This Lawman's 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE is Legendary

Urban Legend

This 1970 Challenger was recently registered to the Historic Vehicle Association's list of cars with historical significance. And it might not look like anything special at first, but the legendary story behind the "Black Ghost" is what makes it worthy of being recognized by the HVA.

Photos: Historic Vehicle Association

Lawman

This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE belonged to Detroit Police motorcycle patrol officer, Godfrey Qualls. Prior to joining the Detroit PD, he served in the army and received a purple heart. He apparently bought the car soon after finishing his training at the police academy, but before joining the department as a full-time officer. 

Breaking the Law

Ironically, however, the only reason Qualls got the Challenger in the first place was to compete in illegal street racing. Legend has it, Qualls would show up to night races, ride roughshod over the competition, and leave before the dust had settled. That's where the Challenger got the nickname "Black Ghost."

Retiring From Racing

There would often be months in between appearances for the Black Ghost, which added to the mystique. And Qualls continued racing the Challenger up until the end of the 1970s. But eventually, his reign of terror in the streets came to an end, and he locked the Challenger away for good. Instead, Qualls chose to spend time helping his son work on cars.

Inherited

Godfrey Qualls' own son, Gregory didn't even know about the car's mythical history until his father passed away after a second battle with cancer. Gregory recalls going on joyrides with his father in the Black Ghost on occasion, but he only found out about the street racing past through stories that others relayed to him shortly after Godfrey's passing.

Back to its Glory Days

One of Godfrey Qualls' last wishes was for his son Gregory to keep the Challenger. And he can rest easy knowing his son has taken it upon himself to bring the legendary Challenger to driving condition. The Challenger now shows around 45,000 miles on the odometer, and Gregory has kept it all original. A touching tribute to his father, and an homage to the legend of the Black Ghost. 

>>Join the conversation about this awesome and much loved Black Ghost right here in the Dodge Forum.

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