RRecently, the Mopar “Top Eliminator” program was rebranded to  become “ Top Eliminator HEMI Heritage” in commemoration of HEMI Heritage and the 50^th Anniversary of the 426 Race HEMI Engine. The “Top Eliminator HEMI Heritage” is designed to highlight Mopar builders with exceptional skills and their top notch modified Mopar vehicles. Each year, four winners are selected that embody the pride and quality of the Mopar brand. Each winner is selected based on their abilities in modifying or preserving a classic or modern day Mopar vehicle.

Patrick O’Leary of Lino Lake, Minnesota, won the first “Top Eliminator HEMI Heritage” trophy at the annual Midwest Mopars in the Park with his 1968 Matador Red Plymouth Road Runner equipped with a 426ci HEMI V8 engine, and automatic transmission with column-mounted shifter.

This first winner for 2014 was Patrick O’Leary and his 1968 Matador Red Plymouth Road Runner, loaded with a 426ci HEMI V8. O’leary won the award while at the annual Midwest Mopars in the Park show in Farmington, New Mexico.

The second winner winner was chosen at the annual Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Ron Dezsi of New Boston, Michigan showed his 1969 Dodge Super Bee, also sporting a 426ci HEMI V8. The Super Bee started off as a race car and was later garaged for many years. Dezsi purchased the car back in 2004.

Harold Leiter JR. received the third award. Leiter competed with his 1968 Plymouth Barracuda in the 14^th annual Mopar HEMI Challenge at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Mopar 426ci HEMI V8 car was one of two original 1968 package cars to compete in the 26-car Mopar HEMI Challenge field. The HEMI Challenge is a drag racing competition specifically for 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas running HEMI engines. These cars helped put Mopar on the map by helping to build a legendary reputation.

The final winner was left up to Mopar fans online. For the third year in a row, Mopar took to the interwebs and posted their 10 ten finalists from hundreds of online submissions by the community. A 1934 Plymouth PF 5-window Coupe owned by Roger Davis won the votes. Davis, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army purchased the car back in 2012 and spent the last 2 years restoring it. Previously, the car spent its life as a yellow street rod in the 70s and then a drag car from the late 90s to 2010. Its best run was an astounding 9.160 seconds and 143.46 miles per hour. Just recently, Davis and his car won “Best Mopar” at Detroit’s Autorama.

Among the many things Davis updated the car with, he intended to make it street legal once again. He added in lights, wipers and a horn so the vehicle would pass inspection. For better drivability, he added an upgraded alternator and ignition system.

Mopar started its aftermarket domination in 1937 with a specific anti-freeze designed for the street and track. The brand has since evolved into Chrysler’s parts brand and distributes more than 500,000 genuine parts and accessories in many markets. For more information on Mopar, visit www.mopar.com.