A RARE car that’s stored in a barn appears to be the very last of its kind – according to its owner.
While not considered a highly valuable collector’s item, a long-forgotten Dodge model was picked up by an enthusiast, who reveals he happened to spot it one day while passing by.
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The vehicle in question is a 1978 Dodge Magnum Force GT, a performance version of a midsize coupe that once replaced the Charger.
Seemingly unpopular among Dodge fans at the time, the original Magnum was discontinued after just two years due to slow sales.
However, the nameplate reappeared in Brazil in 1979.
After being phased out in 1981, the Magnum legacy continued in Mexico on the M-body platform.
Then, in 1983, the Mexico-made Magnum was moved to K-body underpinnings and remained in production until 1988, when it was ultimately replaced by the Chrysler Shadow.
The Magnum from the barn, however, is a limited-edition, performance-oriented model that is considered both rare and relatively unknown.
Called the Magnum Force, YouTube star Auto Archaeology recently uncovered what may be its last surviving example.
Discovered in Michigan, this Magnum Force is said to be the only GT version still known to exist and belongs to a Mopar enthusiast.
Retaining much of its original Magnum Force kit, the coupe is still in running and driving condition.
It shares a garage with other 1978 “kit cars” of the Dodge and Plymouth variety, according to the video.
The owner revealed that he spotted the car on someone’s front lawn while on his way to the hospital with his wife and daughter.
He told his wife that he would stop and buy it if it was still there on their way back.
When the Magnum Force was indeed still parked in the same spot, he purchased it on the spot and he has owned it ever since.
In a walk around, Auto Archaeology shows how the car remains clean with a well-preserved interior that he says “smells like new,” with red bucket seats and a center console.
ICONIC RETURN
This comes as an iconic feature loved by gearheads is set to return – with not one but three options to choose from.
In a dramatic change of mind, car giants Stellantis are looking to reintroduce the Hemi V-8 engine that’s become synonymous with some of the very best vehicles Chrysler sub-brands have to offer.
The legendary, eight-cylinder engine is being readied to go back into production, according to Moparinsiders.
The Stellantis experts reported that production of the powertrain will resume at the company’s Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan in August.
Better yet, they’re not just bringing back one version of the engine – but an entire series of three.
Primarily known for its use in muscle cars, the trio of engines will include the 5.7-liter Hemi, the 6.4-liter “Apache”, often referred to as the “392”, and the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat.
Dodge Hornet R/T Plus review
Ben Shimkus, an automotive journalist for The U.S. Sun, test-drove the Hornet. Here are their thoughts:
Pros:
- Exciting driving dynamics: Speedy acceleration and a tight turning radius exude athletic prowess.
- Space: Sizable trunk and ample leg room in the back for adults or children
- High tech: Well-designed infotainment screen with a heavy amount of useful tech – including police warning alarms
- Fun design: Blends Alfa Romeo’s pretty body frames with just the right touch of Dodge-ness. It remains curvy, but muscular.
- Cool seats: The red-stitched seats are exceptionally fun.
Cons:
- Gas intake: The Hornet is less efficient than its road-manner-oriented competitors.
- Noisy: This has to be the loudest battery generator sound I have ever heard on a hybrid.
- Some odd touches: Weirdly placed sunroof and volume knobs take some getting used to.
