Ads for endurance extenders are all over the TV these days, and while those salves and pills may be of dubious value, another form of endurance extender was tested and found effective during the second world war. Droppable belly tanks extended the range of the escort P51 Mustangs, allowing them to accompany their protectorate B17s and 24s deeper onto the continent, and keeping the ME109s off their backs. As the tanks were expendable, they needed to be replaced after each sortie, and the allies cranked them out to meet the demand.

War's end saw a considerable volume of military surplus material - including a whole lot of these belly tanks - hit the civilian market. Hot rodders, realizing the aerodynamic cat-turd shape of the tanks, grabbed them up as cheap and slippery bodies for their cars in which they plied the outer edges of the performance envelope on the hard, unforgiving salt flats of the Utah desert.

One of those cars, which is a multi-record holder, is the subject of today's heated debate- the Johnson and Shipley #48-B land speed belly tank racer. One of a series of three, this hemi-powered lakester holds the 1963 B and '64 A speed records at, respectively, 259.92 and 263.350 mph. Don Johnson was the driver for these runs, and Jeff Shipley kept everything bolted together. The center of Shipley's attention was, no doubt, the 331 c.i.d. Chrysler V8 which is topped with a 6-71 GMC blower and two-port Hilborn fuel injection. A Gilmore in-and-out box transfers power to the quick change Halibrand rear end.

If you are interested in seeing one of 48-B's sisters, #28 may be found at the Peterson Automotive Museum. The other may be more difficult to catch as it sold to a private collector in 2007 for $440,000.

This Moon-disc equipped salt rocket is set at a price a bit more dear than its sister- $500,000. At that price, you're really getting three pieces of historical significance- the WWII angle; the Bonneville speed trials bit; and the individual history of this particular car. For that price, it has been fully restored, but needs mechanical work should you want to hit the salt with your investment.

So, is half a million a Nice Price for a storied Bonneville bomber? Or does that price seem more like Crack Pipe than Salt Lake?

You Decide!

Raced & Rallied, or go here if the ad sets a new record for shortest appearance.

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Yesterday proved a bit of a challenge, but, in fine Bond fashion, the '88 Lotus Esprit ended up easily escaping Crackpipedom at the last minute, and managed to seduce several of you into its bed, er garage. And now for something completely different.

Nothing says performance like Belvedere. What? When you think Belvedere you picture Bob Uecker? Well, that's probably why Plymouth, back in the day, minimized the Belvedere name, emphasizing the GTX on their upscale muscle car.

Sitting atop the Road Runner in the Belvedere model lineup, the GTX rocked the massive 440 as standard, or, optionally, the staggering 426 hemi, distancing it from its coyote-vexed brother which was graced by the Super Commando 383 as standard fitment. The GTX was also offered in both a pillar-less coupe, and as a convertible version for 1968, while Road Runners had to keep their tops on.

That 2G 426 Hemi is topped by a pair of Carter AFB 4 bbls and that was good for a factory claimed 425 bhp, which will move this 3,470 lb car with alacrity - contemporary tests pegged the 0 to 60 time at around 6.2 seconds, and quarters in the low 14s. Part of the reason for that is the factory 4-speed backing up that elephant.

Now, the 426 in this GTX is not the one it had when it left home. And despite the apparently impeccable restoration and presentation, this bright blue GTX - which is being offered for the not insubstantial sum of $119,900 - is not a numbers-matching car. Not only that, but the seller claims that the car could only muster 2nd in class at the Mopar Nationals. Hopefully they have been in contact with the judges of that event, and have taken to rectifying the egregious issues which denied it the first-place crown.

Other than those issues, this is a very nicely done, and sufficiently out of the mainstream (but not too far out so as to be weird) muscle car, which have been seeing both stratospheric highs on the action block, as well as investment-crushing disinterest of late.

So what do you think, you Mopar-maniacs? Is $119,900 a NIce Price for a muscle car from a broken home? Or, is that six-figure price so Crack Pipe, you'd leave this one at the Orphanage?

You decide!

eBay, or go here if the ad disappears.

