Black Ghost: The Contemporary Meets the Classic

For the first time, at Mecum’s 2023 Kissimmee auction the original 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE known as the ‘Black Ghost’ was on display with one of Dodge’s 2023 ‘Black Ghost’ Last Call Special Editions.

Join Mecum On the Move’s Matt Avery as he spotlights this ghoulish pair of historic Mopar muscle.

The classic was ordered new by Godfrey Qualls at Raynal Brothers Dodge in Detroit, Michigan, in October of 1969. He was a military veteran who spent time with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and the Green Beret Special Forces. He also was an officer with the Detroit police, patrolling the 11th precinct on the north side of the city – just miles from the dealership and Dodge’s Hamtramck assembly plant where the car was built.

He equipped the vehicle with the top-of-the-line 426ci HEMI V8 paired to the 4-speed manual transmission. Other options included a white tail stripe, locking gas gap, and gator grain roof covering.

After years of full-throttle use, in 1978 he parked it in long-term storage, passing on ownership to his son Gregory in 2015.

Now, the next chapter for this Motor City menace is underway, with it crossing the auction block at Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana this May.

About the 2023 Dodge Challenger ‘Black Ghost’ Last Call Special Edition

For 2023, Dodge is offering a ‘Black Ghost’ in their Last Call Special Editions. Based on the 2023 Challenger Redeye Widebody, the run will be limited to 300 units. All will be painted Pitch Black and feature 807 horsepower.

Paying homage to Godfrey’s original Challenger, the package includes bespoke retro cues like ‘DODGE’ lettering on the hood, black Mopar hood pints, and a gator grain roof vinyl.