In the early 1980s, Dodge created something that felt like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie. The Dodge Turbo Charger Concept was a one off and not just a car but a statement of what American muscle could be when you added some futuristic flair. It’s headed to a Mecum auction on September 21, 2025 as part of the Klairmont Kollections liquidation during Monterey Car Week this sleek coupe is a time capsule of ambition, engineering and raw coolness.
Aerodynamics was the soul of this car. Unlike the boxy Dodge Chargers of the time the Turbo Charger Concept was slippery and wind cheating. The front end was sharp and pointed like a dart, it cut through the air with purpose. Covered headlights added mystery and the gullwing doors (yes gullwing doors on a Dodge) gave it a theatricality. Further back NACA ducts carved into the body fed air to the engine with precision. The rear wheels were partially shrouded and a massive wing with a wide diffuser screamed track ready. Every line and curve was deliberate, designed to make the car as fast as it looked.
Sale
LEGO Speed Champions Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Sports Car Toy - Building Set for Learning, Play and Display - Kids Toy for Boys and Girls, Ages 9+ - Birthday Gift Idea for Race Car Fans - 77237
- LEGENDARY MUSCLE CAR – Race fans ages 9+ can build the powerful LEGO Speed Champions Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, capturing the raw power of this iconic sports car
- AUTHENTIC DESIGN – This detailed toy car features the Hellcat's signature long hood, distinctive hood scoop, bold front grille, and dual tailpipes just like the real muscle car
- INCLUDES DRIVER MINIFIGURE – Set comes with a Dodge racing driver that children can place behind the wheel for exciting race scenarios on imaginary tracks and streets
$26.99
−$5.00
$21.99
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Step inside, and you’ll find eleven gauges stretching across the dashboard, a dizzying array of information that might overwhelm a less committed driver. Some dials are so far to the right they’re almost out of sight but that’s part of the car’s charm. Recaro seats hug you tightly, RJS harnesses mean business. A roll cage reinforces the track ready vibe and the five speed manual transmission begs to be rowed through gears.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.2 liter four cylinder engine, a precursor to the production version that would later produce 142 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers might seem modest today but in 1982 they were a big deal for a compact American coupe. The turbo gave it a kick, turned the humble four cylinder into something much more interesting. Dodge didn’t stop there. The suspension was reworked with custom shocks, springs and sway bars so the car could corner as well as it could sprint down the straights.
What makes this car more than just a showpiece is its history. It was the pace car for the PPG Indy Car World Series in the early 1980s and a part of motorsport history. It also turned heads at the 1982 Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows where crowds went wild for its futuristic design. Unlike most concepts that disappear into obscurity this one lived in the spotlight before finding a home at the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago. Now with the museum closing its doors this one of a kind car is up for sale, no reserve at Mecum’s auction.