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The "2220" stands for its displacement in cubic inches (actually, it was 2,219.35 CI, or just over 36 liters). That's right, an engine with well over a cubic foot of displacement. Oh, but it gets even better! More than ten feet in length, hemispherical heads, aluminum block, single overhead cam, inverted-V configuration, and the power was sent to the propeller reduction gear via the middle of the crankshaft (technically, the IV-2220 was two V8s joined in the middle, with an output shaft extending to the propeller beneath the crankshaft). It was developed for installation in the P-47 Thunderbolt during World War II (the P-47, as you may recall, had a godawful complicated remote-turbocharger setup), as an alternative to the P-47s standard Pratt & Whitney radial, and made an impressive 2,500 horsepower. By the time the IV-2220 was ready, however, the war was just about over and jet engines were the flashy new trend for aircraft power. All that effort wasn't wasted, though, because Chrysler had learned a great deal about hemispherical head design, and you know the rest.
[Allpar, Wikipedia]

You didn't think we'd leave the Mopar-maniacs out of the fun did you? Say what you will about the Dodge Ram or other Chrysler products the HEMI V8 goes into, but the 5.7 liter unit in the Ram is quite a nice piece. It's got a 10:1 compression ratio, variable valve timing, coil-on-plug ignition, aluminum cylinder heads an active intake manifold which changes the intake runner length, to vary torque delivery through the rev range. 380 HP and 404 lb-ft of torque doesn't hurt either.

Click here to return to the Top Five Pieces Of Hot Engine Porn At SAE

If the rest of the world's like us, then HELL YEAH! We're entering into big-time rumor territory here, but there is a glimmer of hope for both Jeep and SRT fans alike. We've heard from a source deep within Chrysler that things have been humming along quietly in the SRT garage as engineers work hard to develop the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as a 2012 model.

The biggest news we've received is the high-po Jeep will receive the 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8 with anywhere between 505-525 tire burning horsepower and roughly 510 ft-lbs of torque, all driven through a revised AWD system. The 392 HEMI has also been rumored to show up in other 2010 SRT8 models, but we're guessing it'll arrive first in the mid-cycle refresh for both the Challenger and Charger in 2011.

If the above sketches are anything to go by, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will be a subtle beast with lowered, sportier suspension, beefy SRT 5-spoke wheels, larger diameter rotors with grippy multi-piston calipers, revised front and rear fascias, a functional cold air induction cowl hood and a larger spoiler out back. We like what we're seeing, but like GM's performance shop, we'll have to wait and see whether or not Chrysler can muster the cash to put out another answer to a question nobody really asked.

Chrysler is auctioning off an entire 6.1-liter HEMI assembly line in Saltillo, Mexico. Yes, you read that right; the WHOLE assembly line which includes the conveyor; main bearing cap bolt; oil pump; front cover; oil pan bolt; rocker shaft; piston; pin and connecting rod assembly; and a cold test station.

Chrysler spokespeople tell us Chrysler's manufacturing team at the Saltillo Engine Plant were looking at ways to be more efficient and productive. After some research, they determined they have the capability to produce the 5.7-liter engine and the 6.1-liter engine on the same assembly line. As a result, some of the equipment for the original 6.1-liter line was not needed and therefore is now in the process of being put up for auction. So, it's all redundant equipment. Yeah, some of the coolest redundant equipment on Earth!

The auction runs from December 11th through the 16th and is being handled by Hilco Industrial Auctions. We hear if you call now, they may even throw in a second HEMI line for three easy payments of $19.95!

Chrysler also tells us they're not selling any parts of the line that would compromise its technology from improper/illegal production by a competitor. We don't even know if you can still build an engine with the line. But if you could, it begs the question — what would you do with it?

[via Hilco Industrial Auctions]

Kelley says a regular one is worth around $16,000, but Mr. Obama is definitely a non-lightweight famous person; in fact, the Obama's 300C website points out that a waffle half-eaten by Obama sold for $20,000, and the owner of a Barack-played pool table is shooting for a half million dollars. We'd feel a lot better about the price if the seller had some photographs of Obama actually driving it, and an authentic Barack Burnout video would make this a slam-dunk Nice Price. As it stands, though: $100,000 for this?

[eBay Motors], thanks to Bill for the tip.

Before we even talk about how the thing drives, it's worth noting the almost ridiculous level of build quality on this conversion. If you didn't know better, you'd think the HEMI was original equipment; in fact, thanks to AEV's connections to Chrysler, it's built using a lot of the same suppliers Chrysler uses. The wiring harness comes pre-tested and everything plugs up to the point that if you patch in a technician's scanner, it'll read as a Wrangler with a HEMI. It's literally as good as if it came from the factory.

