Dodge Charger Concept – 1981 PPG Pace Car

Extensive aerodynamic engineering went into this concept and they topped it off with gullwing doors.

History

This car was used as a pace car for the 1981 & 1982 PPG Indy Car World Series. The car was originally painted silver and red, but was later changed to silver and blue. You can catch a grainy glimpse of the car in action at the 1982 Budweiser Cleveland 500, at Burke Lakefront Airport.

Specifications

The aerodynamic work included a new slanted front end with flush headlight covers, lower air dam, a wider body, rear wing, and flush mounted windows.

The interior is cleanly detailed to a racing trim featuring competition harnesses over Recaro seats, aircraft style VDO guages, black anodized aluminum door panels, an on-board fire system and a full roll cage.

Power is supplied by a blueprinted turbo-charged version of the 2.2, and the suspension is reworked with wider track front and rear, special sway bars, springs, shocks, improved braking and three piece wheels.

Current Status

With just 1118 miles, it was purchased from the Harrah Collection by a private party. It was then featured in the Klairmont Kollection in Chicago, Il.

In September of 2025, the Charger Concept was sold at auction (along with many other vehicles) as the Klairmont Kollection was closing its doors.

Here is a great walk around video showing the immaculate condition of the vehicle, as well as a gallery of high resolution photos.