1982 Shelby Charger Prototype / TEST Drag Race Car
Please read ALL of the description prior to making assumptions or asking questions that may have been answered.
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This car was purchased earlier this year as part of a large Shelby Dodge collection. It was reported to be Paul Rossi’s three-time championship winner NHRA Dodge factory drag car.
I have spent much time researching and conversing with prior owners and enthusiasts concerning this car and have found a few answers. Not all of the time line has been unearthed, ut it is an interesting car either way.
This Dodge was last offered on eBay Canada in 2008 with 5,642 miles on the odometer and reached a final bid price of $2357. It was shipped to the US and joined a large Shelby and Turbo Dodge collection. The new owner worked to add a fuel system to the Magnacharger Blower and to start the engine without success. I purchased the car in April of the year and have done little more than research the history. Also included with my purchase was a manifest produced from Paul Rossi’s Bankruptcy proceedings dated February 1996. The paperwork shows all company assets including four 1994 Mustang Race Cars, 1990 Eagle Talon Display/Race Car, 1982 Dodge Charger Race/Test Car and three other Ford and Chrysler incomplete Race Cars. Also included is a letter from Ford Motor Company verifying the four Mustangs to be used for racing only when brand new and not to be used on the street. The VIN numbers are not listed as they were all used for racing and test purposes.
I located and spoke with an owner from a decade ago and is positive that this car is indeed one of the Paul Rossi Dodge Charger Test Cars as noted in the bankruptcy papers. He went on to state that the car was delivered new to Shelby and then shipped to Paul Rossi Racing. It was originally red, nd can be seen in the door jambs and other areas of wear. The car was said to have been re-painted when new to a color scheme that reflected the upcoming Shelby “look.” Another prior owner pointed out that the car does indeed have some Shelby parts, ncluding some suspension pieces and the differential has been changed to a drag-racing “spooled” type. This gearing is quickly noticed when rolling and steering the car if you are familiar with this set-up. I have also found an image of a nearly identical car (decals included) of Rob Roth's Paul Rossi - prepped "1983" drag car that qualified 2nd at the Mile High Drag races in Colorado. I will try to add that image to a link.
Today the Charger shows 5,842 miles on the odometer (old eBay listing had a slight odomoter discrepancy?) Based upon the lack of wear to the upholstery and interior components, tend to think the odometer is correct. It has a Magnacharger supercharged inline four-cylinder engine, our-speed transmission, asic racing instrumentation, he original radio, loth bucket seat interior, lloy wheels and rear spoiler. The windshield has a crack down the center. There are a few rust spots around the car's surface from paint chips not being repaired. The undercarriage is surprisingly very solid and appears very stock. Also included is a set of the original style factory alloy “pizza wheels.” The headliner has been removed.The body is remarkably straight and in good shape for a 33-year-old car. It does NOT run or drive without any fuel carburetor or injection system.
As such, his may or may not be one of Paul Rossi Racing’s Test Cars. It is yet to be proven either way. However, t IS an exceedingly low mile example of a 1982 Dodge Charger that has been modified with a supercharger, pecial transmission gears and differential. It could be finished as a race car or retrofitted back into a very usable Dodge Charger.
Based upon paperwork, esearch and observation, have done my best to describe the car completely. Please ask as many questions as needed prior to bidding and I will respond as quickly as possible.
Located South East of Fort Wayne, N 46816 $200 Deposit Required Immediately with Buy It Now, ccepted Offer or End of Auction. Shipping is Responsibility of Buyer. Buyer will be Provided with a Bill of Sale, o Title Please ask all questions before making offer. Sold As-Is-Where Is.