had a lot of historical significance, and should be highlighted. A perfect example is this 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sport.
Via Supercars.net, we know that this car was driven to a closed course speed record by Betty Skelton. The car itself was a Ghia-designed piece to compete with the likes of Ford and Chevrolet.
Photo via Supercars.net
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Dodge Copperhead Was Supposed to Support the Viper
The '90s were a particularly good time for Dodge, with the release of the Viper, the Neon being a great seller (and performance car), and the Grand Caravan running everything in the minivan segment.
Dodge saw an opportunity to make a baby Viper, which would focus more on handling and nimbleness. And in 1997 they showed us the Copperhead concept.
From our forums, we know this car to be V6 powered, this concept was seemingly good to go till - of all people - ZZ Top put a stop to the name as one of the band members had a custom Ford with the same name.
Photo via DodgeForum
Everything Was Wild in the 1960's
If we rewind a bit to 1968, Dodge had their Charger III concept. Aimed to be one of the most aerodynamically advanced cars of all time, this Charger III incorporated air brake flaps to complement the traditional braking system.
Power was from any given MOPAR V8 at the time, with the obvious choice being the 428 Hemi. But inside the car was as exciting as under the hood. CarStyling quotes Dodge as saying the concept has, "specially contoured bucket seats with integral head restraints, resembling space capsule acceleration couches"
Photo courtesy of OldConceptCars
The 1970 Dodge SuperCharger
Based on the 1968 Topless Charger, the 1970 SuperCharger took what was popular (open-top cars) and threw a Superbird nose on it! This was just a styling exercise and never intended for production, at least according to CarStyling.
This concept had plenty of "go" with its "show." Power came from a 440 V8. Top speed? No one knows, but like the Superbird, it did have some trick aero. See that small spoiler in the back? The driver could adjust that as they wish.
Photo courtesy of CarStyling.
Styling Cues From The Chrysler D'Elegance Were On Other Cars
If this car looks familiar, it's not from styling cues that ended up on another MOPAR product. Virgil Exner's Chrysler D'Elegance concept from 1953 heavily inspired the Volkswagen Karman Ghia. Those rear haunches were directly lifted from Exner's lines on this car.
Exner's work was seen on several other MOPAR products though, as Hemming points out the DeSoto Adventurer borrowed heavily from the D'Elegance.
Photo courtesy of Hemmings.
A Turbocharged Era Was Very Much Wedge Shaped
The Dodge M4S was by far one of the most futuristic concepts to come from Dodge in the 80s. Powered by the turbo four-cylinder 2.2-liter engine found in many MOPAR products, this car was an exercise in "what are we capable of."
According to HotCars, the 2.2 turbo 4 was a Cosworth unit and powered the M4S to a healthy 195 mile per hour top speed. M4S also literally means "Mid-engine, 4-cylinder, Sportscar.
Photo courtesy of TeamShinoda.
Chrysler Was So Close To Having A Supercar
Last but certainly not least is the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve supercar. In this instance "ME" means mid-engined. "Four-Twelve" referred to the 4 turbochargers that assisted the V12 AMG engine in its efforts to make 850 horsepower.
According to TheDrive, the concept car was drivable and made laps around Laguna Seca. Unfortunately, the car would have been too costly to make and would out-perform the Mercedes SLR. A big no-no for Chrysler to usurp their parent company.
Photo courtesy of TheDrive.
>>Join the conversation about these Dodge concepts right here in the Dodge Forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.