Dodge Challenger reborn like a phoenix after 35 years of neglect

A classic 1973 Dodge Challenger was given a new lease of life after being parked up and abandoned for 35 years. 

When it comes to all-American muscle cars, few names are quite as sought after as the Dodge Challenger. 

So when car lover and YouTuber Dylan McCool learned of an abandoned 1973 model, he jumped at the chance to restore it. 

The one-owner car had sadly been sat for decades and was in a very bad way. 

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The 1973 Dodge Challenger was in a terrible state

We’ve seen some incredible restoration jobs over the years, including this man who managed to rebuild his one-off dream car after finding parts of it in a barn, or the guy who successfully revived not one, but two Plymouth Superbirds.

In another incredible display of dedication to classic cars, McCool spent years painstakingly returning the Challenger to its former glory. 

With more than 30 years off the road, the three-speed car was in a sorry state. 

Looking to the positives, McCool pointed out that the car was all-original and didn’t appear to have any repairs or modifications to it. 

But that was where the good news ended. 

Rust had attacked the bodywork, moss was growing across the paintwork, and the tires were completely flat. 

The interiors were in a similar state of dilapidation, with damage to the seats and a thick layer of dirt and grime. 

Meanwhile, under the hood, there was more rusting, and the engine had completely seized up. 

This was not ideal.

The car required years of restoration to get it back on the road

All in all, McCool had a mammoth task on his hands. 

Over the course of several years – and 30 YouTube videos – McCool took the car from a rusting shell to an up-and-running Challenger. 

It was a lot of work, too.

McCool swapped out the Challenger’s original 318 cubic inch V8 for a HEMI, switched out the three-speed for a four-speed, fitted an electronic injection, replaced the suspension, got some new wheels and tires, new brakes, and even installed a new air conditioning system. 

He also tackled the interiors, fixed up the dashboard, fitted new door panels, and sorted out those worn-out seats. 

The whole thing was a real labor of love for McCool – and the incredible results speak for themselves. 

It’s also incredibly satisfying to watch.