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On THE STREET KILLERRides Rides Pics - Jimmy T Photography Words - Paul Beck ADRIAN ROMANDINI 700HP, 528CI HEMI-POWERED 1968 DODGE CHARGER

The late 60’s spawned some damn impressive muscle cars, and one such car, the 1969 Dodge Charger certainly stands out amongst the crowd of high-powered coupes available from all of the manufacturers at the time. Obviously, this model made an impression on Adrian Romandini and the search began for a suitable project. Purchased locally in Melbourne from Just Mustangs, this Charger started its life as a 383-powered car in Turquoise with a black vinyl roof. The build on this Charger took a long period of time, but like anything, achieving the highest quality possible takes time, especially when you’re running a busy business and raising a young family. With no deadline to work towards, Adrian spent all the time he needed to reach his end goal.

The original Dodge B5 Bright Blue has been laid down over flawless panels and with the all new chrome in place, the Charger’s body is better than ever...

On THE STREET KILLERRides Rides Pics - Jimmy T Photography Words - Paul Beck ADRIAN ROMANDINI 700HP, 528CI HEMI-POWERED 1968 DODGE CHARGER

Externally, this Charger looks like a factory restored muscle car. The original Dodge B5 Bright Blue has been laid down over flawless panels and with the all new chrome in place, the Charger’s body is better than ever, thanks to the combined efforts of George Lyras at KB Restorations who not only looked after the body and paint, but also the mini-tubs. To compliment the factory-style build, Adrian kept the right wheel under each guard. The Magnum 500 rims fill each guard perfectly, including the mini-tubs that swallow up the 12.5inch Mickey Thompson tyres. The underside is detailed just as well too. Like the body, the interior has been mostly restored with the white trim (by Jim at Terry’s Motor Trimming), wood-rimmed steering wheels and factory gauges reminiscent of how it looked when it rolled from the showroom floor. The only additions include the B&M Shifter and a pair of AutoMeter gauges.

The build on this Charger took a long period of time, but like anything, achieving the highest quality possible takes time...

On THE STREET KILLERRides Rides Pics - Jimmy T Photography Words - Paul Beck ADRIAN ROMANDINI 700HP, 528CI HEMI-POWERED 1968 DODGE CHARGER

But it’s under that scooped bonnet that gets muscle car lovers week at the knees. Muscle cars need big engines and really, is there anything bigger (or better) than a Hemi? Adrian added a 528-cube Hemi to his Charger, filling the engine bay to capacity. The 1050 Pro-Systems Dominator topped Hemi makes around 700hp and is detailed like a seasoned show car. Con Sagiaris is the man responsible for the engine package, which is backed by a tough 727 Torqueflite that sends the power to a full-floater, 3.7-geared Dana60 rear end located with split mono leaf springs, Calvert 9-way shocks and Caltracs. That’s about as tough a driveline as you’ll ever need. The meticulous build period culminated with the Charger making its debut to the world at the recent MotorEx event where it had muscle car fans grinning from ear to ear – much like Adrian does every time he fires up that big cube Hemi and hits the blacktop!

THANKS TO: George Lyras at KB Prestige & Restorations; Con Sagiaras at Pro Race Engines; Jim Leontaris at Terry’s Motor Trimming; Frankie P; Jim B; Tony K; Luke Arena at Dodge Charger Owners Australia; Chris at Racewires; Daniel at All Race Fabrications; Phil at Progen; Sami at Pro Class Detailing; and to the car and build’s biggest supporter and helper, my wife Maz and our kids Alex, Damon and Jasmin.

KILLERRides Rides WENDY & ROBERT STEVENSON

On Show

Restomod 1958 Corvette Roadster

Pics - Chad Silvey

Early Corvette’s like Wendy and Robert Stevenson’s ‘58 Roadster, simply oozed style, charactor and charisma. With an abundance of chrome adorning every corner of the body, these cars are what the 50’s were all about. As much as this particular car looks like a resto, with its classic black, white, red and chrome colour combo, first impressions can definitely be deceiving...

KILLERRides Rides WENDY & ROBERT STEVENSON

On Show

Restomod 1958 Corvette Roadster

Pics - Chad Silvey

When this Corvette rolled from the factory floor in 1958, the top-spec engine option was a 290hp, 283ci small block topped with fuel injection - yes, injection, back in ‘58. Those engines are very hard to come by these days, and even if you could find one, the price tag would be astronimical! For Wendy and Robert, they updated their driveline by fitting a Gen V, LT376 engine making 535hp matched to a 6-speed auto. A Dana 44 rear end has been fitted to the modified chassis featuring C4 Corvette front and rear suspension. The brakes are C6 Z06 discs with electronic master cylinder.

As much as this particular car looks like a resto, with its classic black, white, red and chrome colour combo, first impressions can definitely be deceiving...

KILLERRides Rides On WENDY & ROBERT STEVENSON Show Restomod 1958 Corvette Roadster Pics - Chad Silvey

Though its style is still pure 1958, there’s been so many mod cons added to this Vette that aren’t very obvious. OK, so the one-off EVOD 18-inch billet wheels and engine are a bit hard not to miss, but did you spot the auto-sensing LED headlights, Dakota Digital gauges, bluetooth vintage sound system, Vintage-Air air-con, inertia reel seatbelts, keyless entry, push-button start, and electronic park brake? No? Neither did I... Wendy and Robert credit Fuel Bespoke Design for the build.

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