But what the HEMI Wrangler is all about is performance, and let's get one thing out of the way right off the bat: The price of admission for the AEV conversion kit is worth the exhaust note alone. Firing up that big V8 fills the little cabin with intoxicating levels of awesomeness. Out on the asphalt, the big bad JT actually rides really well for what is in essence a purpose-built rock crawler. That's not to say anyone will mistake it for a sports car, but it certainly will get you where you're going quickly. Since this is Michigan and not Moab, the most off-roading we could do in our short test drive involved some back-country dirt roads — the kind that would swallow a passenger car into its ruts and holes, but only rough enough to test the assembly quality of a rock hopper and not much more.

Up against this measly test, the Wrangler didn't even flinch, providing an almost disturbingly smooth ride. Even with the huge tires, the excellent turning radius found on a stock Wrangler is unaffected. Ride and drive, exhaust note, nice leather seats — that stuff is all well and good, but you know what's really fun? Four-wheel dirt burnouts. Not that we did any of those, or dirt road brake stands. We'd never do stuff like that. But if we did, we would probably report AEV's HEMI V8 conversion turns a stock Wrangler Rubicon, which is pretty good on it's own, into a fire-breathing, mud-spitting, swaggering, snorting, off-road superstar.

Chatsworth, California — HURST is one of the most recognized and revered names in the history of performance automobiles. The HURST brand has long been synonymous with speed, performance and quality, with an impressive track-record of pioneering performance products for all forms of motorsports and hot-rodding. HURST was one of the first to partner with the OEMs and bring enthusiasts limited edition performance vehicles like the legendary HURST/Olds 442.

HURST is at it again! The newest creation to be rolled out to continue the tradition is the 2009 HURST/HEMI® Challenger. Starting with the HEMI® powered Dodge Challenger SRT8, HURST takes it to the next level as a 500+ HP supercharged limited edition built and tuned by the best in the business.

Nate Shelton, Chairman of HURST, is committed to delivering the value that HURST is known for; “The new HURST/HEMI® Challenger is more than just another muscle car. It epitomizes the performance industries tradition of taking the best Detroit has to offer and adding 21st century performance parts to make your ride faster and cooler than the other guys. HURST has a long history of doing just that with guys like Don Garlits, Warren Johnson, Dick Landy and even celebrity racers Steve McQueen and Jim Garner. The new HURST/HEMI® Challenger is the first of many HURST Performance Vehicles to come. We are ready to make some more history.”

HURST has partnered with some of the best companies in the industry to create a collectible limited edition muscle car with the looks, attitude and credentials to back it up. The HURST/HEMI® Challenger will be available in four Stages of performance trim through participating Dodge dealerships. The details are iconic and impressive; the huge polished five-spoke HURST alloy wheels and the “Pistol-Grip” HURST shifter are inspired by the originals that helped make HURST the legendary brand that it is today.

HURST Performance Vehicles Program Director Ron Flint adds “The legacy of the HURST brand gives us a huge advantage and it sets the bar very high for our team. Our goal is simple; create serious driveway-envy in your neighborhood.”

The HURST/HEMI® Challenger makes its debut at the trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November. Vehicle production is slated for early 2009.

[Hurst via eGMCarTech.com]

Private Seller to Auction One-Off Chrysler Concept Roadster at Russo & Steele

A sleek black and chrome Detroit-style roadster, designed by Chrysler's Mark Allen and featuring a 6.4 L Hemi crate engine, will be auctioned at the Russo & Steele car auction in Monterrey, California this August 14-16, 2008. The SR 392 Roadster has won several prestigious awards at Hot Rod shows throughout the country this year.

Detroit, MI (PRWEB) July 30, 2008 — An edgy, HEMI-powered, award-winning roadster from Chrysler's 2007 Mopar SEMA exhibit will be up for bidding at the August 14-16 Russo and Steele Auction in Monterey, California.

The SR 392 Roadster, featured widely in 2008 issues of both Hot Rod and Street Rodder magazines, has won numerous prestigious awards. Most recently it was hand-selected by the widow of the late Boyd Coddington for a Boyd Coddington's Pro's Pick Award at the Good Guys Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.

It also won a Chip Foose Design Excellence Award at the 2008 Grand National Roadster Show. "This hot rod is truly trend-setting. It's design elements will be mirrored in hot rods and show vehicles for years to come," Foose said.

