Long before funny cars made 11,000hp and took flight at drag strips, machines like the Marv Eldridge owned 1970 Dodge LA Challenge ruled the strips of the nation. Yeah, the top fuel cars were quicker and faster in 1970 but nothing was more popular than funny cars at that point in history and this was one of the better known machines for a brief moment in the sun during the 1970 season. Now it sits in the central hall at SEMA next to a John Force Racing car as a reminder of the evolution that this sport has seen over the last 46 years.
This is not a recreation of the car, this is the actual car that raced around the country in 1970 and was later hammered on by a succession of owners before being brought back to life as its original and freshened self. The chassis was built by Ronnie Scrima in 1969 for “Fearless Fred” Goeske. He drove it for a year and sold it to Marv Eldridge who owned the Fiberglass Trends company.
Marv stuck the 1970 Challenger body on the chassis and was fortunate enough to be a very early member of the Coca-Cola Cavalcade of Funny Car Stars that toured the nation, match racing on a whirlwind schedule. After racing the car, Marv sold it and the thing became a true wandering soul passing hands between a bunch of owners, ultimately ending up back east in Pennsylvania before heading to Texas.
When it was in Texas Pete Eastwood bought it, bought it back to California and it is currently in the hands of the man who restored it in such incredible fashion. The body is the original 1970 Challenger Fiberglass Trends piece, the engine is a Mike Kuhl built 392ci hemi based 5/8th stroker, a B&M Torqueflite transmission, Strange full floating spool equipped 9″ Ford rear end, and Koni shocks.
The thing is awesome, spotless, and a true look back into the history of the sport we love the best around here! Check out some images below.
Check out these photos of the Marv Eldridge 1970 Dodge LA Challenger
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