Classic Car Studio’s Show-Stopping 1968 Dodge Charger
A Modern Twist On A Mopar Muscle Car Legend...
In a striking transformation led by Classic Car Studio (CCS) in St. Louis, Missouri, Ed Ganziotti’s 1968 Dodge Charger has been revived into an exhilarating blend of classic muscle car heritage and modern performance. This restomod journey began with a single, emphatic guideline from Ed: “No green paint.” Yet, through CCS’s creative vision and a twist of fate, green became the defining hue of this custom build, ultimately creating a standout finish Ed never expected.
From Classic to Cutting-Edge –
The car’s story goes back more than two decades, with Ed owning the Charger since the early 2000s. Under the hood lay a 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) Big Block V8, originally tuned by Mopar legend Dick Landy. When Ed approached CCS in 2021, his goal was initially modest—just a refresh. But after seeing the high caliber of work CCS had done on other classic builds, he decided to go all out. The plan quickly expanded to building what Ed dubbed “the baddest Charger on the planet.”
To bring the vision to life, CCS enlisted automotive artist Eric Brockmeyer to create a concept rendering. After initially suggesting a “Black Cherry” shade, CCS proposed a custom green paint scheme with bronze accents. Despite his initial reluctance, Ed was convinced by the render and samples, setting the stage for a unique, one-of-a-kind finish.
A Foundation of Precision and Power –
The Charger’s build process started by completely disassembling the car and focusing on its structural integrity. CCS modified the Charger’s iconic “Coke-bottle” profile by moving the front wheels forward three inches, creating a sleek, long stance. This required substantial suspension modifications, which were achieved by installing a custom Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis. This state-of-the-art frame, constructed from 10-gauge steel, integrates Corvette C7 spindles, RideTech coil-overs, and a Ford 9-inch rear axle from Strange Engineering, providing a balance of strength and agility.
Six-piston Baer brakes were installed for optimal stopping power, and CCS meticulously adjusted the body lines to accentuate the Charger’s iconic shape. Key modifications included shaving drip rails, tucking bumpers, and preparing channels for flush-mounted glass, giving the Charger an aerodynamic, modern appearance. After completing the bodywork, CCS permanently attached the body to the chassis, creating a unified structure.
A Green Like No Other –
Once structural and body modifications were complete, CCS applied the custom green paint that would become the Charger’s defining characteristic. The color, uniquely mixed by CCS, combined with bronze Bumble Bee stripes and accents, highlighted the Charger’s refined, aggressive look. The car rolls on Billet Specialties Grinder wheels, sized at 19 inches in the front and a substantial 22 inches in the rear, wrapped in Michelin tires for a perfect street-meets-track look.
Custom Interior Craftsmanship –
Inside, CCS spared no detail in creating a luxurious yet performance-focused cockpit. The interior features custom seats and panels crafted from Relicate leather, a hand-fabricated dashboard, and Dakota Digital gauges housed in custom pods for a clean, modern look. Missouri black walnut accents and a custom sound system by Kenwood provide a blend of elegance and practicality, while a Vintage Air A/C system ensures comfort on hot days.
The Heart of the Charger: A Reimagined 440 V8 –
To retain its original spirit, CCS preserved Ed’s 440 engine but enhanced it with modern features. Equipped with a Borla stack injection system and managed by a Holley Terminator X system, this refreshed V8 delivers over 600 horsepower. A GM 4L80E transmission ensures smooth power delivery, while custom headers and Borla mufflers complete the exhaust system, giving the Charger a powerful, throaty growl. With the help of an American Autowire harness, all systems are seamlessly integrated.
Unveiling and Beyond –
Ed saw the completed Charger for the first time at the Grand National Roadster Show, where it was entered in the Al Slonaker competition. The reveal was an emotional moment for Ed, who described the finished product as surpassing all his hot-rodding dreams. Since its unveiling, the Charger has been shown across the country, with Ed relishing each drive in this ultimate modern muscle car.
For a detailed look at the entire build process, CCS has documented each step on their website. It’s a great way to see how this Charger transformed from a classic favorite into a custom masterpiece.
Congratulations to Ed Ganziotti and the entire CCS team for making it to the Top 4 at SEMA 2024, where they earned the Best Hotrod/Hotrod Truck, Design and Innovation Award, and Best Paint! This Charger has become more than just a car; it’s a tribute to automotive artistry and the passion of everyone involved.
