The 1964 Dodge Charger Concept was a foundational car. It was not just a design study but an announcement of Dodge’s performance intentions. It set the stage for one of the most famous muscle car nameplates in American history. This initial concept, often referred to as the Charger I, was a radical, two-seat roadster. Its purpose was singular: to showcase the new 426 HEMI V8 engine. The car debuted at the Milwaukee Auto Show, immediately capturing the public’s imagination with its aggressive, low-slung design. This machine launched a new era for Dodge performance.
The Dramatic Birth of the 1964 Dodge Charger Concept
The mid-1960s saw the rapid growth of the performance car market. Pontiac’s GTO had opened the floodgates for what became the muscle car era. Chrysler Corporation, however, had its own weapon in development. That weapon was the formidable 426-cubic-inch “Hemi” V8. The decision was made to build a show car to introduce this new racing engine. The 1964 Dodge Charger Concept was born from a standard Dodge Polara convertible.
A New Identity for a Performance-Focused Era
Stylists completely transformed the base Polara into a specialized competition roadster. They aimed for a low, wide, and aggressive aesthetic. The team removed the original bumpers entirely, replacing them with smoothly rolled pans and simple rubber-faced “nerf” bars. This gave the Charger Concept a cleaner, more focused race-car look. Up front, the stock grille was replaced with a hand-built, blacked-out unit.
Radical Design and Custom Craftsmanship
The exterior alterations were extensive and purely custom. The final product stood only 47.75 inches tall. This low stance contributed greatly to its high-speed appearance. Special Halibrand magnesium wheels were fitted, wearing Goodyear Wingfoot high-performance tires. Designers added a Ramcharger cold-air scoop atop the long hood, essential for feeding the powerful engine.
Inside the Two-Seater Cockpit
The passenger compartment saw a complete overhaul, becoming a strict two-passenger setup. A panel extended the rear deck right up to the back of the front seats. A low-cut wraparound windscreen and a dramatic integral roll-bar/headrest further defined the competition style. The interior featured special dark charcoal, leather-covered bucket seats. A full-length console divided the two occupants. This console featured an eye-level 8,000-rpm tachometer, a clear nod to its performance intentions.
The Engine That Defined the 1964 Dodge Charger Concept
The 1964 Dodge Charger Concept was ultimately a rolling showcase for the 426 HEMI. This legendary engine had recently made a thunderous debut in NASCAR. Although the show car initially toured with a 383-cubic-inch V8, the intent was always the Hemi. The original 426 HEMI was a racing powerhouse, built in limited numbers for competition use.
Raw Power and Restored Glory
The car was later owned by Joe Bortz, a notable concept car collector. He had the car meticulously restored by Fran Roxas. A correct Hemi was finally installed, fulfilling the original vision nearly four decades later. Hemi expert John Arruzza built up one of the original 15 Chrysler race Hemi engines. The resulting powerhouse generated a massive 600 horsepower. This Dodge Charger Concept was finally the raw performance machine it was always meant to be. It featured a three-speed automatic transmission and a 4.56:1 “Sure Grip” rear axle.
A Concept That Launched a Dynasty
The 1964 Dodge Charger Concept was a bold, one-off statement. It proved that Dodge was serious about challenging the emerging muscle car landscape. The concept car itself was not the direct ancestor of the production Charger. That role belonged to the 1965 Charger II concept. Nevertheless, the 1964 model introduced the iconic nameplate to the world. It successfully signaled Dodge’s return to high-performance with the 426 HEMI.
This foundational vehicle remains an incredibly important piece of automotive lore. It is a one-of-a-kind example of mid-century American competition styling. The 1964 Dodge Charger Concept holds a unique place. It is the car that first shouted the name Charger, forever linking it to the pursuit of pure, unadulterated power.
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Source: Stellantis