For nearly two years, Chrysler's Mark Allen and Ralph Gilles planned to build the SR 392 Roadster as a SEMA stunner with Michael Chetcuti of Livonia, Mich.-based auto supplier, Quality Metalcraft (QMC). Allen is chief designer, Jeep/Dodge Truck Studios - Chrysler LLC and Gilles is Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design - Chrysler LLC. Gilles and Allen are members of Chrysler's Mopar Underground SEMA design team, a group of in-house automotive enthusiasts who donate their time to SEMA project vehicles.

Allen, Chetcuti and Gilles saw a challenge in proving that the 6.4-liter HEMI crate engine could apply to a vehicle other than traditional muscle cars or modified upfits. The team's idea was to redefine the classic hot rod with a more functional urban and industrial attitude to create a distinctly Detroit roadster.

Allen said, ''It was important to convey the car's theme as an homage to Detroit - the cool Detroit with its unique artistic community, music and gritty vibe. We used durable materials and let the mechanicals show to reflect the industrial backbone of the city. We wrapped it all up in a high-gloss black-and-chrome wrapper to evoke Detroit's cool attitude.''

''The core design elements of this roadster speak to the grit and industrial edge of our city,'' said Chetcuti. ''Things like the mezzanine flooring detail and Eames-inspired seating - these take an industrial cue but are by no means 'rat-rod.' It is a refined and organized design throughout.''

Awards for the SR 392:

* Mothers Choice Award - Excellence in Automotive Design (SEMA, 2007)
* Hot Wheels Designer's Choice Award (SEMA, 2007)
* Chip Foose Design Excellence Award (Grand National Roadster Show, 2008)
* AMBR Outstanding Class Award (Grand National Roadster Show, 2008)
* America's Most Beautiful Roadster (Grand National Roadster Show, 2008)
* Altered T-Roadster Award - 1st Place (Detroit Autorama, 2008)
* Street Rodder Magazine: Driven Award (Detroit Autorama, 2008)
* International Show Car Association: Outstanding Engineered Award
(Detroit Autorama, 2008)
* Boyd Coddington's Pro's Pick Award (Good Guys Nationals, Columbus, OH, 2008)

Media Coverage:

* Detroit Auto Scene - December 31, 2007 & January 7, 2008
* Mopar Collector's Guide - February, 2008
* Hot Rod - April, 2008
* Street Rodder - May, 2008
* Street Rodder - June, 2008

Shows:

* SEMA Show - Las Vegas, NV - October, 2007
* Grand National Roadster Show - Sacramento, CA - January, 2008
* Autorama - Detroit, MI - March, 2008
* LA Roadster Show - Pomona, CA - June, 2008

###

The Drag Package Challengers are also stripped down and fitted with lightweight components like a composite lift-off style hood, which also comes in handy if you want to disturb the peace in your neighborhood. Of course, the cars won't be street legal, so if you want to cruise Woodward, you'll be asking for trouble.

Center Line, Mich., Jul 13, 2008 - Mopar® is bringing the iconic Dodge Challenger muscle car to National Hot Road Association (NHRA) drag-racing competition. Mopar revealed two Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Cars at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals today before thrilled fans at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo. Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the longest-running NHRA sponsorship.

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits and Judy "Miss Mighty Mopar" Lilly were behind the wheels for their inaugural track run. Garlits drove the car featuring the Stone White paint scheme. Lilly was behind the wheel of the "Mopar Liquid Metal" prototype. NHRA named Garlits the #1 driver of the Top 50 drivers from its first 50 years. His victories and accomplishments are virtually unmatched in drag-racing history. "Miss Mighty Mopar" is one of the female pioneers in drag racing. Spending 12 years on the NHRA circuit, Lilly is the only female driver to win two NHRA national events in one year.

Mopar built the first two Challenger Drag Race Package Cars for development and testing for its new Challenger Package Car program. Based on the Challenger SRT8®, the prototypes were finished in Stock Eliminator configuration. They ran successfully in June 2008 as proof-of-concept and for NHRA certification. Mopar dropped approximately 1,000 lbs. off the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating major production components and systems. To accentuate the weight savings, they also feature added composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program.

The engine was repositioned to improve driveline angle and weight distribution. The 116-inch wheelbase was shortened by ½ inch. They also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts.

"Today is a great day for Mopar, Dodge, SRT, drag racers and motorsports enthusiasts everywhere. Not made for the streets, our drag-race-only Challengers will be running soon in NHRA competition—the best grassroots racing series in the world," said Sunil Lahoti, Mopar Marketing and Brand Manager, Chrysler LLC. "And who better to drive our new Challenger Package Cars on their inaugural track run than 'Big Daddy' and 'Miss Mighty Mopar'—the greatest drag racer of all time and a female pioneer of the sport."

New Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Car Program by Mopar
The first drag-race, factory-prepped package cars built in 40 years, the new Challenger Drag Race Package Car by Mopar builds on the heritage of the limited-edition 1968 HEMI®-powered Package Cars. Those '68 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas solidified the Mopar brand as a quarter-mile force.

Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet NHRA requirements. Based on the production Dodge Challenger SRT8, Mopar's modern factory-prepped Challenger Drag Race Package Car will begin as a special Body-in-White (BIW) from Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada, assembly plant. The body sealer, sound deadener and undercoat will be eliminated. To reduce vehicle weight, major production component and systems will also be eliminated including: windshield wiper assembly, complete HVAC system, all airbag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust system and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side impact door beams, rear bumper beam and rear deck lid spoiler.

The drag racer has three engine options—6.1-liter or 5.7-liter HEMI or 5.9-liter Magnum® Wedge—as well as manual or automatic transmission.

A build book/owner's manual will be provided to document the modifications made to the Challenger SRT8 as well as provide recommendations to finish the Package Car for Stock Eliminator competition. To accentuate weight savings, there are unique drag-race components in the Package Car program including: composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack and pinion steering, special cable-operated deck lid release, special lightweight front brake assembly and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories—Comp, Super Stock and Stock—and potentially 40 classes.

Depending upon the configuration selected, the U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Challenger Drag Race Package Car program will range from the low to mid $30s. Each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be available for order in late August to early September. A toll-free number will be designated for ordering. Details will be posted on www.mopar.com.

Now in its fifth decade, NHRA is the world's largest motorsports sanctioning body with 80,000 members, 140 member tracks, more than 35,000 licensed competitors and more than 5,000 member-track events. NHRA is second only to NASCAR in terms of fan attendance.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components, restoration parts, accessories and performance parts for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: Yes
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• Ford Crown Victoria P71
• Chevy Impala 9C1
• '74 Dodge Monaco
• Increasing road safety by encouraging good driving behavior and motorist education instead of focusing on narrow-minded and ineffective speed enforcement

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Dodge
• Model year: 2008
• Base price: $29,160
• Price as tested: $29,740
• Engine type: 5.7-Liter OHV V8
• Horsepower: 340 @ 5000 RPM
• Torque: 390 @ 4000 RPM
• Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
• Curb weight: 4150 pounds
• LxWxH: 200.1" x 74.5" x 58.2"
• Wheelbase: 120.0"
• Tires: P225/60R18
• 0 - 60 mph: 5.9 seconds
• EPA fuel economy city/highway: 15/23 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: ***** front

Also see:
• 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part One
• 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part Two

Acceleration: ****
On paper, 340 HP may not look as impressive today as it once did, but when you stomp on the go pedal and wake up the four Hemi V8 cylinders that were taking a nap to save gas, those horses feel plenty strong indeed. Maximum power from the 5.7-liter mill comes in at 5000 RPM, and 390 lb-ft of torque is cranked out at 4000 RPM. And while it may not be exceedingly loud, the Hemi does provide a snorting soundtrack.

Braking: ***
With ABS and vented discs on all four corners, stopping performance is adequate, especially considering the massive size and weight of the Charger. What's important is the car feels stable and controlled during emergency-stop situations.

Ride: ***
Benefiting from the Mercedes-derived four-wheel-independent suspension, the Police Charger certainly feels better than the softly sprung solid-axle boats of yesteryear. But the sheer size of the car may make you feel a bit like you're in an SUV that's been hunkered down a few inches, though overall the ride is comfortable enough for a day's worth of patrolling.

Handling: **
You don't expect a car like this to go around turns well, and it doesn't. Body roll isn't as bad as some cars, but there's lots of understeer. Even with the traction control off, the car is hard to coax into a powerslide. You'll be fine chasing down a murderer in an Iroc-Z on the expressway, but you'll need to call-in a roadblock to catch a Porsche on a winding back road.

Gearbox: *
There's just something so nostalgically right about a column-shifter in a big American car. The five-speed automatic works fine for normal driving. However, the autostick feature is nearly worthless. Even my small thumbs struggled to properly operate the tiny +/- button for manual shifting.

Audio: *
The bargain basement stereo isn't impressive, though if you're busy listening to your police radio, we imagine it's sufficient.

