When it comes to custom car builds, often times there is no definitive “finish line.” There always seems to be something that can be improved upon, modernized, or adapted for evolving tastes. During the Future Collector Car Show earlier this year, I was honored to meet Mike Klenofsky of Peoria, Arizona, who has spent the last nearly nine years making a 2015 Dodge Charger into his dream machine. What started as a stock-equipment family sedan has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind wild ride.
Charger Backstory
The Charger model has a longstanding history in the Dodge family, dating back nearly 60 years to 1966 when it first came out as a midsized two-door fastback. Mike’s car comes from the seventh generation, which had by that time become a four-door-only model (although it shared some engineering elements with the Challenger sports coupe). Mike’s car was built in R/T trim and is powered by a HEMI 370-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s about where the original equipment ends and the fun begins for this special Charger.
Mike’s Build
There is no missing the jaw-dropping vivid look of Mike’s car. In fact, Mike himself is pretty difficult to miss: He is known to dress in a bright orange and red wardrobe that matches the airbrushed three-stage custom paint job on his Charger. The front and rear bumpers have been updated to “SRT”-specification equipment, as keen Mopar enthusiasts will surely note.
The car originated as a bone-stock Charger that was a gift from Mike’s wife. “My wife is the greatest supporter of our build,” he says, “From the moment she surprised me with the new Charger, she was 100% in on building a custom car that we can be proud of and show at all different shows.” There is custom lighting in the headliner, door panels, wheels, and underbody. It’s a shame we couldn’t see the car at night during the Future Collector event because it would have been stunning.
“It’s been a whirlwind of changes. Every part of the car has been touched multiple times.” Mike has a long list of sponsors and contributors who have been part of the project. The car has won over 175 trophies, and it has been featured in magazines including Mopar Action Magazine.
“The first couple of years it was a daily driver,” Mike says. While the car is no longer used for grocery-getting, it’s still driven to special events like FCCS instead of being trailered.
Future Plans
“There are only a few things we want to continue doing, including airbrushing the door jambs,” Mike said. “My trunk is being completely done to prepare for the 2024 SEMA show.”
It was great to get up close and personal with Mike’s Charger, because it was one of the most eye-catching cars at this year’s Future Collector Car Show. I can’t wait to see his future updates.
Stay tuned to the ClassicCars.com Journal and the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel where you will meet other enthusiasts like Mike who consider their vehicles a form of self-expression.
