Wild SEMA Build Combines A 1970 Challenger Body With A Viper Frame And Hellcat Engine

You’re guess on whether the SEMA show is happening this year is as good as ours, but the uncertainty stemming from the disruptive coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped tuners from preparing their projects for the world’s largest aftermarket show.

This wild creation comes from Hemi Autoworks and Ellsworth Racing and is named ‘Highway Star,’ after a Deep Purple song from back in 1972 (hence the purple paint). The car is much wilder than the restomod builds we often see at SEMA and is totally bespoke.

Underpinning the car is a modified version of the Dodge Viper’s frame, now stretched by 13-inches (33 cm) and slotted on top is the body of a 1970 Dodge Challenger. The two companies responsible for the build found a rusted-out Challenger body for the build and are embarking on an ambitious project to restore it to what it what have been like when brand new.

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A host of custom touches will be made to the body. For example, the car will be widened by more than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thanks to flared wheel arches. Many parts will be borrowed from a Viper, such as the suspension while Hemi Autoworks and Ellsworth Racing will fit various aftermarket parts including new brakes. In addition, the car will be equipped with a large ducktail rear spoiler and an extended front splitter.

As for power, the ‘Highway Star’ will receive a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hellcat engine ported by Kong Performance and featuring heat shielding spacers from FI Interchillers. Coupled to the engine will be a transmission using a triple-plate Mantic Clutch and a billet flywheel.