The ‘Black Ghost’ is a legendary car from Detroit's street racing scene. This incredibly special Dodge Challenger R/T SE muscle car has even been recognised by the U.S. National Historic Vehicle Association and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Now, for the very first time since Officer Godfrey Qualls purchased it in 1969, this car is being made available to the public.

Built at Detroit’s Hamtramck assembly plant in late 1969, Qualls bought the Challenger with the intention of enjoying both its comfort and performance. However, in the summer months of 1970, stories began circulating in the Detroit street scene about a nasty black Hemi Challenger that would show up occasionally to take on all comers before disappearing into the night. Qualls was careful and quick, and the car remained little more than a rumour ‘somebody’ had once seen, hence the ‘Black Ghost’ title.

Qualls parked the rare car for good in his garage in 1976, following its occasional night time appearances on the streets of the Motor City. The car remained hidden away in its family garage until 2016, when Godfrey's son inherited it following his father's passing and brought it out for the public to see for the first time. This car is considered one of the highest optioned Dodge Challengers built, beginning with the one-year-only R/T SE (Special Edition) package.

Just 23 Hemi R/T SE examples were ever constructed, and this car received both that premium trim package and the ultimate driveline, which was the dual 4-barrel 426 Hemi engine and A34 Super Track Pack. The exterior, which is 100% original, is believed to be one of one with its triple-black décor, factory painted white tail stripe and factory-installed Gator grain roof.

The interior is also amazingly well preserved, including the floor console with Hurst Pistol Grip, SE-component overhead console, premium AM/FM Multiplex stereo with rear speaker, rear defogger, rim-blow steering wheel, tachometer in the Rallye dash, full tinted glass and premium houndstooth seating. This equipment is original to this car’s build, with a period plastic cover still on the passenger seat. This car still rides on its factory 15-inch steel wheels, and the collapsible spare and jack are in the trunk.

This iconic 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE aka 'The Black Ghost' is available as part of Mecum’s Indy auction between 12th-20th May 2023. Photos © Mecum Auctions.