After many months of investigating and through the help of some great friends, we have tracked down and confirmed all of the owners of this Challenger. We have spoken with the Landys, Jim Luscutoff, and Clarence. I've even spoken with the previous owner of Lees 1967 Coronet. He was one of the many people who called and confirmed that this was in fact Lee Camerons old Challenger so thank you Tim!
In 1970 Lee Cameron and Jim Luscutoff (Lees Crew Chief and long time friend) traded in their 1967 Hemi Coronet for the Swift Dodge "PDQ" Challenger. With a full sponsorship from Swift Dodge out of Sacramento, they took this Challenger in to the unknown. They built it in to a mean ten second car and set several records that year. This car was also one of the top contenders in the 1970 NHRA World Finals held in Dallas Texas.
Some time between 1971 and 1975, Lee sold the car to Dick Landy. Shortly after purchasing the car from Lee, Dick took the Challenger and went through it. He built the car on a special order for Clarence Nishikata. The car was still a ten second car but with DLI Technology to back it. Clarence at the time had already employed Dick to build him a different 1970 Challenger prior to ours (which you will see in the photos located below). However, this time around Clarence was out for blood. He just had to have more horsepower. Clarence went on to race this Challenger in Hawaii where he won many races.
At some point in the mid 80's, the Challenger was put away and would never see the road again. It wasn't until 2004, 2005 that the Challenger would find a new home. Darryl, a long time friend of ours purchased the Challenger with the hopes of restoring her back to how she belonged. Unfortunately, he was never able to do so which is when he presented us with the opportunity of bringing her back to the mainland. Last year we obtained the Challenger and it has been a never ending adventure. We have spoken to people all across the country about this Challenger. Some very fantastic and extremely enthusiastic Mopar fans. For those who have helped us along the way, I can't express how thankful we are. Thank you!
Here is a once in a life time opportunity to pick up one of the rarest E bodies on the planet. Not often do you find highly collectible automobiles that have been owned by two of the greatest drag car racers of our time. Not only does she have racing history behind her but she is a true "R" code, Hemi 426, 4 Speed, Dana Track Pack, B5 Blue, Blue interior, RT Challenger! One of 137 four speed cars built in 1970 and one of one built with these exact options. As she sits today is how you will see her below. With all of her original Landy components, unmolested, and ready to be restored. You will also find a tremendous amount of documentation as well as correspondence between Mr. Landy and the previous owner, discussing the possibility of rebuilding the old Challenger in 2005. You will also find documentation on a full inspection provided by Galen Govier along with the original buildsheet, fender tag, receipts from Landy Industries in regards to the build, and many other items. I have uploaded and published quite a bit of information so please allow it time to load. If you require more information, I do have it. I only uploaded about a third of the GTS inspection.
Most cars usually have their story behind them but this one, this one not only has its story but it has several very unique investment opportunities behind it. How often do you find race cars that were juggled amongst some of the greatest racers of our time? How often do you find true Hemi Four Speed Challengers? I think the best way to take her would be back to how Lee Cameron had her in 1970. This same car was also one of the inspirational pieces used for the 2008 Mopar Super Stocker as stated in Hot Rod Magazine.
Body: The strap around the back side of the Challenger is in place to hold up the exhaust. This had to be done in order to transport it with the car. The body as you can see will need to be gone through. The front frame rails are solid. The rear frame rails have been beaten on for clearance and are rusting in areas. They were beaten on to make wider clearance for the rear tires. From what I understand, that was typical of most drag racers from that era. The front floor pans appear to be fairly solid with some areas that will need corrected. I personally would just go ahead and replace them. The rear floor pans will in fact need replaced. The doors seems to be fairly solid as you will notice in the photos located below. The quarters also are fairly decent and could be repaired. The front clip was designed by Landy Industries and is all fiberglass. The fenders and hood. The fenders are in excellent shape. The hood has some chips and will need some repair. The grill as you will notice was swapped by Dick Landy to replicate that of a 71. The top side of the firewall does match the car as does the core support. Unfortunately, there is only three and part of a fourth digit still visible on the back side of the core support as it was cut up to reduce weight. The trunk within the Challenger is in fair shape but will also need some attention. This car was also never tubbed. The rear sill panel will need replaced.
Engine & Mechanical: The 426 within this Challenger is an unstamped 70 warranty block that has been bored to 460. Everything that has been done to this motor was done so by Dick Landy. It still retains all of the original Dick Landy technology. Located below you will find photos of the DLI Heads and intake. They were actually taken off of the motor many years ago and stored away. They seem to be in excellent shape. I can also tell you that the motor still has the original Forged Aluminum TRW Pistons which were also installed by Dick Landy at the time of the build. The only thing that we are lacking is the original carburetor setup. As you will notice, it does still retain its original custom built DLI 727.
interior: The interior as you will see still consists of all the original Dick Landy components. The fiberglass buckets and a complete fiberglass dash. You will also notice the B & M shifter as well as the roll cage. All of which is in good shape and could easily be restored. The door panels as you will notice will need to be replaced as will the headliner.
You will find a full report from GTS (Galen Govier) documenting this car. He notes that the VIN ID is correct but has been put back in to place with incorrect rivets which is due to the dash being replaced with a fiberglass dash. He also notes within his paperwork that there were only 137 four speed Hemi Challengers built in 1970 and with the options that this Challenger originally came with, which makes it one of one per his registry. So not only do you have the racing and owner history but it is a one of one car built with these options.
I have full photos and details of this car for anyone who is interested. We are asking 85k or best offer. Please feel free to call or email with any questions or concerns you might have.
Thanks,
Shawn
816.308.0351
Topic: LEE CAMERONS "PDQ" SWIFT DODGE SUPER STOCK HEMI CHALLENGER! LATER OWNED BY LANDY (Read 3843 times)
