The Long Game

Some automotive dreams simmer for years before they boil over into reality. For Ryan Wilmarth, that dream centered on a silver 1971 Dodge Challenger – a car he first laid hands on during its build process more than a decade ago, never imagining he’d one day call it his own. Today, as he settles into the black interior behind 528 cubic inches of pure American thunder, Ryan’s story serves as a testament to friendship, patience and the unwavering passion that drives the muscle car community forward.

What started life as a modest 318-powered Challenger has been transformed into a 528-cubic-inch beast that commands respect wherever it goes. Gordon Hooker kicked things off in 2008. Ryan’s dad’s buddy from California had no idea his two-year Challenger project would end up meaning so much to the kid who kept hanging around the garage, asking questions and lending a hand.

“I helped Gordon with a few things during the build process back in ’08,” Ryan recalls, his voice carrying the reverence of someone who immediately recognized the passion being poured into this build. “We finished it in 2010, and we did a bunch of car shows with it.” But then came the unexpected hiatus – twelve long years where this mechanical masterpiece sat dormant, waiting for its next chapter.

The waiting game paid off in 2023 when Ryan received a life-changing phone call. “I told Gordon a long time ago, ‘Look, if you ever want to sell it, give me first dibs and I’ll find the money,'” Ryan explains with a grin. “So he called me up and said, ‘Hey, you ready?’ And I said, ‘Sure.'” For Ryan, this call represented the fulfillment of a dream years in the making. Well, the START of a dream. There was still work to be done.

The heart of this Challenger is nothing short of spectacular – a BIG HEMI^® engine, with 528 cubic inches pumping out 620 horsepower. “There’s just no replacement for displacement,” Ryan emphasizes, echoing a philosophy that resonates throughout the muscle car community. “You can have a small block, or whatever you like under the hood, but nothing beats displacement.”

Feeding this monster is an 850 Demon carburetor, while a Tremec five-speed TKO transmission handles the significant torque output. A Currie nine-inch rear end with 3.90 gears puts the power to the ground through custom ET Wheels wrapped in Hoosier ET slicks measuring 31×12.5×16 in the rear.

The front end showcases modern engineering married to classic aesthetics, featuring a Magnum Force tubular setup with a motor plate and Aldan American coilover suspension. Wilwood disc brakes all around ensure this beast can stop as impressively as it accelerates, while a Be Cool radiator and Pro Master charging system keep everything running optimally.

Ryan’s approach to the build represents the best of both worlds – honoring the Challenger’s heritage while embracing modern performance enhancements. The car maintains its original silver paint and black interior, but recent additions include a rally gauge conversion that Ryan completed just days before the show. “I just finished it yesterday,” he admits with a nod to typical car show planning time blindness.

The attention to detail extends to period-correct modifications that showcase Ryan’s growing expertise. “I painted the tail lights black above with the Argent silver inner ring, like that’s how it actually came from the factory,” he explains, demonstrating the kind of research and dedication that separates true enthusiasts from casual observers. “Just learning all the small details to keep it period correct.”

At events like Mopar_® Ignited 2025 in Texas, where Ryan recently showcased his Challenger among thousands of other Mopar enthusiasts, the car represents far more than transportation or even weekend entertainment. It’s a bridge between generations, a teaching tool and a source of pure joy. His son Hudson has developed a love for burnouts in the Challenger. Hopefully, that suggests the passion for American muscle will continue into the next generation.

The car also serves as Ryan’s ambassador to the broader automotive community. As a member of the Mopar Street Kings, a Fort Worth-based club with a reach that extends into New Mexico, Ryan uses the Challenger to give back to the community. The club regularly organizes events, such as their coffee and cars gathering, which drew 200 vehicles despite the cold temperatures, and participates in Toys for Tots runs during the holiday season.

“We just want to contribute to the community and keep car enthusiasts engaged, bringing old school Mopars back to show how well Dodge has kept this style alive in the new generation,” Ryan explains, highlighting the connection between classic and contemporary Mopar vehicles.

What truly sets this Challenger apart isn’t just the impressive specification sheet – it’s the visceral experience of driving 528 cubic inches of American thunder. Ryan describes the sensation with the enthusiasm of someone who never takes it for granted: “It’ll put you in the seat.” With the 3.90 rear gears and five-speed transmission, highway cruising remains civilized, as the transmission’s overdrive requires only 1,800 RPMs to cruise at 75 mph. While still delivering respectable fuel economy for such a powerful machine.

The combination of old-school displacement and modern drivability creates something special. Unlike the instant torque of modern muscle cars, this Challenger builds power with the methodical intensity that made big blocks legendary. It’s the difference between a sprint and a sustained charge – both impressive. Still, the big block evokes a strong emotional response in anyone who recalls when car’s power was tied to engine size rather than turbos and tuning technology.

Ryan’s plans for the Challenger remain focused on enjoyment rather than constant modification. Finishing the Vintage Air installation and addressing minor details, such as refreshing the rear valance, will complete his vision of a car that can cruise comfortably to shows while maintaining its period-correct appearance and tire-shredding capability.

“I’m not planning on racing it, just taking it to shows and Good Guys and contributing to the community,” he says, embodying the spirit that makes the car show scene special. It’s about sharing the passion, preserving automotive heritage and ensuring that the rumble of American V8s continues to inspire future generations.

As our conversation winds down amid the organized chaos of Mopar Ignited, with its promise of 3,000 cars the following day at Mopar Heaven, Ryan’s Challenger stands as more than just another show car. It represents the dedication of builders like Gordon Hooker, the patience of enthusiasts like Ryan, and the bright future of American muscle car culture. In a world increasingly dominated by computer algorithms, there’s something profoundly satisfying about 528 cubic inches of pure, unapologetic HEMI engine thunder – especially when it’s accompanied by the pride, passion and community spirit that make the muscle car hobby something truly special.