Toys: **
With no sirens, no radios, and no flashing lights installed, our Charger had nothing to play with. If you want to install all the cop goodies, the Charger's ready to go with an upgraded battery and alternator — and all that would have moved the star rating to the top. Still, the spotlight is fun for making punk teenage drivers squirm night driving on unlit country roads.

Value: ***
Though we hear it all depends on what kind of deal your municipality can strike up, a Hemi-powered Police Charger starts at just over $29,000. That's pretty good if you want a brand new muscle sedan. Though a Ford or Chevy will cost less if you just want a cruiser. That's not even mentioning the endless supply of pre-abused P71 Crown Vics that are practically given away at police auctions.

Overall: ***
The Dodge Charger Police Edition is a squad car with the attitude to intimidate bad guys, and the muscle to run them down. It takes old-school flavor and brings it up-to-date, while retaining the simple charm of a big V8-powered American cruiser. So what do you say? Is it the new Bluesmobile or what?

Also see:
• 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part One
• 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part Three

It's got cop tires, a rough n' ready cop suspension and rubber floors. Most importantly, it's got a Hemi under the hood — the big 5.7-liter 345 cubic-inch 'plant. The engine helps this big Dodge make me feel ready for some silver-screen type stunts. Thoughts flash through my mind of arriving at the opposite side of a slightly raised drawbridge at full speed, but unfortunately, the bridge was down — my hopes of truly testing the stout suspension dashed. I'd have to settle for the curbs I'd hopped coming off the expressway to give me a feel for the resiliency of the Chrysler tested and police-approved chassis.

I slide up to see Hardigree wearily checking his watch, anxious to continue our pilgrimage across the city. No, we're not on a mission from God, not looking to reunite a band and save an orphanage. We're here to reunite this car with its spiritual home.

There's something universally menacing about the blacked-out Charger. Yes, anyone on the highway noticing the spot lamp poking out of the driver side A-pillar will move out of your way, but that's true with any decommissioned police car. The Charger, however, has an extra level of attitude, emanating from that strong centerline, the aggressive front grille and those big rear haunches — a truly scary feeling even a blind pianist can sense.

So, as we pull up to the Museum of Science and Industry onto the very familiar footbridge out front, I felt I could scatter Nazi Illini with a greater efficiency than Jake and Elwood ever could with their '74 Monaco.

But if we really want to make this car feel at home, we need to get pulled over. The whole film pivots on an unfortunate encounter with the Illinois State Police, but we'll settle for Chicago PD. Since we'd rather not actually get a ticket, we happen upon a police station and Matt hops out to talk with the sergeant in charge. Though rebuffed officially, one of the officers motions to us he wants to speak with us outside the earshot of his supervisor. Outside, he agrees to help us. He's not pulling us over, just parking behind us — with his flashing lights on — in the middle of the road. Other cops gathered about grumble jealously. "I wish they'd buy us some of these," says our friendly officer.

We bid farewell to The Man and head over to pick up Chicago-style hot dogs from a local stand, consuming them in a parking lot across the street from Wrigley Field. Not quite four fried chickens, but they'll do. Getting back in the Charger, I pull down on the column shifter, noting how different the equipment on this model is compared to the usual creature comforts we all take for granted in most modern cars. For example, no cupholders. But never mind because the floors are rubber, making clean-up simple should I spill something. No cigarette lighter either — true to Blues Brothers form.

Matt and I head downtown, but are disappointed to find neither mounted patrol or National Guard waiting for us. I continue on to Lower Wacker Drive, rolling down the windows and selecting a low gear on the Autostick. The echoing roar of the V8 chases me through the underground street. Even if you're not on a mission from God, you can't help but feel the divine reverberation. Sadly, we only had the car for a few days, and with our time almost up, I had to head back to Michigan.

On my drive back, the jazz station crackling on the radio lulls me into losing track of time, worries, distance, and apparently speed. I guess you can only get pulled over when you don't want to be. "Do you know what I stopped you for?" asks a blindingly bright beam of light in my passenger side window. I've never answered "no" to that question. So, after my quick slick answer, the uniformed man with the inquisitive flashlight goes back to his Crown Vic for a minute. I hope he doesn't have SCMODS. Thankfully, he returns with only a written warning and a guilt trip. "You should feel privileged to drive this car." states the officer. It's true, I should.

Remember that, people: No matter who you are and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there are still some things that make us all the same. You, me, them, everybody... and respect for a police-spec Charger is one of them.

Also see:
• 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part Two
• 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part Three