We admit it…we’re serious fans of all things Mopar. That’s one reason that we make a special effort to attend the annual Mopars at the Strip celebration in Las Vegas.
Over the course of 
three days, this event brings out some of the finest looking examples of automotive excellence that can be found anywhere. Don’t believe us? Here are just a few of the best of hundreds of magnificent car show entries in attendance.
If you’ve never had the chance to attend the ultimate Mopar show in Vegas, spend a few minutes vicariously living through it here, and make plans for next year… you won’t regret it.
Family Jewel
The 1934 Plymouth 2-door sedan owned by Jack and Patricia Linville of Placerville, California is a stunning example of what can be done over a 20 year period with lots of work, love and patience. The all metal body is adorned with a spectacular black paint job that as we know, would reveal even the slightest imperfections in body preparations. However since the Linville’s sedan is an example of flawless bodywork, the result is a jewel-like finish. A single red accent stripe which surrounds nearly the entire length of the car seems to almost disappear when it’s in the shade yet virtually explodes in the sunshine.
Although the exterior lines harken back to the earlier part of the last century, the areas of comfort and performance in the Linville’s chariot are rooted firmly in the 21st century. It is powered by a modified Viper V-10 which puts out approximately 650 hp. The engine is connected to a Viper 6-speed manual transmission and eventually to a MoPar 8 3/4 inch positraction rear end. To ensure that all that performance stays under control, a fully independent front suspension handles the directional end of the Plymouth while a four link suspension plants the power to the ground in the rear. Chromed disc brake calipers and Foose wheels at the corners provide extra bling along with serious stopping power.
The dash is sprayed with the exterior red accent color to tie everything together while plush butter soft black leather covers almost the entirety of the interior. Up front, custom bucket seats cradle the driver and passenger while a custom made bench seat provides comfort for the passengers in the rear. This comes in handy as the Linville’s kids and grandkids are usually close by.
King of the Hive
Beware the Killer Bee is some good advice if you happen across this 1968 Hemi Charger R/T owned by Robert Frost of Colorado. There is nothing subtle about the look or performance of this fantastic Charger. It’s powered by a Ray Barton prepared 572 cu. in. hemi that looks as great as it sounds. Although the car is licensed and street legal, the presence of a roll cage, fuel cell, B&M shifter and racing harnesses for both the driver and passenger indicate that Frost is always ready for a few quick blasts through the quarter-mile.
Rusty Warrior
Steve Foster’s 1966 Coronet is an original hemi car. However to say that this car has had a rough life is definitely an understatement. While the powertrain is completely refurbished and safety features have been installed that make this car legal to race and drive, one might get the impression that the massive power and torque generated by the elephant motor could possibly shake some of the rusted parts clear off of the car.
Thunder on Crystal Clear Days
Mike Pollard of Yuma, Arizona brought out his 1972 Dodge Power Wagon pickup known as Black Thunder. Pollard’s truck is always a treat to see. It is easily identifiable by its unique tilt front end and the powerful and highly polished hemi motor that lurks underneath it. Black Thunder’s presentation is always impeccable despite the fact that it is actually used off-road and as a tow vehicle for his street/race prepared, hemi-powered Barracuda
All Show is a No Go
This 1971 Power Wagon owned by Brian Wilson of Huntsville, Utah is the kind of rugged, no-nonsense 4 x 4 you’d expect to see in the rural West. The big red truck has a simple beauty that comes with the owner’s pride and care but is no stranger to work or off-road duties. It’s powered by a big-block MoPar motor and shifted manually through all the gear ranges. High ground clearance and huge bullet-proof Dana differentials make sure the wheels keep turning.
A Crowd Favorite
Sil Brander’s 1958 Plymouth Belvedere was chosen the number one Street Rod in the Popular Choice show and for good reason. It is a great blend of 1950’s style and brute, street-legal performance wrapped into one fun package.
The Cowboy Way
Exceptional Vintage
If your tastes transcend the muscle car and hot rod genres and you gravitate toward the stock and original forms of automotive history, you were indeed in luck. There were some vintage car in attendance that could just take your breath away.
The 1960 Dodge Matador of Andy Mangold makes a bold statement as to the high degree of restoration quality and attention to detail. Although the Matador is not the most sought after model that Dodge has ever produced, the artistry and craftsmanship that went into its’ restoration brings the car’s desirability to motoring classic levels.
A Lady of Special Purpose
The 1932 Plymouth Coupe owned by Tim and Linda Lewis is special for many reasons. It is an unmolested survivor that has been lovingly cared for for the better part of a century. However a larger point is that it has never beed licensed. This car has been used exclusively for parades, and special event over its lifetime and has logged less than 1000 actual miles. If you’re looking to find a “new” 1932 Plymouth, this is probably as close as you’ll find without the aid of time travel.
The gallery below is a second chance to see and enjoy some of the awesome, rare and exquisite Mopars that came out this year. Check them out and see what you missed.
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