Inspiration: 40 Years of Legacy
For our readers that do not know, my family used to own a Dodge dealership in Lexington, SC. My grandfather purchased the business in 1948 and renamed it Addy Dodge in 1954. For 54 years, my family owned and operated the business and watched the world of automobiles evolve around it. Throughout the time Chrysler Corporation changed dramatically, yet two things always remained constant for my father and grandfather: the love for their customers, and the love for their product.
As a tribute to our past heritage we connected with our friends from Smathers and Branson to create a custom belt that my father would truly love and would remind him of pinnacle times throughout his career. Below is a breakdown of each car featured on the belt and why it is so important to our family.
1939 Plymouth Coupe: In the late 1960's my father started driving and felt like it was time for his first car. My grandfather couldn't agree more and instead of allowing him to pick out his brand new Charger or Challenger like my father was hoping he gave him the keys to the junkyard gate and told him whatever he could get running was his. My father decided on the Plymouth Coupe and spent many afternoons during the ownership of it tinkering with it.
1962 Dodge Dart: The second generation of the Dodge Dart has remained my Dad's favorite production car of all time. This styling was only produced for one year so they are extremely rare to come across. If you come across one send it our way. It'll be a pleasant surprise for Dad.
1970 Dodge Charger Daytona: During the 1970 Southern 500 Buddy Baker steered his Dodge Charger owned by Cotton Owens to victory at Darlington. As a kid, I remember visiting the museum that housed all the past winner's cars and seeing our name plastered on the side of the car. At that time my Dad explained to me that they would periodically sponsor Buddy Baker's car. Years later Mr. Cotton sold the vehicle to someone after pulling it from the museum. It'd be awesome to see that car in action today.
1968 Dodge Coronet Superbee: As I would wander through the dealership as a child I would remember having my Dad's Superbee sitting in the showroom next to my uncle's Challenger. It was so awesome to see a car from a different era. At the time I didn't appreciate the craftsmanship and style but I surely do today.
1969 Dodge General Lee Charger: You have to include the iconic General Lee for a Mopar collection belt. Although I didn't watch the Dukes of Hazard much I can understand how to some people Southern ideals during this era. The show did a great job of coupling this with everyday living.
1973 Dodge Challenger: My uncle's car was a real treat. Over the years he replaced the original engine with a period correct 426 Hemi and that thing produced serious power. Unfortunately, my uncle passed away while we were young and my mom was afraid we'd one day want to drive the "Black Beast" as we referred to it and sold it the first chance she had. Looking back it would have been awesome to drive that car but it was probably the best move to get rid of it before one of us got behind the wheel as a new driver.
1979 Dodge Lil Red Express: This truck marks the end of an era. Chrysler was on the brink of bankruptcy and the automobile business was changing drastically. EPA regulations made it impossible to create the power created in the 60's and early 70's and global competition was emerging. The Lil Red Express represents to me the ideals of the muscle car era and the immersion of the modern automotive industry.