The Paper Chase Text and Photos by Richard Ehrenberg Technical Editor, Mopar Action Magazine

We are pleased to include a guest article from Richard Ehrenberg in this issue of Restoration Review. For those of you who read Mopar Action Magazine, Mr. Ehrenberg needs no introduction. For the rest, Mr. Ehrenberg, a recognized expert in the field of Chrysler Corporation muscle cars, is the Technical Editor for Mopar Action. He has updated this article, which originally appeared in a prior issue of Mopar Action, exclusively for the readers of Restoration Review. We appreciate his contribution.

Recently seen in Hemmings Motor News: “1970 HemiCuda, original owner, 22,000 miles, $39,000 firm.” At today’s prices a steal, right? Maybe. Not such a deal if it’s incomplete, or rotted beyond recognition. Under those conditions, you’d likely be able to negotiate a better price, potentially making it a tolerable deal.

Original T/A Challenger or dressed-up 318 car? That’s the $30,000 question! Knowing what to look for may save you a bundle.

At any rate, you buy the car, and are proud as punch. Then comes the bad news. At a local car show, someone mentions that he’s seen the car before, and could swear it had a 383 when he last saw it. Hmmm, now what? You decide to do some serious investigating. Through the Motor Vehicle Department of the seller’s home state, you manage to locate the original owner. Then comes the worst news. He totaled the car in 1977, and since it wasn’t insured for collision, parted it out himself. A buddy of his kept the VIN tag and title, but he hasn’t seen his buddy in eight years. You’re beginning to feel sick. Big bucks for a 383 ‘Cuda with a Hemi swap. Oh, no!

A true story? Well, not this time, but scenarios like this are played out nationwide on a regular basis. In today’s muscle Mopar market, with prices solid as a rock, you need ironclad documentation. You need proof.

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